First off, let me start by saying that 90% of the negativity that was heard about this game just prior to release is WRONG! Everyone considers WWF No Mercy for the Nintendo 64 to be the measuring stick, so to speak, to which all other wrestling games are compared. Well, now there is a new King of the Ring, and that king is WWE SmackDown! vs RAW 2007!
Graphics: 9/10 Webmaster Rating
The graphics in this game are fantastic, and show off just what is possible on the slowly dying PS2. The moves are all very well animated (with a few exceptions), even if some of them are the same animations from the original SmackDown! games.
The graphics in this game are fantastic, and show off just what is possible on the slowly dying PS2. The moves are all very well animated (with a few exceptions), even if some of them are the same animations from the original SmackDown! games.
It is true that some of the character models are simply updated from last year's game, but that doesn't change the fact that they look great. Some of the more minor details have been overlooked on certain characters (things like wristbands and hair length, for instance), but overall, that does little to detract from the character models themselves.
The character models are very well animated, as are their respective entrances. The timing for the entrances are almost perfect this year, as guys like Batista and Chris Masters have their pyro and lighting timed exactly as it is in real life.
The only real problem with the graphics are the crowd and commentators. Both look very blocky and stiff, and from some camera angles, the crowd still looks like cardboard cutouts. But then again, who's buying this game for the crowd?
Sound: 9/10 Webmaster Rating
Like the graphics, the sound is great right from the start. Gone are the songs from largely unknown artists, replaced by artists like Godsmack. The wrestler's themes, likewise, are spot on (with the exception of Rob Van Dam and the Big Show having incorrect themes, as well as two legends being without music entirely). The matches now include various grunts and groans coming from the Superstars in the ring, that really add to the overall feel in the ring.
Like the graphics, the sound is great right from the start. Gone are the songs from largely unknown artists, replaced by artists like Godsmack. The wrestler's themes, likewise, are spot on (with the exception of Rob Van Dam and the Big Show having incorrect themes, as well as two legends being without music entirely). The matches now include various grunts and groans coming from the Superstars in the ring, that really add to the overall feel in the ring.
Superstar voice-overs in Season Mode are MUCH improved over last game, although still could use a bit of work in the next iteration to be totally authentic. Characters now exhibit quite a bit more emotion when talking than in past games, but there are occasions where the emotion kind of fades away right when it should be at it's peak.
However, nothing's perfect. Like the graphics, there are some mistakes here. Commentary lines are repeated pretty often, and sometimes they will even make reference to characters who aren't even involved with the match (although in my experience with the game, these instances are few and far between). Also, ring announcing has not been improved much, and some things about the ring announcing are not what they should be. For instance, when using Triple H and Shawn Michaels together on a tag team, they enter as D-Generation-X, but are simply announced as Triple H. I have had this problem with other tag teams as well, where the announcer will only call out the name of one member of the team. Just like the graphical problems, however, they do little to detract from the core gameplay.
Gameplay: 10/10 Webmaster Rating
Here's where the game truly excels. The new analog controls are everything the game's creators made them out to be. They can take a bit of getting used to, but once you master them, they make the game much more fun. Personally, after getting used to these controls, I don't think I can ever go back to playing the old way.
Here's where the game truly excels. The new analog controls are everything the game's creators made them out to be. They can take a bit of getting used to, but once you master them, they make the game much more fun. Personally, after getting used to these controls, I don't think I can ever go back to playing the old way.
Also new are the interactive hotspots and User Controlled grapple moves. Again, I can't imagine how I ever played a wrestling game without these. These minigames allow you to do thing like repeatedly slamming your opponents head against the ring steps, chokeslamming someone over the top rope, or even strangling them with a monitor cord. These minigames really open up the possibilities in a match, making for a truly unique experience each time you step in the ring.
One of the biggest concerns for veterans of the series leading up to the release of the game was balancing issues. Rest assured, the game is balanced VERY well. This is one time that I can say that Yuke's did a great job balancing a game. User Controlled moves and hotspots drain stamina rather quickly, mitigating the possibility of them being abused. Also, the weight detection system is one of my favorite parts of the game. Winning against someone 2 weight classes or more heavier than you requires strategy, as most of your high-impact moves will have little effect. Once your momentum is filled, however, they become much easier to deal with. You just have to get your momentum up somehow...
AI seems to have gotten a boost this year as well, albeit not by much. On the lower difficulties they still just stand around waiting for something to happen, and on higher difficulties, the game is made harder mostly by the fact that your opponents counter more often.
Gameplay Variety: 9/10
Most of the match types from 2006 make a return, except for the Fulfill Your Fantasy and 3 Stages of Hell matches. The only addition this year is the 6-man Money in the Bank ladder match.
Most of the match types from 2006 make a return, except for the Fulfill Your Fantasy and 3 Stages of Hell matches. The only addition this year is the 6-man Money in the Bank ladder match.
Speaking of Ladder matches, they (along with Table matches) have experienced a much-needed overhaul. Taking the item from above the ladder is no longer a matter of simply pressing the O button to grab, then hoping no one pulls you down. You must now control the character's hands, finding the sweet spot that will help you obtain your prize. Table matches are now actually fun, as they can last quite a bit longer this year. You are now required to store a Finisher, then injure your opponent until at least one part of their body is red. You must then use your finisher to put them through the table.
The removal of matches, plus the fact that they only added another variation to an existing match type, causes me to give the game a 9 in this department.
The removal of matches, plus the fact that they only added another variation to an existing match type, causes me to give the game a 9 in this department.
Game Modes
Season: 9/10
Much better than last year, this year's game has some pretty good storylines to keep you busy on your way to the top. It is longer than last year's as well, as you can continue your Season even after completing it once and seeing the credits. The only problem here is that it is still very linear, and I have yet to see any Superstar-specific storylines. Receiving voice and text messages from superstars based on your current storyline is definitely a highlight, as are the coverage of storylines by WWE.com and WWE magazine. All in all, though, very well put together.
Much better than last year, this year's game has some pretty good storylines to keep you busy on your way to the top. It is longer than last year's as well, as you can continue your Season even after completing it once and seeing the credits. The only problem here is that it is still very linear, and I have yet to see any Superstar-specific storylines. Receiving voice and text messages from superstars based on your current storyline is definitely a highlight, as are the coverage of storylines by WWE.com and WWE magazine. All in all, though, very well put together.
GM Mode: 10/10
I'm happy to report that GM Mode has been significantly upgraded, with better storyline options (even the possibility of unlocking writers to make them better), and new promo types to help you along. Requirements on rivalries are not as strict as they once were, as the superstars involved in a rivalry don't have to be in the same match every week to keep it alive. Also, it is much easier to use this year, thanks to a new interface.
I'm happy to report that GM Mode has been significantly upgraded, with better storyline options (even the possibility of unlocking writers to make them better), and new promo types to help you along. Requirements on rivalries are not as strict as they once were, as the superstars involved in a rivalry don't have to be in the same match every week to keep it alive. Also, it is much easier to use this year, thanks to a new interface.
Create Modes: 9/10
Create-A-Superstar is easier to use this time, and finding what you want has never been easier. Superstars have the same number of layers available as before, however, and some of the options have been removed. A new color system this year is easier to use, providing sample colors, or giving the choice to customize your own.
Create-A-Superstar is easier to use this time, and finding what you want has never been easier. Superstars have the same number of layers available as before, however, and some of the options have been removed. A new color system this year is easier to use, providing sample colors, or giving the choice to customize your own.
Create-An-Entrance completely blows all other games with this feature out of the water. You can now time pyros, lighting, screen effects, nameplates, camera angles very precisely. Want lightning to strike just as the character flexes his muscles, or a wall of flames once that guitar riff kicks in? It can be done, and VERY easily. This is done by simply pressing the button corresponding to the desired affect at the desired time.
Superstar Roster: 8/10
The only reason for the low score in this department is because of a few obvious omissions on the roster. People like the Spirit Squad (although their logo is available in CAW), Victoria, Ashley, and London & Kendrick, who should have been in, are not. Otherwise, the roster is awesome, even including some guys that no one thought would be in (namely the Great Khali, and Umaga).
The legends this year are a great compliment to the main roster, including the likes of Eddie Guerrero, Hulk Hogan, Bam Bam Bigelow, Mr. Perfect, and the Faces of Foley, to name a few.
The only reason for the low score in this department is because of a few obvious omissions on the roster. People like the Spirit Squad (although their logo is available in CAW), Victoria, Ashley, and London & Kendrick, who should have been in, are not. Otherwise, the roster is awesome, even including some guys that no one thought would be in (namely the Great Khali, and Umaga).
The legends this year are a great compliment to the main roster, including the likes of Eddie Guerrero, Hulk Hogan, Bam Bam Bigelow, Mr. Perfect, and the Faces of Foley, to name a few.
Overall, 9.5/10 Webmasters Rating
As far as whether to buy or rent, I would say rent, but only if you're not sure about the new controls and features, because you'll likely end up buying it anyway. Otherwise, buy, and do it as soon as you can. WrestleMania only comes once a year, but this game gets you one step closer to experiencing the spectacle of the "Granddaddy of 'em All" any time you want.
In closing, as the Hardcore Legend Mick Foley would say, "Have a nice day!"
Review submited by Nightcrawler on November 20, 2006