WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW
a game by | Yuke's Co. Ltd. |
Platform: | Playstation 2 (2004) |
Editor Rating: | 6/10, based on 1 review |
User Rating: | 8.0/10 - 4 votes |
Rate this game: | |
See also: | Download Fighting Games, Sport Games, WWE Games, Wrestling Games |
One of the most prominent wrestling video game franchises globally returns for its newest entry is WWE SmackDown! Vs. RAW. This time around, it aims to enhance the experience of the last offering by improving the features and creating a more immersive wrestling environment.
That title may make sense to those who watch live wrestling. However, it may not render much meaning to those who don't. Basically, it's a pairing of wrestlers from the SmackDown! and RAW series in a combined combat video arena. There's always been a lot of buzz about these games, so the experience must be good - right?
Let's Get Ready to RAW-mble
Here we are at the sixth entry to the series now, so we must be heading to an inflection point to these games? Turns out the years of polishing finally are facilitating a more upgraded approach, and it's very noticeable in WWE SmackDown! Vs. RAW. There is an extensive roster of wrestlers, complete with voice acting and more advanced character modeling. So what has changed with the gameplay?
The most significant change is the effort to make WWE SmackDown! Vs. RAW feels like a more realistic wrestling experience. Meters are incorporated to stem the flow of each match, such as fatigue and strength, which does make the games feel a bit more skill-based rather than button mashing. Other than that, nothing has inherently changed from its predecessors.
Players will find the new mini-games such as shoving and test of strength mildly entertaining. But all the core features are still there - tournaments, battle royales, create a PPV - the works. WWE SmackDown! Vs. RAW is the same thing over again, but the minor upgrades are certainly enough to keep a hardcore fan interested.
You can't help but think we were poised for a major overhaul in this series. However, it appears that WWE SmackDown! Vs. Raw is just another entry to slowly make each game better. It definitely succeeds in that manner, but the hype around it suggested we get something revolutionary. Regardless, it's a decent entry to a fun wrestling video game series.
A Smack in the Face
Both fans and others alike can't complain that WWE SmackDown! Vs. Raw isn't a good wrestling experience. Its legions ahead of the poor offering that was WWE WrestleMania X8. Still, once you've spent a few hours mastering the moves and mechanics behind each of the matches, you won't feel too interested in picking up and playing again. There's not enough versatility in gameplay to revisit.
WWE SmackDown! Vs. Raw could arguably be considered a milestone in developing the franchise, but nothing more. There's nothing to suggest this game could ever achieve legendary status in the field of wrestling games. Just another notch in the belt that brings a smack in the face. That's about it.
Round-Up - Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Bigger wrestler roster
- Voice acting brought into the game
- Feels more like an actual wrestling match
Cons:
- Not much different from the other entries in the series
- Matches aren't challenging enough
- Commentary feels a bit jagged
Download WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP