SmackDown! VS. Raw review

$pawn

For the last three years, the Smackdown vs. Raw series has easily outshone every other wrestling titles, including the other WWE titles. It’s not surprising then that THQ has ditched the other WWE series like Day of Reckoning and taken the formerly PS2 exclusive SDvsR games multiplatform. This year, the Xbox 360 and PS2 both get the game, and it remains the best wrestling title around – not that there’s any real competition.


On both systems, SDvsR feels much like last year’s game – which is far from a bad thing. A few key features have been added, which should prevent players from feeling that unpleasant sensation of gaming deja vu. Grappling has been moved to the right analog stick, giving players more control over certain moves. You can now lift up your opponent and slam him down when and where you want, making you feel more involved and adding to the strategy. In the ladder matches (another area of the game that has been tweaked this year), I’d often lift up my enemy, walk over to the rope, and slam him down to the concrete below so I could climb the ladder without my foe in the ring. These analog controls really bring a lot to the formula, although in every other respect SDvsR 2007 feels just like the 2006 game. You can even revert to last year’s non-analog scheme if you want.


Though the in-ring action is the core of the game, it is the bevy of extras THQ includes that makes this game a wrestling fan’s dream. Thanks to the slew of feedback and reports offered in GM mode, I got far more sucked into this mode than I did the year before, which lets you run one of the WWE brands the way you see fit. Planning big matches, interfering with the other show, managing financials, and maintaining wrestler happiness was far more addicting that I thought it could be. The same goes for the longer career mode, which kept me wrapped up for hours with its blend of high drama and light RPG elements.


Although the improvements made to this year’s entry will keep me hooked for months, I can’t quite call SDvsR 2007 the perfect wrestling experience. There are still flaws here and there that irk me, like Diva matches that feel far too automated and the difficulty balancing in some of the tougher game modes. The ladder matches are a particular source of frustration. Since all the actions are mapped to the same buttons, I’d find myself climbing the ladder when I wanted to pick it up and move it, or vice versa. Still, my gripes are relatively minor, as the core of this game is far too good to not enjoy. For fans of wrestling or fighting games in general, this annual series has become a required

Concept:New analog grappling adds more user control to everyone’s favorite sweaty man simulatin’ series.

Sound:The infinitely repeating commentary chatter is still my least favorite part of this franchise

Playability:The analog controls are a nice addition, but 2007 plays largely like the previous entries

Entertainment:For WWE fans, this game is as mandatory as a giant tagboard “Vince Sucks!” sign

Replay Value:High

Overall Score: 8.75/10


Source: Game Informer Online

I havent played this yet, but by reading this review I think I might buy it. have any of you bought it? what do you think?

xWaynex

The game is loads of fun. That must be a 360 preview cuz it doesn't look that good on PS2. :p It still looks great though.

Fred123

Smackdown vs Raw is one of my favorite games to play. I'm still waiting to get Smackdown vs Raw 2007. People say the games pretty good. If I get it on PS2 that is the nuber one game that I will ever play.

XxRRatedxX

i played RVS 07. THe controls suck ass. I liked the others ones better. But not stamina or that other crap. The graphics rock, better gameplay, better people and updated, but the price is way to high. Its a cool game but the controls suck, watch out. The pw2 graphics are better then 06 and the first one, but the 360 and ps3 are much better. You need a high def tv to get the "REAL" graphics. It still kicks ass but not like F.E.A.R. or the Halo trilogy. LOL

the1nvisib1eman

Smackdown vs Raw is the best game