THQ has truly done something remarkable with WWE '12 and rest assured it goes beyond a simple name change. In large part to the heavily advertised Predator technology infused within WWE '12, THQ has made a wrestling video game that replicates the real thing so closely it has to be seen to be believed. The other important component that adds authenticity to the overall package is the inclusion of over thirty camera angles capturing the action both inside and out of the ring, and portraying it as if it were something the WWE would broadcast during one of its weekly episodes on television or during its monthly PPVs.

Are these new features alone enough to make WWE '12 a CM Punk endorsed "Best in the World" in terms of wrestling video games, if not WWE branded video games? Consider that WWE '12 also happens to contain the following; An immense variety of match types, the seemingly never ending WWE Universe 2.0, the Road to Wrestlemania which perhaps exhibits the best presentation of all the features within the game, a roster full of the WWE's top (both present and recently released) superstars and divas, robust create-a-features including a not so surprisingly excellent create-a-ring option. Bear in mind, this is what's available on the disc and offline. Throw in downloadable content, the ability to share virtually everything created online, and the option to challenge anyone, anywhere, anytime in any kind of bout including the 40-man Royal Rumble, perhaps the only thing keeping WWE '12 from receiving the highest honour in the eyes of the former New Nexus Leader and presumably still Straight Edge Superstar is that his former nemesis, Randy Orton graces the cover. There's always next year Punker.

Whether WWE '12 is a gamer's first or their hundredth wrestling video game experience, there may be a slight adjustment period to get comfortable with the gameplay. The Predator technology works so deceptively well that gamers may not be able to notice it let alone appreciate its brilliance. Playing WWE '12 may make gamers feel like they are going against the WWE's "Don't Try This at Home" Public Service Announcement. The AI moves, acts and reacts intelligently and accordingly based on what the gamer tries to throw at them. Initially the AI may seem a little too challenging even on the normal difficulty. They will strike when a grapple is attempted against them, they will chain grapple attacks for as long as they possibly can, they will pick a body part and work diligently to weaken it. There are fewer wasted movements and certainly much less in terms of "Botchmania" where in previous versions, the AI would do something so incredibly absurd such as attempt a move from the top rope when their opponent was nowhere near them. WWE '12 is serious about blurring the line between virtual wrestling and the real thing. The AI is even shows enough common sense to do things such as escape to the outside to avoid being hit with a foreign object, or taking advantage of double and triple teaming if the situation allows it. They do these kind of things on television all the time, so why not in the video game as well?

In terms of match types and options, WWE '12 offers nothing remarkably new since Smackdown vs. Raw 2011. There have been a few tweaks here and refinements there that gamers will take note of but considering what is available, gamers should have little reason to be concerned. WWE Universe 2.0 is still the crown jewel as it generates random matches that gamers can jump into, change, or simulate at their leisure. One welcome addition WWE Universe 2.0 is being able to select a superstar right before the bell rings. Gamers will now know beforehand whether they want to pick the guy who was on the receiving end of a pre-match beat down or not. WWE Universe 2.0 is so diverse and ripe with replay value, it could be a standalone game. It is flexible, engrossing, and addictive and puts even the best fighting games to shame in terms of man hours it may consume.