Another major upgrade is the realism of the game. Apart from the usual upgrade in graphics, the new "WWE Universe" mode is a really impressive addition. WWE Universe actually creates storylines, rivalries, and cutscenes based on how you wrestle in matches in the mode as well as what takes place in computer simulations. It will also take your created "Superstars," and put them in the action. One major negative of this is that the contenders are constantly the same people and the matches tend to repeat themselves pretty regularly.
Speaking of created Superstars, the create-modes have been improved over previous years as well. The level of customization for a new wrestler is pretty impressive, however it takes an awfully long time to actually create a new wrestler, particularly if you want to make them truly realistic in the Create-A-Superstar mode. The same thing can be said with the Create-A-Finisher mode, too. As for the match creation mode, it is really nothing special. It is just a glorified menu mode where you can adjust match variables such as KO, No DQ, and some other elements, but there really isn’t anything in there that is actually new.
THQ has, unfortunately, carried over the online pass requirement, but if you register and redeem the code, you get a few bonus costumes and unlock Chris Masters. The online offerings are both a blessing and a curse. First, the ability to download community content is amazing. Users can download created superstars, finishers, storylines, move sets, pictures, and movies from other users and then rate the quality of work. This is a really cool way of adding wrestlers to the game who aren’t in the initial roster if somebody has taken the trouble to create them. The matches online, however, are horrendous. The lag makes playing online almost pointless until you get the timing of it. I will never understand why some games have such a smooth online experience, but others feature a massive lag. In this game, it is very noticeable to say the least.
One other of the immediately noticeable flaws with the game is the commentary. The only commentators in the game are Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole. When they are calling matches, it sometimes feels as if they are calling a completely different match from what is taking place. Plus, if you plan on using a created superstar in any match, I promise you that you will get so tired of hearing the nickname of the character that it will make you want to quit.
Another fairly obvious flaw is in the story-driven “Road to WrestleMania” mode. The mode itself isn’t too bad because it can be used to unlock most of the extra content in the game, but the stories themselves are horrible. One of the stories centers on ending the Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak and it is based almost completely in the supernatural, collecting souls, and seeing things. The sad thing is that this is one of the better stories in that game mode.
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