WWF Raw stands as the pinnacle of the 16-bit wrestling era, perfecting the "tug-of-war" grapple system established in its predecessors, Super WrestleMania and Royal Rumble. By allowing players to customize attributes like speed and strength for the first time, it added a layer of strategy that earlier titles lacked. The move-set expanded significantly, finally giving each superstar their iconic finishing maneuvers alongside a suite of illegal moves and weapon strikes that captured the "Raw" attitude of the mid-90s.
The roster is a nostalgic snapshot of the New Generation era, featuring twelve legends including Bret "The Hitman" Hart, Shawn Michaels, and the Undertaker. Notably, it marked the first inclusion of a female competitor in the series with Luna Vachon, diversifying the gameplay styles available to players. With modes ranging from the chaotic Royal Rumble to the new "Bedlam" tag-team matches, the variety offered ensures that multiplayer sessions remain as frantic and enjoyable today as they were upon release.
Visually, the game utilizes large, detailed sprites that pop against the vibrant ring apron and cheering crowds. While the animation can feel stiff compared to modern standards, the digitized sound effects and character-specific themes provide an authentic atmosphere for the hardware. It serves as a fitting swan song for the LJN wrestling trilogy, representing the most polished and content-rich experience available for the Super Nintendo before the industry transitioned into the polygonal age.
