Calm down, people. Every since Friday when IGNs Jeremy posted his review of Smackdown vs Raw the fans have been in the uproar about the review and the score the game reviewed. I have seen posts claiming that the game is a flop and a disapointment and on and on. Well I am here to say the game is not a disapointment and is without a doubt the best wrestling game released in the past 3 years for any console by THQ. Smackdown vs Raw has improved in pretty much every category and the laundry list of improvements is quite impressive. For example.
For the first time in a wrestling game online play has been included. Is this everything that we could have ever wanted in online play? No, but it is a start. And up till this point there were some people claiming that a online wrestling game wasnt even possible due to latency issues. Well my friends I have play Smackdown vs Raw and it plays just fine.
Also for the first time in a wrestling game is actual superstar voice overs in the story mode. Some of them do lack in some regards of performance but my god man, there is a lot of voice overs for every superstar on the roster. Whats important is that the voice overs do improve the experience in the story mode and there are a ton of cool and neat moments in the story mode that do overshadow the few lackluster performances.
The graphics have been tremendously improved over last years game. The wrestlers skin texture almost has a photo realistic quality to them. Overall graphics have been improved across the board.
Game play improvements and enhancements. The decision to add pre match minigames and chop battles does help improve the gameplay. The heel/face meter also helps the games remain very closely contested and competitive. I have had some multiplayer battles in this game and in my opinion this is the best multiplayer games released this year for any console.
THQ added this year a create a ppv and create a belt mode. A feature which fans have been asking for. A feature that has been wanted by fans ever since Smackdown 2 was released for the PS1.
These are just some of the major improvements that I feel make this game automatically better then last years Here Comes the Pain.
Is the game perfect, no it isnt. No matter what THQ does or adds there is going to be someone out there not happy about something thats just the nature of the beast. But folks, before you claim that the game is a disappointment can you at the very least play the game and then voice your opinion. Dont go mouthing off after reading one persons opinion. Play the game and then say what you think on the forums. In my opinion anything over a 8.0 is a great score. Its a great game. There shouldnt be many 10.0 or 9.5 games because those are the best of the best. The best game released this year. So just because a game gets a 8.5 score does not mean its a disappointment. With that being said and with me officially stepping down off the soap box I will give you my review.
Smackdown vs Raw does deliver in many ways. Its a solid followup of one of the best selling and highly reviewed games of last year in Smackdown Here Comes the Pain. Basically THQ took everything that was good from that title and added a lot of new gameplay enhancements, options and modes that many fans have been wanting for a long time.
The online play is barebones. It only allows 2 match types. Single and bra and panties. You cant defend your title that you can create in the new create a belt mode and the decision to not include voice chat is a huge oversight. Typing on a onscreen keyboards with the joypad isnt very intuitive and it does detract from the experience. The only point in playing online is to play against other humans and since you really cant communicate during the match the experience is basically the same as if your playing against the Computer AI. Now mind, you a very good and challenging computer AI. .
The decision to add challenges to the game which players have to unlock and complete to unlock a special legend attire adds some replay value to the game. Because I have had the game for about a month now and I have played this game pretty much every day for at least 1 hour and I have just completed the challenges just a few days ago. This is going to keep players busy for a while trying to complete the challenges.
The gameplay is a mixture of new and old. New is the ring corner chopping contest and the heel and face meter. The heel and face meter is essentially the same as the momentum meter from WWE Day Of Reckoning. Same principle, where you have a separate meter from your Smackdown meter that slowly builds during the match when you play either as a heel or face. If you select face at the beginning of the match the way to build up your meter is to use crowd pleasing high flying moves and their signature moves. And likewise if your a heel the only way to build up your meter is use dirty and cheap tactics like hitting the ref, using a international object or taking the turnbuckle pad off and expose it to throw your opponent into. Once the meter is filled for the face side, your character is basically unstoppable his moves cant be reversed and any moves you perform do twice the damage. With the heel side, your character uses a dirty low blow which basically can end the match like a finisher can. The ring corner choping mechanic is used once you throw your opponent into the ring corner and press down and O. This then initiates a meter where you have to press the X button in time to provide the power and the accuracy of the chop. If you have ever played a Golf game then you should feel right at home here. The meter is also used in the bra and pantie match where your diva can uh spank the other diva over their knee. Other then that the game basically plays the same as last years Here Comes the Pain. One of the huge problems, that the Smackdown series always had was the selling of moves or in this particular case the lack there of. Smackdown vs Raw has finally fixed that problem with the wrestlers staying down after getting hit with a big move or finisher.
The create a wrestler mode has also been improved and touched upon. For the most part, things are better laid out and the interface has been streamlined to make more sense when you create your wrestler. One of the new features that THQ added this year is the ability to take a snap shot of your wrestler for the wrestler selection screen. Missing this year was the create a taunt feature that few people used so the decision on that is understandable. The sample move sets have made a return as well this year, I have seen quite a few move sets of wrestlers that didnt make the game for what ever reason and a couple that are no longer even in the WWE. This has always been one of my favorite features and I am glad that they have made a return.
The create a ppv mode and create a belt mode is also a great feature for multiplayer. I cant imagine the trash talking that will go on while you and your buddy are competing for a title that you just spent a while earning the money in season and completing the challenges. The belts have a value the more the title is competed for the more valuable the title becomes. And when you take in consideration that you can later sell the title for smackdown dollors which you can use to purchase the unlockables you can see just how important and fun this mode will be. Another cool option that I thought was a blast and a lot of fun to play through was the real WWE ppvs samples from the past year which you can relive and perhaps change history.
The licensed music does add excitement to the game for years one of the biggest problems with the presentation was the some what lack luster music tracks that were used in the series. Gone, are the days of generic rock rifts that made playing the game over extended periods painful. Most of the music is brought over from THQs Nintendo Gamecube title WWE Day Of Reckoning which isnt a bad thing per sei but do wish they had provided a more unique songs for the soundtrack.
Feedback on the voice overs in the story mode has been somewhat harsh. I can tell you that that*the story lines this year are much better then last years and while some performances are lackluster the good majority of them are done very well. Also keep in mind that every wrestler in the game other then the legends has a voice over. THQ spent a lot of time obviously tracking down the superstars to get the voiceovers. And with this being the first game with actual WWE voice overs, I am sure it will be improved in future THQ WWE titles. I mentioned previously that the story lines are much better and they are and for the most part they make sense and remember what choices you made earlier in the season.
The graphics are with out a doubt some of the very best seen on the Playstation 2 and in a wrestling game. There is a definite and noticeable improvement over last year. The hair still looks bad and out of place from the character models. The lighting and pyro effects are all done very well and Smackdown vs Raw does a tremendous job of captureing the presentation style of real WWE programing with the many different camera angles.
Another huge feature this year is the legends which I am proud and glad to say that for the most part they have all been faithfully reproduced complete with real music entrance music. The regular roster is somewhat smaller from last year with some big names missing. Why, Eugene Why? There is still a huge selection to choose from so its not all bad. And when you take in consideration the Create A wrestler entrance I mentioned earlier you can basically create anyone you want anyway.
Overall
All in all, you will be hard pressed to find a better wrestling game released this year. With the inclusion of online play and the new game play enhancements there is enough there to warrant a purchase this holiday. The inconsistent quality of the voice over may disapoint some but the story mode story lines will turn the frowns upside down. The graphics and presentation has also recieved a significant upgrade and the create a wrestler mode is once again the best seen in a video game.
9.0 out of 10.0 not a average
Graphics 9.0
Sound 9.0
Replay 9.5
Gameplay 9.0
I will turn the movies back online once bandwidth resets for the month. Thank you for your patience.
GamingRing's staff has been whopping ass by providing the WWE: Smackdown! Vs. RAW fans with all they need to know about the game, and also providing amazing movies and incredible screenshots. As you can see there are over 200 screenshots and over 50 movies available FREE to the GamingRing members. We have put all these media into one big thread so that its easy for you to browse through the articles and media. This thread will be updated daily.
Exclusive Screens + Preview of Smackdown vs Raw
Smackdown vs Toukon Retsuden A look back
Top 5 features Smackdown vs Raw must have online
Smackdown vs Raw Day 1 Exclusive Coverage begins.
Smackdown vs Raw Day 2. Movies + some hands on impressions
Smackdown vs Raw Day 2 More movies for your enjoyment
Smackdown vs Raw Day 3 Taboo Friday part 1
Smackddown vs Raw Day 4 TabooFriday Part 2 of 3
Smackdown vs Raw Day 4 Taboo Friday Part 3
Smackdown vs Raw Day 5 Massive Question and answer
Smackdown vs Raw Day 5 182 screens and 3 movies
Smackdown vs Raw Day 6 Create a belt and create a ppv mode Exposed
Smackdown vs Raw Day 7 Shopzone, Challanges, managers, Hardcore, and ladder movies
Smackdown vs Raw Day 8 Your movie requests.
Smackdown Vs. RAW Day 9 - 17 new screens and new HIAC Video
Smackdown vs Raw Day 9 Royal Rumble Part 1
Smackdown vs Raw Day 10 Royal Rumble part 2
Smackdown vs Raw Day 11. Part 3 Royal Rumble
Smackdown vs Raw Day 12 Royal Rumble pt 4 of 4
Smackdown vs Raw Day 12 HUGE Created A Wrestler Update
Smackdown vs Raw Day 13 Create a wrestler bonanza
Smackdown vs Raw Day 15 Midnight Special 7 movies
Smackdown vs Raw Day 16 2 Big Movies for the Masses
Smackdown vs Raw Day 17 more reader requests and 3 new movies
Smackdown vs Raw Day 18 Match 2 of the best of 7 series John Cena vs Booker T<a href="http://www.gamingring.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=000221" target="_blank">Smackdown vs Raw day 19 Match 3 of the best of 7 series Booker T vs John Cena
</a>
Smackdown vs Raw Day 20 The evolution of HHH
Smackdown vs Raw Day 21 The Evolution of Undertaker and Kane
Smackdown vs Raw Day 21 The Evolution of Jericho and Matt Hardy, plus another movie
Smackdown vs Raw Coverage Day 22 Stone Cold Caw
Coverage Rages On
Smackdown vs Raw Day 23 Legend Elimenation Chamber match
Exclusive Story mode Video
Exclusive GR Movies
Intro Movie
Trish vs Victoria Bra and Panties match
<a href="http://www.gamingring.com/~mike/Archive/smackdownvsraw/day2/smackdown2.wmv">Taboo Friday
Main event intro</a>
Mike Regan vs Stacy Kiebler Match of the century or not
Rob Van Dam vs Scotty 2 Hotty Ladder Match
Hardcore Match Rob Van Dam vs The Big Show
Regan and Guerrero Ring entrance
Mike Regan vs Eddie Guerrero
The Undertaker vs Kane vs Batista Hell in the cell Part 1
The Undertaker vs Kane vs Batista Hell in the cell Part 2
<a href="http://www.gamingring.com/~mike/Archive/smackdownvsraw/day3/taboofriday5pt1.wmv">Renee Dupree, Dudley Boyz vs Scotty 2
Hotty, Rico, Charlie Haas Part 1</a>
<a href="http://www.gamingring.com/~mike/Archive/smackdownvsraw/day3/taboofriday5pt2.wmv">Renee Dupree, Dudley Boyz vs Scotty 2
Hotty, Rico, Charlie Haas Part 2</a>
Shawn Michaels, Christian, Chris Jericho, Edge Ladder Match
Hardcore Match Kurt Angle vs John Cena vs Taijiri
Triple H vs Shelton Benjamin
Mike Regan vs The Game HHH 1
Mike Regan vs The Game HHH 2
Mike Regan vs The Game HHH 3
Summerslam Sample PPV + Randy Orton vs Chris Benoit
Create a belt mode exposed
Create a PPV mode + Trish vs Kane and Benoit
Shopzone
Challenges
Hardcore Holly vs Rhyno Hardcore match
Shawn Michaels vs Mark Jindrak Ladder Match
Create a Wrestler Mode
Sample Entrances
HELL IN THE CELL
Parking lot Brawl
Dudleys vs Rvd, Guerrero
Survival Battle Royal
Create a Wrestler Mode
Undertaker and Kane in a Hell In A Cell Match
Royal Rumble Part 1
Royal Rumble Part 2
Royal Rumble part 3 of 4
Royal Rumble Part 4 of 4
Create a wrestler mode part 1
Create a wrestler mode part 2
Stable Trio Entrances
Tag Team Sample Entrances
Single Wrestler Sample Entrances
Create a wrestler finishing moves
Michaels vs. Christian Part 1
Michaels vs. Christian Part 2
Slobber Knocker Part 1
Slobber Knocker Part 2
Benoit Match
Kiebler vs. Molly
Jericho vs. HHH
Elimenation Chamber
Ultimate Submission Match Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit
Parking Lot Brawl Edge vs Flair
Bradshaw vs Taker vs Hitler Steel Cage match
Best of 7 series Match 1 Booker T vs John Cena
Booker vs Cena Match 2 part 1
Booker vs Cena Match 2 part 2
Booker vs Cena Match 2 part 3
Iron Man Match Match 3 of a best of 7 series Cena vs Booker T Part 1
Iron Man Match Match 3 of a best of 7 series Cena vs Booker T Part 2
Iron Man Match Match 3 of a best of 7 series Cena vs Booker T Part 2
The Evolution of HHH
The Evolution of Undertaker and Kane
The Evolution Of Chris Jericho and Matt Hardy
Hardcore Match - Batista Vs. Big Show
Stone Cold Steve Austin Caw Entrance
Snuka, Piper vs Haas, Rico
Story mode Video Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels
Match 4 Best of 7 series Booker T vs John Cena
Stone Cold Steve Austin CAW
Piper, Snuka vs Haas and Rico
Benoit vs Benjamin
Legend Elimenation Chamber Match
Screens
<a href="http://www.gamingring.com/~mike/Archive/smackdownvsraw/smackdowntaboofriday.jpg">Taboo
Friday 1</a>
<a href="http://www.gamingring.com/~mike/Archive/smackdownvsraw/smackdowntaboofriday2.jpg">Taboo
Friday 2</a>
<a href="http://www.gamingring.com/~mike/Archive/smackdownvsraw/smackdowntaboofriday3.jpg">Taboo
Friday 3</a>
<a href="http://www.gamingring.com/~mike/Archive/smackdownvsraw/smackdowntaboofriday4.jpg">Taboo
Friday 4</a>
Smackdown!
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