For years now it seemed like everyone but THQ could tell that the SvR games were becoming stale. With each game the folks at THQ and Yukes would try to rejuvenate the series by incorporating new modes and features but the core wrestling mechanics would remain as disjointed and buggy as ever.
It was clear that the series would need an extensive makeover in order to become relivant again and finally, after what seems like a lifetime of waiting, WWE ’12 has steps up to the titantron!
Although the debut trailer about is devoid of any gameplay (or relivant information), it does signify that change is on the way!
Today IGN revealed several tidbits of information regarding WWE ’12, the highlights of which are listed below;
- There’s a new animation system, new blending methods, something called “Predator Technology”
- When you’re getting up from any move, you’re going to have a window to strike before you’re even to your feet.
- [Wrestlers] don’t warp to the center of the ring for a 5-Knuckle Shuffle and similar moves anymore; the move happens where it happens.
- The game, according to THQ, has been taken apart and put back together.
- here are no strong and weak grapples — the moves you’re pulling off are dependent on how worn down the opponent is.
- If you’re up against a lightning quick high flier, you can work the legs so the opponent can’t get around as quickly and can’t zip up the turnbuckles. Work the head, and the opponent is going to be a groggy mess.
- Get an opponent to tap [with] the new “Breaking Point” submission system where players tap buttons in a tug of war mini-game.
- Epic brawls are going to look like the epic brawls you see on TV — The new camera angle [is] more pulled back.
As great as all this sounds, the thing that I’m most excited about about is the new Wake-Up Taunt system. IGN’s Greg Miller explains it brilliantly….
You know how Randy Orton pounds the ground before he goes to hit his Finisher on TV? That can happen in the game now. You knock your opponent down with your Finisher primed, hit the taunt button, and you’ll get a celebration that ends with the opponent getting to his feet in the perfect setup for your big move. The opponent gets a chance at reversing it, but it really brings together that TV style presentation THQ’s been working on for the last few years.
Add all these things together and it sounds like WWE ’12 is going to be the best wrestling game we’ve had in a long , long time.
The game is set to be released on November 22nd (25th in PAL territories) for the PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii.
Major props to IGN for the info, box art and screenshot. Be sure to check out their site for more information.
