3.9 out of 5.0
Now Playing: WWF Raw (1994)
Topic: Super Nintendo (SNES)
There have been a lot of wrestling games made over the years, both unlicensed and licensed respectively. There were NES classics like Pro Wrestling, an unlicensed gem. On the flip side, there was Wrestlemania for the NES, which was an officially licensed piece of junk. In the mid 1990s however, there was a more balanced generation of wrestling games released, but the best of the crop was easily WWF Raw for the Super Nintendo.
Released in 1994, the game was made by the notorious developers at LJN, who have actually made a host of terrible games for the NES back in the day, most infamously - Karate Kid, Friday The 13th, Jaws, Back To The Future, and many more bombs. When I was a young lad playing WWF Raw, I was unaware that LJN had made such awful games in its past, because this new one for SNES was awesome! And even to this day, it is still one of the more memorable and enjoyable wrestling video games. Even with the advent of 3D gaming, WWF Raw maintains a strong foothold in this genre. Though, it is worth noting that the Nintendo 64 boasted a very impressive library of wrestling fare with games like WCW/nWo Revenge, Wrestlemania 2000, and WWF No Mercy. But, I must digress.
WWF Raw features a lot of options for the player. First off, you can play as either 1 or 2 players, then, choose what mode you'd like to play: one-on-one, tournament, Royal Rumble, tag team, etc. - there are plenty to choose from, adding to the games surprising depth. Also, you can choose the difficulty rating, which ranges from a 1-10 scale. One of the best modes in this game is the Royal Rumble, and the action can get pretty hectic if you aren't quick to throw opponents out of the ring - it's a fun kind of chaos. Of course, the more standard matches are a blast too, especially when you take the action outside of the ring - easily transforming the match into a hardcore one with a bucket and a chair available for smashing. It's great fun.
Unfortunately, by 1994, wrestling great Hulk Hogan was already on his way out of the WWF and continuing his career at WCW, so he is not in the game. As a young Hulkamaniac, I was disappointed, but there are plenty of great wrestlers to choose from nonetheless: Bret Hart, The Undertaker, Yokozuna, Razor Ramon, Shawn Michaels, Doink, Diesel, 1-2-3 Kid, Owen Hart, Luna Vachon, Bam Bam Bigelow, and Lex Luger. Each wrestler has its own signature finishing moves in the game, and their moves vary a bit from one another, while some share the same basic moves - in any case, there is a lot of depth here too.
WWF Raw certainly stands out as one of the premiere wrestling titles available throughout gaming history. It has a timeless charm, and tight, fun gameplay; not to mention, it has some crisp and vibrant graphics as well, the best of its kind compared to previous wrestling games. While it may not have the high volume of wrestlers and options as more modern games do, it still stands among the best, as it was a marvel for 1994. Enjoy this SNES classic!
-Kurt L.
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