WWE Smackdown VS Raw 2010

Review from Jae - Sunday, 20 December 2009 @ 12:24am

One of the things I look for in games that lend themselves to a cult following is their ability to pick up new followers. As a wrestling noob I never thought I would be sitting here writing and playing a game based around pre-determined fighting. The thing is I think I’m turning into a bit of a wrestling fan. No wait, that’s just my twitchy thumbs talking. I am a Street Fighter lover and I can’t forget it. Shoryuken! For a genre that has a strong following Smackdown VS Raw 2010 continues to improve in strides but can easily forget the newcomer.

Take in mind I don’t really have any wrestling experience so if you’re looking for a comparison from year to year check out Cav’s comments at the bottom. Enjoying the modes likes Road to Wrestlemania and Superstar Career are a nice touch to the already content heavy game. I’ve never been the kind of guy that enjoys customising characters as it makes me feel like I’m playing dress up with a bunch of Ken dolls. That’s not speaking from experience although my sisters will try to convince you otherwise. I do like how when you first boot up the game it takes you to a training mode where you can practice your moves. It kind of assumes you have some level of experience but will teach you the basics as often and as detailed as you need. There are six Road to Wrestlemania stories to follow which have you taking the role of a superstar and fighting your way to the top. You can even use a wrestler you created in one of the stories. I’ve had a bit of trouble with this mode as the guide on how to progress doesn’t really come across quite clear. Maybe I’m just not use to the WWE scene but I did need a bit of an internet guide to tell me what to do. Or maybe I was just distracted by all the buff dudes in tight lycra.

Jae if he was buff

I think I’ve still got my old man hat on when playing through wrestling games. My logic can’t understand how a fighting game doesn’t have a visible health bar and how controlling your moves primarily consist of using two analogue sticks. Skill, precision and strategy just don’t seem to play a part when it comes to wrestling. Others will beg to differ but I feel like I’m playing a game made for those who can’t quite coordinate direction and button pressing precisely. Now I wouldn’t be saying any of this because I’m bitter about how bad I am at this game, would I? I’ve had my whinge, now that I’m over that I can continue to tell you how great this game really is.

Graphically this game is up there. The only title in the genre that I see topping SvsR2010 is UFC
, which looked amazing. With EA working on their own MMA branded title who knows who will continue to be the best. I do believe the level of detail and customisation outshines any other, especially when you have a bajillion eyebrows, hairstyles, clothes and designs to choose from. I’ve tried to make a Thundercats logo but it just didn’t look feral enough. Audio in the game seems average, the commentators are always good for a chuckle and add to the atmosphere of ‘Getting ready to rumble”. Do people even use that phrase these days?
The newest feature, that I got to preview in Tokyo
earlier this year, is the community content. This is hands-down SvsR2010 biggest and best feature. As with the previous titles you can create your own wrestler and take them online. Now you can create storylines that can last years. Want to create a car bomb scene? Why not. I am keen to check back with this game in a few months and see what people have created out there. I really hope someone makes a story-line saga that the community really love and they continue to make sequels out of it. Maybe if Cav and me can exchange superstars we might be able to create some fan fiction. Except it wouldn’t be made by fans of us (all 3 of you) it’ll just be made by us.
I’m going to make a bold statement and say that the user generated online community content is going to be next big thing in games. We’ve seen snippets of this in many games before SvsR2010 such as Little Big Planet, Farcry 2 and RPG Maker but none have been able to bring all the elements together and make it into a community game. We’ve seen leaps in gaming before that are now the norm. Things like multiplayer, online gaming and voice chat just to name a few. I believe that community content is the next feature that will be expected in all the big titles. The sky really is the limit when it comes to this and if done correctly, like in this game, it is bound to turn heads and keep those trade in whores at bay. It would be great though if someone made a wrestling game or mode for babies like me. Something that allows me to get into the game more, yet holds my hand whenever mummy isn't around.

They say denim is a big no no ain't that right Cena?

Cav’s thoughts

You didn’t think that Australian Gamer would publish a WWE Game review and not let me throw my 2c in there, did you?

I remember Captain Planet used to say ‘The Power is Yours!’. He must have played SDvR10! I can’t believe how much control Yukes and THQ have offered the players this year. The Create a Superstar option just gets better each year. I love that you can really individualise your character, all the way down to T-Shirt designs and Facepaint (for all you Sting/Warrior wannabes). As Jae may have told you, your creative juices don’t stop there, as the Story Designer really tops it off.

Cav if he was less buff

I have one gripe this year and it’s that I feel the there are some slight ‘distance’ issues, when playing the game. Now I never noticed it in Smackdown vs Raw 2009
(although I may have spent a little too much time playing with my Promotional Action Figures) but sometimes you just don’t seem to hit some of the strikes that you should. It’s also hard to run after whipping your opponent to the ropes, which makes Royal Rumble matches a pain, when you have to eliminate your opponents by throwing them over the top rope.

Overall, once again, the WWE prevails as the number one Wrestling Game on the market. This could also be attributed to Midway falling apart and not putting forward another offering from Jeff Jarrett’s camp.

Pros

The best use of community content seen in any videogame across any genre.
You will be playing this game months after you get it.

Cons

Doesn’t really welcome you with open arms if you’re not a fan of past titles.