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SmackDown VS Raw 2006
The beefcake parade is
back again and we’re mightily pleased that it has. This review covers
both PSP and PS2 versions of the same game with both games virtually
identical with a few minor alterations.
Released earlier on the PS2 to great acclaim, the
game on PSP is pretty much a straight port of a great game with very
little missing in terms of content making it’s way from the PS2 to the
handheld.
Our only real major differences between the two
formats is that there are a number of mini games on the PSP version that
really don’t add much to the overall experience and also the load times
for the PSP are quite lengthy. They could have pretty much have left out
the mini games and it would still have been top notch.
Possibly the first thing to cover is that this is the
best wrestling game that I’ve seen so far on the market. Developer Yukes
has had the reins for some time now and the enhancements that have gone
into the engine are great, making for some very controllable wrestling
that shouldn’t lose players. Wrestlers behave the way that you would
expect with a learning curve of about 20 odd minutes to have you doing
things in the ring in the way you want.
The full gamut of WWE match types are there for you
to enjoy as well with Hell in a Cell, table matches, and a truck load of
others. You are not going to get sick of this game in a hurry, that’s
for sure, even if you are not a die hard fan of wrestling! (Heretics!)
Graphically the title is an absolute treat to the
eyes and the animations and signature moves look totally authentic from
both the PS2 and PSP. One of the many cool things in this game is the
added ability to take those taunts and sig moves from your opponent and
steal the power from them that this would usually create. If you time it
just right you can totally drain all their power which is pretty neat.
There are a great many touch ups to the existing
gameplay as well with many more control options for players to utilise,
including more brawling options during ladder matches which always
proved to be soooo frustrating when you were getting into it. 2006
provides a satisfying play experience that you can’t really complain
about.
The thing I enjoyed the most was following the
storyline with what would have to be the tightest scripting of a
wrestling game to date. The actual wrestlers supply the voice talent and
ham it all up appropriately, lending to the credibility of the title.
The music also used is appropriate to the individual wrestler, making
your game time an extravaganza.
If I had to make one complaint about the title, it
would simply be that once again the collision detection is a bit out
resulting in times when you’ll exclaim “but I know I hit that guy!”.
It’s tons better than it used to be but still annoying.
For those of you who have both games for PS2 and PSP,
take your games on the go with the ability to transfer season mode and
create a wrestler between systems!
Finally there is a Manager mode, taking your
experience from the ring to looking after your wrestling stars and
everything that goes with dealing with high profile personalities (and
rookies at the start). As time progresses, you earn more money from
shows and can train wrestlers and also buy big name stars. It’s well
worth looking through to really experience the whole kit and kaboodle.
Get out there and get some beefcake, ya dig! A true
treat for PS2 owners and PSP owners alike.
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