Stat-tracking, downloads, and all that hullabaloo
are MIA. Instead, you have channels for several different
skill levels. Enter a room and either join a one-on-one or
Bra & Panties match or start your own. On the plus side,
you can use your created wrestlers. On the bad side, lag
detracts from the experience. You can now have the
broadcasters and the superstars announce your teams as they
enter the arena.
You do have branches you can take, choosing whether to pursue the World Heavyweight or Intercontinental titles, for example. You can also respond to situations in either heelish or face fashion, a la Knights of the Old Republic. Will you jack Edge from behind before a title tournament, or decide to save it for the ring? The manager mechanic is inventive, too.
If you have a valet, you can choose to have her
accompany you to the ring for certain matches. There, you can
order her to get you a weapon or distract the referee.
SmackDown vs. Raw really doesn't continue where Here Comes
The Pain left off. It's odd to see as many steps back --
smaller roster, no Cruiserweight or Tag Team titles, no
backstage -- as there are steps forward -- Internet,
voiceovers, heel/face discrepancy. It will still entertain
wrestling and fight fans. Although Smackdown vs. Raw has many
good features, it gets old fast. It's more dissappointing
than anything. If you were hoping for a game as impressive as
Here Comes the Pain was upon its release, SmackDown! vs. Raw
may prove to be a bit of a letdown.
