This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (August 2010) |
WWE Raw 2 is a video game released for the Xbox console by THQ in 2003, and developed by Tokyo-based company Anchor Inc. It is the sequel to the WWE Raw game that was released in 2003.
| WWE Raw 2 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Anchor Inc. |
| Publisher(s) | THQ |
| Platform(s) | Xbox |
| Genre(s) | Fighting, Wrestling |
| Mode(s) | Single player, multiplayer |
Gameplay
For the first time in the series, a season mode was included in the game, allowing players to set-up other wrestlers, call others out from the locker room, form alliances, and hire managers. In Create A Superstar you have the ability to choose your alignment type and whether you are to be face or heel. The alignments set who your friends and enemies are in the Career mode.
Raw 2 also allows people to edit their favorite wrestlers the way they want them to look. In Season Mode you cannot change your alignment, but you can change who likes or dislikes you by the various options. You can also change your Type from heel to face or vice-versa using the options. Face to Heel using surprise attacks or anything that makes other Superstars dislike you. Heel to Face using Encourage or anything that makes Superstars like you.
Season Mode
To successfully complete a season, the player is required to play through 12 months of Raw and SmackDown shows, as well as Pay-Per-View events, and finish the season with either the WWE Championship, or the World Heavyweight Championship. Successful seasons earn points, which can be seen in the "Hall of Fame" section of the main menu of the game, which in turn unlocks items of clothing and entrance videos which can later be used in the creation or modification of characters. However, these items can also be unlocked using the "Steal" action during events in Season Mode. Unlike season modes from the SmackDown series, Raw 2 has no voice overs or text. The odds of receiving title shots, and of successfully completing the various available actions in season mode, are mostly based on the popularity of the character in use.
However, other factors, such as a character's level of friendliness towards other characters, such as Surprise Attacks, Encouragement, or the use of repetitive call-outs can also affect the odds. There are a few flaws in the season mode, however: if the player is competing in a title match, the belt can be won via disqualification, going against WWE rules. Another flaw is, if two superstars are competing for either the World Heavyweight Championship or the WWE Championship; and somebody interferes they will become the champion. Also, divas are able to win World Titles. Another flaw during gameplay is while playing Royal Rumble, you can exit the ring on your own terms and still not be eliminated. However, under rules that the Royal Rumble is over-the-top-rope, as long as you do not flip over, jump over or step over the top rope, or you go through the ropes, this would be legal, as was seen numerous times in the 2003 Royal Rumble.
The game features several arenas that WWE held events at in 2002 and 2003. There is also arenas based on each WWE television show.
New match stipulations were included in the game, including Hell in a Cell, TLC and 'Royal Rumble' matches. The Create an Entrance feature allowed the player to use custom tracks ripped onto their Xbox, time two sets of pyrotechnics to synchronize with taunts or poses, and create an entrance video featuring the player's character doing varied wrestling moves. It was also praised for an improved roster with more up to date wrestlers.
The majority of the Japan-based development team was fired immediately after the completion of the game, and publisher THQ had American developer Studio Gigante work on the next Xbox WWE-licensed game, WWE WrestleMania 21. This game is now compatible for the Xbox 360 console.
- Note 1: All arenas except RAW and SmackDown! are unlocked by winning at a PPV.
- Note 2: In first version of RAW 2, WrestleMania X8's arena replaced WM XIX.
- Note 3: Mark Henry was added at the last minute, his Titantron is absent from the game. He uses the WWE Logo Titantron. [1]
- Note 4: A-Train was also added last minute, his Entrance Video however exists in the game.
- Note 5: Chief Morley Gimmick was replaced by the Val Venis Gimmick.