Ever since professional wrestling was exposed for the act that is truly is when the World Wrestling Federation became World Wrestling Entertainment, it's surprising that enough folks still pay attention to the closest thing men have to a soap opera. What's more surprising is that they still sell pay-per-view events monthly for upwards of $50 apiece, and every year feel it's necessary to release a new WWE Smackdown vs. Raw installment.
This year's version of the game isn't bad, but there's nothing special about it. The 2010 installment brought new controls and game play to the table and was a refreshing change to the series, but 2011 feels like a stagnant addition to the series.
gameplay
Have you played WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010? Then, for the most part, you've played 2011. The new physics engine isn't anything new at all the addition of tables breaking and throwing chairs have been in wrestling games since WCW vs. NWO on the Nintendo 64, SvR has just been missing this element all these years.
The new WWE Universe mode adds some realism and storyline into the game. As is becoming so common within games, your decisions will follow you throughout your career. Should you decide to kick someone's butt in the back before a match, chances are you'll strike up a rivalry with that wrestler. You can also create your own alliances and championship matches from the decisions you make.
This year's model makes it easier to play as your favorite WWE actors and actresses I'm sorry, athletes with over 70 characters available to play. There are a bunch that have to be unlocked however, which will entice fans to try the more than 20 different game modes available in the game.
graphics
The improved physics make the game much better. In the earlier games, it'd be almost comical to see tables break up the same way each time no matter how you hit it. Now there's actually some logic to different items you can use, such as being able to lean a ladder against the ring instead of simply standing it up in the middle.
The character models are also am improvement. You can see the definition to the character's steroid-ridden muscles much more clearly now as well as their bulging veins.
sound
There's a reason why I watched WCW instead of WWF when I was in grade school in the 90s. One, the Wolf Pack with Kevin Nash was pretty amazing. But one of the biggest reasons? I could not stand JR announcing. Still can't. I doubt many people can.
replay value
Unlocking characters definitely adds to the replay value, and since you have to play different match types to unlock them all it's fun replay instead of monotonous. Online play is always fun in any fighting game, but with wrestling it's definitely the best because you can taunt your opponents while they lay motionless on the ground before you set them up for some Sweet Chin Music.
bottom line
WWE fans already own the game, that's a given. It's not a necessary buy since you can go get last year's version much cheaper used, but the new matches and tons of characters add to the appeal.
Review by: Matthew Waters
Posted: 11/16/2010
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Gameplay:
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7 |
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Graphics:
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8 |
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Sound:
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4 |
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Replay Value:
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9 |
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Bottom Line:
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7 |
