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WWE Raw 2 Ruthless Aggression Impressions

THQ's Xbox game adds some interesting four-player story mode features and improved graphics.

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At this year's E3, we took a look at THQ's upcoming wrestling game for the Xbox, WWE Raw 2: Ruthless Aggression. The developers of the game have placed a good deal of emphasis on improving the graphics in Raw 2 to take full advantage of the Xbox's capabilities. The game's 60-plus wrestlers will all have facial animations, as well as authentic mannerisms based on their real-life personalities and idiosyncrasies. The crowd is animated and rendered in full 3D as well, adding atmosphere to the game. The in-game animations have been cleaned up, making the wrestlers look less robotic, and Raw 2's developers have also promised faster gameplay than in the last edition of Raw.

Perhaps the most interesting feature of Raw 2 is the inclusion of a special four-player story mode. Taking full advantage of the Xbox's four controller ports, you and three buddies can schedule a slate of four matches, one for each of you. What really makes the game unique is that you can choose to interfere with your friends' matches, just like in the television show. Imagine jumping into the middle of a match and sabotaging your friend's chances to win or helping him overcome his opponent by double-teaming. You'll even be able to sneak into the locker room while other wrestlers are in the ring and steal championship belts or other possessions or set up traps and ambushes to take out wrestlers as they leave or enter the arena. It should be noted that none of these interference features were demonstrated for us, but they sounded quite impressive and promise to make Raw 2 a unique experience. It will also be possible to play this style in single-player mode, which will allow you to make friends with certain wrestlers if you help them or create drama and animosity with other wrestlers that you interfere with.

WWE Raw 2 is scheduled for release on the Xbox this fall. We'll have more information on the game as it becomes available.

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