Good graphics, well implemented control system, good multiplayer and extensive single player
Disadvantages:
Out of date roster, long loading times, some wrestlers don't look right
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
For years now the Smackdown brand games have been exclusive to the Playstation brand, with other consoles getting palmed off with subsandard games representing the WWE. This year things changed with THQ bringing the franchise over to the Xbox 360 and putting it on a superior console has given us a superior game.
The most obvious difference bringing the game to a next gen console is the visuals, which are for the most part excellent, with a good deal of the roster looking photorealistic. But the odd couple don't look so good, it's not so much the character models, but rather how they express themselves, or don't rather, looking rather blank faced, they just don't look right. But that's pretty minor.
Gameplay too has been improved, with the grapple system now working off the right analogue stick, and enviroments being much more interactive. The much publicized fighting in the crowd is a little misleading though, there's just a couple of areas in the crowd area that are fenced off and empty of people. I feel a little more could have been done to make it more 'next gen' such as being able to interupt ring entrances, or to gatecrash matches you aren't involved in, but for now it's more than enough, maybe next year they'll try and make career mode more like the show.
Match types are numerous and varied, with the new 'money in the bank' match being a good addition, shame we had to lose the 'bra and panties' matches though, they were always good for a laugh. All of these can be played at home with friends, or online against the world, with up to four players are supported. Single player modes include career, exhibition and a series of challenges, then there's General Manager mode which is a whole different game where you have to manage a brand, either Smackdown or Raw. It all adds up to a pretty comprehensive package with lots to do and should keep you going for a good while.
The ony downside is the roster, being well out of date, they title the game with a 2007 date but the roster actually reflects the shows late 2005, early 2006 line up. This happens with every instalment though, and due to the games development time can't really be helped. Still, it's a very good game, there's room for improvement, but there's always next years update.
More details
Originality
Not bad - some good ideas
Sound
Good - relevant music & effects
Longevity/Expected Longevity
few months
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