Smackdown vs Raw (PS2)
Smackdown vs Raw is a wrestling game, and is a part of the ‘Smackdown’ series of games. This version has new characters to wrestle with as well as some new gameplay additions.
Gameplay: 88%
Smackdown and
Raw are two different groups of wrestlers, who fight in their own group or
‘show’, or on occasions meet each other in head to head fights. When you
start the game, you choose your favourite ‘show’, e.g. Smackdown or Raw, and
then one of the many modes you can pick from. There are dozens of modes, but
they include singles (1 on 1), royal rumble (which is virtually a mass
brawl), tag team, handicap or ‘hell in the cell’ (where you are wrestling in
and around a giant cage). In my opinion, the best mode is ‘story mode’ where
you follow your characters progression season by season so you become more
attached to your character.
After choosing your mode you pick from one of the 40 odd characters you want
to fight as (male or female), which include legends such as ‘The Rock’ and
‘Brutus the Barber Beefcake’(!) Before beginning your fight, you select from
various match rules and length. You can also select your tactics and try to
win the crowd by fighting clean, or ignore the rules and fight dirty.
When wrestling, each character can use the standard moves, but also certain special moves that are unique to each character. With some of the slower characters, the game can be a little sluggish, however overall the wrestling is great fun and seems very realistic.
Graphics:
84%
The graphics
in the game are above average but not spectacular. The wrestlers and arena’s
are very good and realistic but as with a lot of sports games, the crowds
are a bit 2D and are not as good.
Sound:
66%
This is the
only area that lets the game down. Although the character voices are very
good, the timing of the words in relation to the graphics is very poor. The
crowd noises however, can be good at times, especially when they heckle the
wrestlers.
Value:
96%
This game may
have poor sound and above average graphics, but the lifespan of the game is
incredible. There are so many modes you can choose from, but my favourite
(story mode) is what really gives the game its appeal. The game also
includes a multiplayer option so it’s great fun wrestling against a friend
rather than the computer opponent.
Conclusion:
Overall this
is a great game and is probably the best wrestling game available. If it wasn’t
for the poor sound, the overall score could have reached as high as 90%, but
thankfully it doesn’t spoil the fun. In my opinion, it would take a lot for
the next wrestling game to top this.
Overall Score: 87%
(not an average)