Smackdown Vs Raw
Brandon Sears
Smackdown has taken over as my favorite wrestling franchise since AKI left the partnership with THQ in making games for Nintendo. I feel that even tho smackdown is famous for using alot of cinimatics with the moves and such (which is why some people do not like it), I think it enhances the flow of it. Everything seems to have always flowed so well in the series and the CAW has always gone hand in hand with that as well.
With that being said, its time to talk about the newest installment in the series. The guys down at THQ did a great job in improving all the aspects of last years game (which I didn't really think needed to be improved..but boy was I wrong). For starters, the game itself looks better than any smackdown before. Wrestlers look more detaled and smooth than in any of the previous game and the standard view was switched so now it resembles more of a "broadcast" type camera angle. Although its the most improved Smackdown game VISUALLY..it really isn't in the match catagory. With only one new addition to this years game, Smackdown brings you the parking lot brawl. If any of you remember the encounter between John Cena and Eddie Guerrero last year..then you'd already know what the PLB is. Its basically a steel circle created by many cars which you can use as assistance in breating the CRAP out of your opponent. All of your favorites are back this year: The Elimination Chamber, The Hell in a Cell and Bra and Panites Matches.
Smackdown also brings you the first ever online option in any wrestling game. Although its been craved by wrestling fans all over the world..its not really that big of a deal to me. To have it only offer one on one matches and bra & panties as options..its pretty well seems like a waste of space. Then again, I haven't tried it yet.
Another new edition to the game is the authentic superstar voice-overs in the season mode. Granted..due to the voice-overs, the season isn't as long or in-depth as its predecessors but it still gets the job done in the entertainment factor. They also added in what they are calling "mini-games" like pre-match staredowns, test of strength matches, shoving contests and chop competitions.
All of this PALES IN COMPARISON to the one thing I've craved for 7 years. The addition of Bret Hart to a WWE game. Yes, its true that he was first in DOR but in this game he has his authentic music (yes, that shouldn't really matter to a sane person..but this is me). The game also features a number of new legends such as Mankind, The Rock, Jimmy Snuka, Legend Undertaker, Legand Kane (with a mask), Brutus Beefcake and others.
Anywho..its a great game..at least I think so. So I recommend that you play it.
Brandon Sears is an insurance salesman by day and a superhero by night (not really). He has been writing for Modern Distraction since 2004. He lives in Sydney Mines with his wife, Ashley and his dog Toby.