WWE Raw

Superb graphics and realistic action aren't enough to make up for a very stingy demo in this head-to-head fighting game. WWE Raw only allows a one-on-one fight with two set players in this 60MB wrestling demo, a limitation that cooled our enthusiasm significantly for what is otherwise a graphically stunning game. The game's animation all around is top notch, with impressive cut screens that at the beginning of each round introduce each player. The video sequence at the beginning of WWE Raw knocked our socks off! Sound effects, with each punch or throw, are very realistic. Yet we were frustrated with the game's poorly designed interface. Unnecessary animation takes up too much memory and slows down browsing the game menu. What's more, the whole menu doesn't even fit on the screen, requiring you to scroll down to read more. We weren't able to find the "exit" command for some time before we realized we had to scroll to locate it. Legal information and disclaimers linger at the start of the game for what seems an eternity, too. There's far too much fanfare and unnecessary cut screen details before you even get into the ring. Overall, WWE Raw is a classic, enjoyable game for big fans of wrestling, yet a limited demo and some design flaws may test the patience of some.