Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Name: WWE Raw 2
Item: WWE Raw 2
Author: Retro Replay

WWE Raw 2 immediately ups the ante from its predecessor by delivering a robust and varied roster of 64 official WWE superstars, plus the freedom to import up to 64 custom creations via Create-a-Superstar. This expansive lineup means you can pit fan favorites like The Undertaker, Triple H and Chris Jericho against your own dream wrestler, or recreate classic rivalries with friends. The customization depth in Create-a-Superstar is impressive, letting you tweak appearance, move sets and entrances for truly personalized matchups.

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Beyond the standard singles and tag team bouts, WWE Raw 2 introduces four new match types: Ladder Matches, Table Matches, Cage Matches and the infamous Hell in a Cell. Each stipulation offers fresh strategic layers—climbing the ladder while fending off opponents, hauling a colleague through a table, or brawling inside steel walls—and can be contested with up to five CPU adversaries or three human opponents. The variety keeps the experience from growing stale, and each mode feels suitably tense and tactical.

The expanded Season Mode is the real gem in WWE Raw 2’s gameplay suite. You can choose any superstar or custom wrestler and embark on a full year of WWE programming, booking your own path to WrestleMania. The mode rewards creativity and cunning: set traps backstage, interfere in other wrestlers’ matches, swipe belts or ally with rivals to climb the rankings. This sandbox approach makes career progression feel dynamic—no two seasons play out exactly the same.

Controls remain accessible yet deep enough to satisfy hardcore fans. Grapples, strikes and reversals are mapped intuitively to your controller, and a tension meter signals the opportune moment for signature moves or finishers. While occasional button-mashing can still carry you through basic matches, mastering timing and ring awareness pays dividends in closely matched contests. Overall, the gameplay strikes a fine balance between spectacle and substance.

Graphics

On launch hardware, WWE Raw 2 showcases character models that are a noticeable step up from the original WWF Raw. Wrestler faces and attires are more faithfully rendered, and the ring environments feel richer, with more detailed crowd backgrounds and dynamic lighting. While textures can appear a bit flat up close, the overall presentation captures the theatrical essence of WWE broadcasts.

Each new match type brings its own visual flair: the steel walls of Hell in a Cell glisten menacingly under arena lights, table match debris splinters convincingly, and ladders cast realistic shadows that add to the immersion. Animations for signature moves—like Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Stunner or The Rock’s People’s Elbow—are handled with extra polish, making those big moments pop on screen.

The user interface and menu design tie directly into WWE branding, with bold logos, impactful sound cues and transition screens that echo real Pay-Per-View broadcasts. Character creation screens are straightforward, employing clear icons and color palettes that make it easy to adjust hairstyles, body types and move sets without getting lost in submenus.

While the game occasionally stutters in crowded Hell in a Cell brawls, such slowdowns are infrequent and do little to ruin the spectacle. On the whole, WWE Raw 2’s graphics hit a sweet spot for its era—enough detail to impress wrestling aficionados, without sacrificing performance in the heat of battle.

Story

Though WWE Raw 2 doesn’t feature a traditional linear narrative, its Season Mode weaves an emergent story through your in-ring actions and backstage scheming. Choosing a superstar or custom wrestler sets the stage for rivalries that develop organically based on match outcomes, alliances and betrayals. Each week on Raw or SmackDown becomes a chapter in your personal WWE saga.

Promos and cutscenes between matches allow you to taunt opponents, forge alliances or call out top talent, influencing crowd reactions and rival behavior. This interactive storytelling feels surprisingly deep, as your decisions can lead to championship opportunities or bitter grudges. The thrill of steering these plot threads lends genuine narrative weight to what might otherwise be a straightforward career mode.

Fan satisfaction often hinges on climactic encounters at major events, and WWE Raw 2 delivers marquee moments en route to WrestleMania. Whether you’re battling inside Hell in a Cell for redemption or teaming up with a friend to dethrone tag champions, the game builds momentum as you approach each show. That crescendo makes the final pay-per-view feel like the grand payoff of your season-long journey.

For players who prefer a self-directed storyline, Create-a-Superstar’s inclusion means you can script your own rise from rookie to legend. Custom wrestlers receive the same narrative treatment, unlocking specialty matches and backstage opportunities. In this way, the game brilliantly blurs the line between player-driven role-play and the real-world drama of WWE programming.

Overall Experience

WWE Raw 2 stands out as one of the most complete wrestling titles of its time, combining an extensive roster, varied match types and an absorbing Season Mode. The ability to craft and import your own superstars adds layers of replayability that will appeal to both casual gamers and hardcore wrestling fans. Each play session offers the tantalizing prospect of creating new rivalries and headline-grabbing moments.

Multiplayer remains a highlight, with local matches supporting up to four players for chaotic Ladder or Hell in a Cell brawls. The unpredictability of human opponents ensures that no two bouts play out the same way, delivering hours of competitive fun. Even in single-player, the AI-controlled multiman matches can be delightfully unpredictable, forcing you to adapt strategies on the fly.

Certain frustrations—like occasional frame drops in the most crowded matches or the grind needed to unlock every accessory in Create-a-Superstar—are relatively minor compared to the game’s strengths. Developers clearly prioritized depth and authenticity, producing a wrestling experience that feels true to the WWE product while offering enough gameplay innovations to keep things fresh.

Ultimately, WWE Raw 2 delivers a well-rounded package that captures the glitz, drama and athleticism of professional wrestling. With its comprehensive modes, polished presentation and deeply engaging Season Mode, it remains a must-have for any fan looking to step into the squared circle and carve out their own path to WrestleMania glory.