6. Predator 2.0
When WWE 12 was released last year, it was met with pretty much resounding critical acclaim thanks in no small part to its newly crafted Predator engine. The new technology meant smoother, faster gameplay with dynamic camera angles that emulated WWE broadcasts, and character models that looked almost real enough to powerbomb. WWE 13 picks up right where 12 left off; Yukes have completely overhauled their engine again, building on the successes of the original Predator technology. From what I could glean during my hands-on time, the camera is even more dynamic than before, combat has been refined further and is now verging on hectic, and character models have been given further detail - potentially making for one of the franchises most stunningly playable entries to date. Perhaps the most encouraging piece of information I picked up from my time at the THQ showcase was how much Yukes had listened to the fans while refining their newest engine. During the presentation, as Creative Director Cory Ledesma listed the new features, he kept ending his sentences with because the fans asked for it, or as this was one of the issues brought up by the fans. Wrestling is an industry that, more than most others I can think of, relies on the satisfaction of its fans and its nice to see this detail being recognised by Yukes with WWE 13.