So, as some will know, I am an avid wrestling fan. I love watching it, not because of the action, but for the drama of it all. I know it is fake, but that's all the more reason it is compelling.

But enough of my love for professional wrestling, I'm here to tell you about a WWE video game.

Last years installment was a step forward with the introduction of Universe Mode, and this year, they retooled it... as well as the entire game. They retooled it so much, they ended up giving the franchise a new name as well. Instead of being Smackdown vs Raw 2012 like the series would lead you to believe... they named it WWE 12.

WWE 12 is a great wrestling game by all accounts, here's what I think of it...

Graphics - 9

This may look odd. The graphics aren't Skyrim or Uncharted 3 level gorgeous, but I'm not comparing those two to this. I'm comparing this to other wrestling games. Namely last year's product. They made a ton of improvements on various things, whether it be the interface or the superstars themselves. They look crisper and cleaner, and stand out from the background like never before. The lighting also takes the graphics to a whole new level. You really have to look at screen shots to see the difference well.

Sound - 10

This is always something that is going to be high, simply because of how music is used in the games. For those unfamiliar with WWE, every superstar has an entrance theme that plays every single time they come out to the ring. As such, I was going to give it an 8 as long as it included mostly up to date themes. I hadn't expected them to include CM Punk's newest song and titantron entrance, being it debuted soon before the game was released, so it got major points there. I also give it high marks for including other great themes that aren't held by a specific superstar.

Another great thing about the sound (as was with last year's model) is that they allow for custom entrance music. Any song ever. As long as you have it on your PS3 you can use it.

Jerry "The King" Lawler and Michael Cole provide commentary, the deepest they've had in years. Fight sounds are generally right with very few miscues.

In all, just a splendid sounding game.

Addictiveness - 9

This will range for some. If you aren't a wrestling fan, this will probably be a 3. But I am. Hence why it's a 9. I put down Skyrim to play this game.

That's how addicting it is for me personally. Even though the matches are the same, I love hitting Mark Henry over the head with a chair and slapping Randy Orton silly. With all the stuff to do (covered in depth) I have no reason to stop playing.

Depth - 10

Unlimited community creations.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, here it is in a nutshell.

You want something? Like a custom superstar, or ring, or story, or move set or finisher? Someone else probably made it, and you can download it. For free.

DLC is always popular with these games as well, as they've announced 3 DLC packs, 2 of which are currently out.

Super Star creator is richer and more in depth than ever before, and there's just so much to do, I couldn't begin to explain it.

Story - Null

No real story... Oh wait.. I'm just kidding

Story - 9

Road to Wrestlemania is so much improved from last year.

In previous years, you would take control of one of several superstars (generally the more popular ones) and you'd embark on a 3 month (around 14 or so matches) journey from before Royal Rumble all the way to Wrestlemania. Not bad.

This year kicked it up a notch. You are forced to use 2 characters, as well as a custom one you make.

There is full voice acting for every scene, and the voices are the actual superstars. So that scores MAJOR points.

Aside from that though, you go on an epic 18 month journey that encompasses 2 Wresltemania's.

There's so much to the story, that it isn't as quickly beaten as before.

Overall - 8.7

This game isn't for everyone.

Only apply if you are a big wrestling fan, otherwise, you may want to find a better game to play.

WWE 12 is the best wrestling game in years, and possibly the best ever. Everything about the game is an improvement, and I can't think of one bad thing to say about the game.

This game is indeed really fun. Its a real shame that the online servers for the game are complete garbage. I know you don't play online Leggy, but I really hope they improve in WWE 13.

Overall the game is great. Its something that a regular WWE fan would enjoy.

pacman1755 :

It's not that I don't play online. I do occasionally. I just don't like online all that much.

I actually have a funny tale about online gameplay.

I was going online, doing one match for a trophy for the platinum.

I picked Jim Ross as a joke, and my opponent picked John Cena.

I absolutely CRUSHED him, and got the trophy.

I loved this game, but I had the Wii version so it was kinda lacking.

WWE 12 was very bad for me because of the very hard Road To Wrestle Mania, The AI (Artificial intelligence) is very challenging, The slow Online Mode and bad controls. When I try and download something from Community Creations, It usually shows a Message saying "The WWE 12 Servers are timed out. Please try again later." When I try and play an Online Match, There is a lot of Lag and most of the time a Message comes up saying "SuperGameBoy1 is discounted. A Network Error has occurred" and it counts as a loss (Yes SuperGameBoy1 is my PS3 Username). Overall WWE 12 is very disappointing for this Year because I thought it would be like WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2011 but with an Updated Roster but no it's just a Game with very bad Controls. Hopefully WWE 13 will be fast paced like WWE Smackdown Here Comes The Pain and WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2011.

I'm not a fan of wrestling because i usually play football and baseball but good job on the review