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In the mid-1990s, the World Wrestling Federation was in the midst of its "New Generation" era, a time defined by colorful characters and high-octane athleticism. To capture this energy for home consoles, Acclaim and LJN released WWF Raw, the definitive 16-bit wrestling experience. Often referred to by modern fans or in digital archives as WWE RAW, this title was the third and final installment in the trilogy of games developed by Sculptured Software that began with WWF Super WrestleMania. It promised to slam your senses with 24 megs of the most ruthless mat mayhem ever seen, pushing the limits of what 16-bit hardware could handle. Whether you were a casual fan of the Monday night spectacle or a dedicated gamer, this title represented the pinnacle of arcade-style wrestling at home.
Unlike modern wrestling games that feature sprawling cinematic career modes, the "story" of WWF Raw is rooted in the competitive spirit of the squared circle. The game transports players into the heart of the flagship television program where the atmosphere is electric and the stakes are high. As the tagline famously declared, "RAW IS WAR!" The narrative focus is singular and driving: the pursuit of the championship belt. Players select one of the WWF’s hottest superstars and must battle through a grueling roster of opponents to prove they are the undisputed king of the ring. It perfectly encapsulates the mid-90s WWF aesthetic, where every match felt like a fight for survival and glory.
WWF Raw refined the "tug-of-war" grappling system established in its predecessors. When two wrestlers lock up, players must mash buttons to overpower their opponent, allowing them to execute various suplexes, slams, and strikes. What set this game apart were the "megamoves"—spectacular, superhuman finishers that were unique to each character. With 24 megs of data, the game featured a diverse roster including legends like Bret "The Hitman" Hart, The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, and Razor Ramon.
In addition to standard matches, the game introduced significantly more variety. Players could engage in One-on-One, Tag Team, Bedlam (where all four wrestlers are in the ring at once), and the iconic Royal Rumble. The "in-and-out-of-the-ring" action allowed players to take the fight to the floor, using chairs and other tactics to gain an advantage. For the first time, wrestlers also had individual attributes like speed, strength, and stamina, making the choice of character more tactical than ever before.
This game was released on several platforms, including the flagship 16-bit consoles of the era and an enhanced 32-bit version.
WWF Raw is remembered as the high-water mark for 2D wrestling games. It was the last game to use the Sculptured Software engine before the industry shifted toward 3D graphics and more simulation-heavy mechanics. Its influence can be seen in how it balanced arcade accessibility with character-specific depth. For many fans, it remains the most polished wrestling title of the 16-bit generation, frequently cited for its responsive controls and the sheer fun of its multiplayer "Bedlam" mode. It marked the end of an era before the WWF and WCW began their massive technical arms race in the late 90s.