WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 Preview (PS3)
Submitted on: 09/25/2009 by Richard Chavez
With the TNA license in flux, Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 is once again the only show in town this year. The focus this year seems to be on improving the create modes. While that’s admirable, the gameplay needs some attention too. Details are sparse but let us go through what we know about the game so far.
What’s Hot
The brand new Create-A-Story sounds interesting. Here you can be your own booker and create your own storylines, decide matches and finishes. This could extend the replay value of the game greatly giving you the opportunity to recreate classic feuds or push Santino Marella. If your creativity is tapped, you can try the Road to WrestleMania mode which includes six new storylines.
The WWE Paint Tool will allow you to make the wrestlers you made look much better than they did in years past. The Create-A-Finisher mode returns with more options for high-flying moves and the front grapple position.
Superstar Threads is a feature that debuted in America in WCW/nWo Revenge and was last seen in WWF Raw 2 for Xbox. It allows you to change the outfit for existing superstars in the game. You can update Rey Mysterio’s look weekly or use it to give your most hated grappler an unwanted makeover. This is a basic feature but it’s great to be included in the Smackdown series for the first time. It also means we won’t be paying for updated color schemes in our downloadable content.
The new WWE Community Creations feature could be a huge hit. All of your creations can be shared with the world including anything mentioned above and entrance movies and highlight reels. Submissions can be tagged for specific terms, so searching the term powerbomb would bring up Kevin Nash, Psycho Sid, created powerbombs and other related items. There is no more going through intricate step-by-step instructions for how to create the perfect Razor Ramon. If you’ve ever played LittleBigPlanet you can see how massive and freeing this can be.
You won’t have to create Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, Vladimir Kozlov, Ezekiel Jackson, Primo, Evan Bourne, Mike Knox or R-Truth. Also back to the game is crowd favorite, “The Bizarre One”, Goldust. All of your favorite WWE Superstars are in the game minus some fresh additions to the roster.
One criticism I had last year was that it was difficult for newcomers to join the fray. Much of the game relied on quick button presses which made rookies unlikely victors. That issue is addressed with the WWE Training Facility. The game features over 100 tips to keep you abreast of new additions to the game and for rookies to shake the green off.
What’s Not
The roster is mostly solid like I said with only a few key exceptions. The Hart Dynasty is represented only by Natalya Neidhart. The new talent initiative on ECW will not translate to the game so Sheamus, Tyler Reks, Yoshi Tatsu and Abraham Washington are missing as well. Also absent is the current #1 contender for the ECW Championship, Zack Ryder…you know it. Seldom used Jesse and Festus take up roster spots this year, along with the inactive JBL, Mr. Kennedy, The Brian Kendrick and Umaga.
The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin appear as the only legends in the game. That may mean we’re due for another Legends of WrestleMania game, hopefully the new one is worth playing.
The game comes out in a month and gameplay information is sparse. The videos I’ve seen depict the in-ring action much like the versions from 2009 or 2008. It’s tough to make judgments without playing the game but last years version disappointed in the squared circle.
There is a serious lack of details about this game compared to years past. It reminds of when a horrible movie doesn’t get screened by critics until after the release. With all the time touting the new features, let us be optimistic that the same amount of time was given to the in-ring action. It’s a new year so let us hope for the best. Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 hits stores October 20th for PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS, PSP and PS2.
What’s Hot
The brand new Create-A-Story sounds interesting. Here you can be your own booker and create your own storylines, decide matches and finishes. This could extend the replay value of the game greatly giving you the opportunity to recreate classic feuds or push Santino Marella. If your creativity is tapped, you can try the Road to WrestleMania mode which includes six new storylines.
The WWE Paint Tool will allow you to make the wrestlers you made look much better than they did in years past. The Create-A-Finisher mode returns with more options for high-flying moves and the front grapple position.
Superstar Threads is a feature that debuted in America in WCW/nWo Revenge and was last seen in WWF Raw 2 for Xbox. It allows you to change the outfit for existing superstars in the game. You can update Rey Mysterio’s look weekly or use it to give your most hated grappler an unwanted makeover. This is a basic feature but it’s great to be included in the Smackdown series for the first time. It also means we won’t be paying for updated color schemes in our downloadable content.
The new WWE Community Creations feature could be a huge hit. All of your creations can be shared with the world including anything mentioned above and entrance movies and highlight reels. Submissions can be tagged for specific terms, so searching the term powerbomb would bring up Kevin Nash, Psycho Sid, created powerbombs and other related items. There is no more going through intricate step-by-step instructions for how to create the perfect Razor Ramon. If you’ve ever played LittleBigPlanet you can see how massive and freeing this can be.
You won’t have to create Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger, Vladimir Kozlov, Ezekiel Jackson, Primo, Evan Bourne, Mike Knox or R-Truth. Also back to the game is crowd favorite, “The Bizarre One”, Goldust. All of your favorite WWE Superstars are in the game minus some fresh additions to the roster.
One criticism I had last year was that it was difficult for newcomers to join the fray. Much of the game relied on quick button presses which made rookies unlikely victors. That issue is addressed with the WWE Training Facility. The game features over 100 tips to keep you abreast of new additions to the game and for rookies to shake the green off.
What’s Not
The roster is mostly solid like I said with only a few key exceptions. The Hart Dynasty is represented only by Natalya Neidhart. The new talent initiative on ECW will not translate to the game so Sheamus, Tyler Reks, Yoshi Tatsu and Abraham Washington are missing as well. Also absent is the current #1 contender for the ECW Championship, Zack Ryder…you know it. Seldom used Jesse and Festus take up roster spots this year, along with the inactive JBL, Mr. Kennedy, The Brian Kendrick and Umaga.
The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin appear as the only legends in the game. That may mean we’re due for another Legends of WrestleMania game, hopefully the new one is worth playing.
The game comes out in a month and gameplay information is sparse. The videos I’ve seen depict the in-ring action much like the versions from 2009 or 2008. It’s tough to make judgments without playing the game but last years version disappointed in the squared circle.
There is a serious lack of details about this game compared to years past. It reminds of when a horrible movie doesn’t get screened by critics until after the release. With all the time touting the new features, let us be optimistic that the same amount of time was given to the in-ring action. It’s a new year so let us hope for the best. Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 hits stores October 20th for PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS, PSP and PS2.
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