Launch Station: WWE '12

If you read my first post, you would have found out (unless you already knew) that I am a huge wrestling fan.  So it pleases me to talk about what releases this week.  As tomorrow, THQ releases the next iteration of the WWE series.  

This year THQ and Yuke's have made a big overhaul on the long running wrestling franchise, which is shown in the new title for the series.  THQ has dropped the Smackdown vs. Raw title for the simple and to the point title of WWE '12.  The title is not all that has changed in WWE '12.  Yuke's have revamped the animation system, which has grown a little stiff over the last couple of years.  The new Predator Technology animation system, named after the cover athlete, allows more fluid and realistic character animations, the ability to realistically interrupt moves and no longer warps players to the centre of the ring for certain moves.  You are also able to chain move together.  For example, hitting a opponent with an elbow drop right in the middle of a full 619 and splash animation.  Yuke's has also worked on the flow of matches with the return of stored finishers and the additions of wake-up taunts, dynamic comebacks and a new camera system.  WWE Universe and Road to WrestleMania modes will return this year with some major improvements.  Now in WWE Universe, you can actually make Title and No. 1 Contenders' matches rather than being at the mercy of the computer.  Yuke's have also added new and unpredictable events based on your choices to WWE Universe.  Road to WrestleMania has been completely changed from multiple 3 month storylines to one single storyline that is separated into 3 acts over 18 months, which includes two WrestleManias.

Even with all the improvements, I am not going to rush out and buy WWE '12 like I did with Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 last year.  Not to say I am not excited to play this game because I certainly am.  But I was highly looking forward to Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 and I was disappointed.  It is still a good game, but is a big step down from how amazing Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 and 2010 are.  In this Game Flood of 2011, WWE '12 may not stand out.  For sports and wrestling fans who are not already caught up in the plethora of superb games that came out this November, WWE '12 should be one great game that should clench your thirst.