Xbox 360
Smackdown v Raw 2010 is the latest WWE offering to hit the shelves, a must for all wrestling fans. Over the years the SvR series has gradually improved but this year has seen the biggest advancement to date. On entering the game you find yourself in the newly added training ring; great for first time players. Here you not only get the chance to practice your moves but you will find tips and hints to prepare you for what lies ahead. For the more experienced gamer it is very easy just to skip the training ring, but don’t dismiss it entirely, a visit now and then is essential to perfect your signature moves.
First up you have to select what you want to play – one on one, two on two, triple threat, fatal 4 way, 6 man, handicap, Royal Rumble and the brand new Championship Scramble. All pretty straightforward for wrestling enthusiasts. But this is where it may get a little overwhelming for those less familiar with the SvR series. There is a gargantuan number of types of matches to choose from , for example last man standing, TLC (tables ladders and chairs), inferno, steel cage, elimination chamber to name but a few.
All the favourites from both Smackdown and Raw are here for you to choose with newcomers such as R-truth and Evan Bourne making an appearance. There is the added bonus ECW returning once again with stars including Captain Charisma himself Christian, Tommy Dreamer, good old Goldust and William Regal and of course the adored, cherished Divas. Who doesn’t love the Divas!?
You are however not restricted to using “real” characters; in creator mode you are free to invent your own wrestler. Body definition, eyes, eyebrows, ears, scars, all your own making, it’s not just a case of fashioning him from parts. This section also has another new characteristic, allowing you to edit the professional wrestlers’ attire too; why not change the colour of Rey Mysterio’s mask or Jeff Hardy’s face paint? This feature is bound to become a favourite.
Two story modes return once more. In Road to Wrestlemania there are new competitors such as Edge and the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels, your created superstar can take part too. Here you can also unlock more superstars; it will take time but well with the effort. Career Mode is all about winning matches and winning them with style. Each match is rated on a star basis, the more stars you receive the quicker you will get a title shot. So is it all about the superstars? Of course it’s not, there are a host of new moves and finishers too, some of which are mind-blowing.
You can create your own finisher too. This may prove a bit daunting for those entering the wrestling arena for the first time, but it is not as difficult as you think, just take it step by step and you will soon have a move to be proud of. Finally, the biggest and best addition to 2010 is the Story Designer. It is every SvR gameplayer’s dream to create their own story, setting the scene to unfold over a number of Smackdown v Raw shows – one; two; ten or more shows, all up to you, starring who you want, professional or created wrestlers. This is a unique opportunity and well worth exploring.
SvR2010 is by far the best in the WWE series, the improved graphics lend it to being so much better than its predecessors and, without trying to sound too gruesome, the blood is the best it has ever been! Camera angles outside the ring could be better but otherwise a truly superb WWE gaming experience.