WWE '12

Some control improvements and fleshed out game play modes highlight the deepest WWE videogame experience yet.

A great step forward for wrestling game that we think will convince the fans. Those who haven't played wrestling games too often have a great chance to approach them again, as WWE 12 changes a lot in comparison with previous Smackdown vs RAW entries.

If you are a WWE fan then this game belongs in your library. If you aren't a WWE fan you should definitely still check out this title. Even if you have no interest in watching the product on television this is a really fun title that you might find yourself enjoying. This is a title that has something for everyone. Be sure not to miss out.

WWE '12 is the best fan-service game in the business right now, and I think the rest of the game development world could learn something from such a pure, wholesome dedication to giving fans what they want.

WWE '12 is more polished than the previous installments in the series, right down to the graphics, music, sound effects, and the expanded gameplay options.

What THQ has done here serves its audience spectacularly. WWE '12 retains and improves upon the already-great presentation of its predecessors, capturing a likeness of wrestling that is uncanny. And it plays just as well as it looks. This should be considered a milestone for the wrestling simulation genre. It's certainly a much-needed breath of fresh air.

WWE 13 might not have any real competition when it comes to wrestling video games, but nevertheless it’s a great wrestling game and any fan should have this in their collection. The Attitude Era game mode was so nostalgic I smile thinking about it. Reliving those moments is worth it alone.

WWE '12 takes the plunge and ditches the Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 moniker, mixing things up and slamming down the franchise for the three count. The overhauled system is a positive first step towards advancing the series, and the customisation is still second to none. So, pop on some tight pants. It's time for some wrassling.

Once again, I will continue to stress WWE has done the right thing giving exclusive licensing rights to THQ. If you purchased SvR 2011 and are wondering if you should be rushing out to buy '12 - I would say give it a rental and make your decision based on that.

WWE '12 is a step in the right direction. The arcade controls make the game more accessible, there's a nice selection of superstars and the multitude of options for content creation is incredible. However, many gamers simply want to play, and unfortunately, the restrictive Road to WrestleMania campaign is the biggest weakness. I note that with a wooden expression (like an ingame superstar) and have to deduct points. A shame: the game offers tons of wrestling atmosphere and is a must-have for WWE fans.

This is the best wrestling simulation of this console generation. The game certainly has some problems, but overall, WWE '12 provides a very solid base for a new wrestling franchise to be built upon.

You'll notice WWE '12's wider accessibility right when the first bell rings. Controls are far easier to grasp (they're almost as newb-friendly as WWE All-Stars') and matches flow naturally, which is great given how minimal the HUD is

It's clear that Yukes and THQ put a lot of effort into the reinvention of this cash-cow franchise. A lot of the things that they've managed to accomplish are fantastic, particularly in the areas of presentation, customization, and gameplay. There are certainly some problems that will need to be ironed out prior to next year's installment, but overall, WWE '12 provides a very solid base for a new wrestling franchise to be built upon.

WWE '12 is the best game of the series. It is the more polished and a very solid base for a new wrestling franchise to be built upon.

A technically sound, fun and varied show wrestling game. There's a lot of content and you can always create (or download) more yourself. [Jan 2012]

If you're a wrestling fan, this is a must.

The game definitely has a bigger roster, badder presentation, and better gameplay. The new controls are easy to pick up and fun to play.

WWE '12 is simply the best wrestling game ever made. THQ promised big changes and they have delivered. It's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, with Road to Wrestlemania, online issues and the odd glitch to name a few faults, but they have done enough to justify both themselves and the WWE itself.

WWE '12 is one of the best wrestling simulations made in this generation, with lots of content and a well-balanced gameplay. The only remorse is poor hit box implementation.

Even if it doesn't revolutionize wrestling games, WWE 12 is the best wrassler around and mixes things up enough to not feel stale. It owes much to SmackDown, but everything it borrows is still great, just slightly used. If you wanted a completely new wrestling experience, wait for the next challenger to WWE to give it a shot (and probably fail).

The best THQ-made WWE game to date, but there's still room for improvement. Regardless, fans of professional wrestling are sure to have hours upon hours upon hours of fun with WWE '12.

A welcome step forward for the series, even if there are still problems to fix in the physics simulation and online play. WWE fans won't however be disappointed and will find it a fresher and spectacular game.

At the end of the day, WWE '12 gives fans exactly what they want: a cohesive and fun wrestling game. There aren't a whole lot of different ways to do that.

WWE '12 looks great, sounds great, and even comes with top-shelf presentation, and if it were not for the brutally difficult reversal system, the single-button system might not seem so bad – but the two together make for a game that is frustrating as heck and without any real reward.

Definitely an improvement over Smackdown vs. Raw 2011. I think a little more of a shake-up in the modes used for this game would have been great, but I'll take the improved animation and controls that this year's entry offers up.

Finally significant progress has been put into place, as the game's backbone is starting to feel sturdy enough to carry the weight of expectation.

WWE 12 is not a revolution. It's another Smackdown vs Raw with polished controls and a creation mode full of possibilities. But it has some online problems and an awful Road to Wrestlemania mode.