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WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011
If
there's been one constant in sport games, more specifically wrestling
games, it's definitely THQ who have been the creators of wrestling games
on the console world for many, many years. And every year like
clockwork, another WWE game gets released and this time, it's another
round of WWE
Smackdown vs. RAW 2011 which actually refines the gameplay from the
previous game, although the graphics are pretty much identical. However,
it's
great to see the menu system receive a new facelift and best of all,
the game is faster in terms of loading and pulling off those classic
wrestling manoeuvres.
With a variety of gaming modes from
quick play to exhibition, online and
my favourite, Road to Wrestlemania (curses Undertaker for making my
journey so difficult), this game definitely has some great
replay value. THQ have also thrown a new spanner into the ring called "Universe" which creates matches for your character based on your
performance that mirrors the TV series and has a little story as well.
It's an interesting gaming
mode for its creativity but is no way as strong as the other modes in
the game. It should be noted that the story designer has been increased to 15 characters and you
have more control on the "story" by adding different elements that
effect the outcome. Needless to say, this creates a whole wealth of
replay!
In terms of wrestling controls, the control system is taken directly
from 2010 as you punch, kick, hold and throw your opponents but there
are some new manoeuvres into the fray. It's more the
subtle changes to the moves which open up more freedom to the player
such as new reversals or almost "quick-time" events which are
triggered when you are in a certain part of the ring or near a piece of
equipment. I must admit that each wrestler has a truck load of
manoeuvres and some are almost impossible to remember due to the sheer
number of them. This is a good thing though!
My favourite mode is Road to Wrestlemania that features
some wrestling super stars like John Cena,
Christian, Jericho, Rey Mysterio and the Undertaker. As you attempt to
wrestle your way to the top, it's quite an strenuous journey but if you
can make it, it's well worth the tears of frustration. In
this mode, you can even explore the Wrestling Arena and interact with
characters off stage that is kind of cool in a weird wrestling way. A
little creepy in a fanboy way as well! In terms of Road to Wrestlemania,
there are five stories that you can engage in and it's cool that your
wrestling experience XP can in a way "level" your character. The
improved story designer will give you hours of gameplay creation as you
tweaky your own wrestling stories that is almost as fun as the wrestling
itself.
Another element of the game are the diverse online modes which now
offers more players to play against each other. With leader boards, lots
of players and future DLC, this is a great option to test your skills
against other real-world players as the AI is sometimes a hit and miss
affair just like the collision detection still... come on, after all
these years, you would think that the developers Yuke would get it right
in 2010! As mentioned, online features quite a bit of diversity such as
one-off matches like the Royal Rumble to allow up to six-players to
engage and a cool online leader board system that ranks your player with
losses and wins. Lag sometimes effects the gameplay though, especially
for us in Australia.
Graphically, the title
is almost a mirror image of the 2010 but the models still look good,
although a little zombie like... Wrestling eyes! The graphics are slowly
starting to show their age but the movement, backgrounds and theatrics
are thankfully still quite entertaining to watch. The voice acting is
perfect as are the commentators and that perfect wrestling music which
does liven things up for the better. All in all, the game looks good and
sounds good but I think for next year, it might be time for a new
engine!
Final Thoughts?
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw
2011 is still the best wrestling series available and features
everything fan girls and boys need for their home console experience.
The action is fun, the control system is improved but best of all, it's
all that customisation that is given to the player that makes this game
so competent. It's a good all rounder game! |
