WWE 12 has earned kudos for its gameplay, but THQ finds itself plagued with a long running problem: online play. Despite its purchase of dedicated servers, getting online still proves problematic. The Community Creations portion of the game, which allows users to add wrestlers, arenas and other things they’ve designed has been working sporadically as well.

Lucha libre tradition is the stuff of legend in pro wrestling and WWE embraces it with superstars including Rey Mysterio, Jr.

One of the company’s hottest properties right now is CMLL star Mistico, who wrestles for WWE as the masked man Sin Cara. He’s currently embroiled in a staple storyline of wrestling: Battling an impostor. THQ has confirmed that retailers in Mexico will get a special WWE 12 cover featuring Sin Cara.

Don’t panic if you want the cover and are nowhere near Mexico, you do not have to plan a road trip. THQ will make the cover downloadable for those who want to support their favorite high-flying man of mystery.

Though he hasn’t competed in WWE for several years, Brock Lesnar will always be identified with wrestling to some extent. It’s a connection he doesn’t mind, and as proof he will return to the virtual ring in THQ’s WWE 12. Lesnar joins a roster including current superstars such as John Cena and Randy Orton, as well as legends including The Rock. Lesnar told ESPN’s Jon Robinson there’s still mutual respect between him and the WWE. By approaching him, WWE acknowledges his still large popularity among wrestling faithful. By agreeing to appear in the game, Lesnar shows that while he’s a UFC star, he hasn’t forgotten his roots. It’s also a great way for him to keep his name in the public eye. After a couple of bouts with diverticulitis, he hasn’t been able to stay very active on the mixed martial arts circuit.

WWE 12 is THQ’s revamp of the Smackdown vs. Raw franchise. It will be released on November 22, 2011 for the PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii. WWE 12 will reportedly bring a totally different feel the franchise complete with “Predator Technology” which will make movements seem less robotic. Should you be willing to give this game a pre-order, you’ll be rewarded with the most electrifying man in all of entertainment.

Wrestling fans are incredibly passionate about their love for the show. The same is true of gamers. Combine the two and THQ staff knows the pressure they are under to create compelling product.

The publisher’s revamp of its long running Smackdown vs Raw series isn’t just marketing but an admission that the wrestling sim needed to upgrade. THQ is taking the message straight to the WWE Universe and hosted a demo on Justin.tv THQ is taking player feedback into account because they are the toughest and most observant critics around. For example, it was player feedback that reminded THQ Randy Orton performs his “punt kick” signature move with his right foot. His in-game counterpart switched feet depending on his ring position.

THQ is doing an overhaul of its long-running wrestling game series, dropping the Smackdown vs Raw name. The game has carried that branding since 2004, when the battle between the WWE’s two most popular shows was a major part of storylines. Both shows have their own separate rosters and sets of champions, WWE superstars (particularly the more popular ones) seem to go between shows as they please. The two brands are discussed and promoted by the commentators, but don’t factor into as many stories these days.

All you Hulkamaniac’s out there will soon be taught the ropes of professional wrestling by the legendary Hulk Hogan. Majesco Entertainment announced today Hulk Hogan’s Main Event for fall 2011. This game will be coming exclusively to Kinect on Xbox 360.

THQ has encountered serious delays with its Xbox 360 downloadable content for wrestling game WWE All-Stars. Customers who pre-ordered at GameStop received a code to download WWE Hall of Famer The “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and his son, current WWE superstar Ted DiBiase. Receipts for those pre-orders came with a message that the DLC had been delayed until April 19, 2011. Pre-order bonuses used to consist of things such as in-game weapons or new character skins. As retailers jockey to get more business, pre-order DLC has evolved into things such as special missions or secret characters. Because the bonuses are getting bigger and better, players are getting more upset when there are problems.

WWE All-Stars is an arcade sports entertainment title in the style of NBA Jam or NFL Blitz. So it only makes sense that there would be some hidden Easter Egg inside there, waiting for truly dedicated players to unlock it.

In an interview with XboxAddict, All-Stars lead designer Sal DiVita confirmed the existence of a secret character he said hasn’t been revealed or unlocked by anyone. He wouldn’t give further details.

The demo for THQ’s upcoming arcade grappler WWE All Stars went live March 23, 2011. I stepped into the ring with the Xbox 360 version and this one looks to be a must-purchase for members of the “WWE Universe.”

To show the contrast between in-game wrestling styles, the demo pits the acrobatic Rey Mysterio against the Ultimate Warrior, poster child for overdeveloped muscles.

The Smackdown vs. Raw series has been in need a true shot in the arm (or a swift kick in the tights, if you will). Comparisons are already being drawn between this game and WWF No Mercy, an N64 game that still holds its own against today’s titles. After a little time with theWWE All-Stars demo, I believe that lofty praise is going to be well-deserved.