8.0
Closing Comments
In the end, there are two main annoyances that stand out to me with WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 and make it just a bit less awesome than last year's effort -- the frustrating grapples and the rough Road to WrestleMania backstage stuff. Not being able to transition to a hip toss and watching John Cena's mouth open and close at random sucked me out of the experience.
Thankfully, there's plenty in this game that pulled me back in. Making choices in the stories, never knowing what was going to happen in WWE Universe Mode, and seeing fans hold up signs packing the IGN logo are all really cool memories I have from this game. Sure, it feels like a suped-up version of last year's title here and there, but there's nothing wrong with that when the game is this much fun.
IGN Ratings for WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 (X360)
8.0 Presentation
WWE Universe is an ever-evolving federation that reacts to what you're doing. That's awesome. Still, RTW's flapping heads and bare backstage areas take you out of the experience.
8.0 Graphics
The Superstars look good in the ring, but the crowd is still goofy and the backstage stuff can look desolate. The animations are rad, though.
7.5 Sound
The voice acting is good in the stories with one or two exceptions (looking at you, R-Truth), and the music is what you'd expect. Commentary is pretty weak as it repeats and is usually wrong.
8.0 Gameplay
The grapple system is frustrating at times as there's an added step to the real move you want, but I do enjoy reversing out of Finishers and being able to aim my powerbombs onto tables.
8.5 Lasting Appeal
It'll take some time to go through all the RTW stories, but what'll keep you coming back is leveling-up online, downloading stories and exploring WWE Universe.
In the end, there are two main annoyances that stand out to me with WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 and make it just a bit less awesome than last year's effort -- the frustrating grapples and the rough Road to WrestleMania backstage stuff. Not being able to transition to a hip toss and watching John Cena's mouth open and close at random sucked me out of the experience.
Thankfully, there's plenty in this game that pulled me back in. Making choices in the stories, never knowing what was going to happen in WWE Universe Mode, and seeing fans hold up signs packing the IGN logo are all really cool memories I have from this game. Sure, it feels like a suped-up version of last year's title here and there, but there's nothing wrong with that when the game is this much fun.
IGN Ratings for WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 (X360)
8.0 Presentation
WWE Universe is an ever-evolving federation that reacts to what you're doing. That's awesome. Still, RTW's flapping heads and bare backstage areas take you out of the experience.
8.0 Graphics
The Superstars look good in the ring, but the crowd is still goofy and the backstage stuff can look desolate. The animations are rad, though.
7.5 Sound
The voice acting is good in the stories with one or two exceptions (looking at you, R-Truth), and the music is what you'd expect. Commentary is pretty weak as it repeats and is usually wrong.
8.0 Gameplay
The grapple system is frustrating at times as there's an added step to the real move you want, but I do enjoy reversing out of Finishers and being able to aim my powerbombs onto tables.
8.5 Lasting Appeal
It'll take some time to go through all the RTW stories, but what'll keep you coming back is leveling-up online, downloading stories and exploring WWE Universe.
Comment