WWE Raw 2: Ruthless Aggression Preview

Developer	Anchor
Publisher	THQ
Genre	Sports
Release Date	9/15/03

Although still hailed by many wrestling fans as one of the most fun and accurate simulations of its genre, WWF Raw fell short with most critics. The game had the core gameplay and presentation, but the lack of options and match types gave the game a rushed look and feel. However, Japanese developer Anchor has been working on getting the ‘F’ out for the sequel, WWE Raw 2: Ruthless Aggression, which is shaping up to be a contender for the title.

With over 60 playable wrestlers, including big name veterans like The Rock, Triple H, and Stone Cold all the way to new additions like Goldberg, Ruthless Aggression features almost as many match types as it does characters. There are 6 primary modes: Exhibition, Season, Royal Rumble, King of The Ring, and Title Match. There are also many different ways to play, such as Cage matches, street fights, and Hell in a Cell. Get ready to use tables, ladders, chairs, and more in all their glory against your opponent in TLC matches as well. This wealth of options answers the primary complaint about the first Raw – no variety of matches.

The ante has been upped in terms of presentation as well; new, more realistic intros are featured in Ruthless Aggression, and the Create-a-Wrestler mode will feature far more options than the original. Referees also now appear in the ring, and are a viable target for a ‘missed’ chair shot. The refs are fully interactive in this game, so don’t expect them to just stand around and take the bumps.

Animations also look smoother and more true to life, particularly the walking and running animations. The visuals overall are shaping up to be extremely gorgeous, and will definitely push the Xbox. Models have never before looked so much like their real-life counterparts, with The Rock even sporting his new shoulder tattoo, and there are over 8 different arenas and backstage areas that have received top notch attention as well. The player models are an important part of the wrestling feel, and Anchor has clearly put a lot of work into them.

One of the best new features of Ruthless Aggression though, is the four-player story mode. You have the chance to ambush your friend’s match, hurt his chances, or even assist them by teaming up. There’s a lot that isn’t known about this mode, but Ancher has promised a large variety of possible actions, keeping storylines fresh for multiple replays. Expect many more subtleties and nuances throughout the game that make you feel like you’re taking part in a real WWE event.

Ruthless Aggression thus far appears to be at the least a nice tech demo, with some amazing promise gameplay-wise. On paper it’s all there, but only Xbox owners will be able to really smell what Anchor’s cooking. Stay tuned for our review here at GWX around the game’s expected release date of September 15.

Preview by Rod Oracheski and Ben Bronfman