WWE Smackdown vs Raw

[TheRock88]

Anyone get the game yet? I've been hearing that the reviews have been a little lower compared to the past SD games. Cant wait to pick up my copy tomorrow after school.

[Scorch]

I won't pick it up at all. Here's why.. IGN put this in their review, it took me a full readthrough to notice the faults..

Online (Dis) Connection
You see, as cool as it may have sounded to get the online feature that I always wanted, it didn't quite turn out the way I had hoped. Because unlike most of today's other prominent sports titles, be they Madden, NBA Live, or what have you, WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW doesn't offer any type of supplementary online content whatsoever. So while most competitive broadband users out there are used to such features as Internet gaming leagues, automatic ranking systems, downloadable content, and multiplayer support beyond just two players, SmackDown offers none of that -- providing instead, a simplistic two-prong option for either wrestling in a singles head-to-head match or a females-only bra and panties bout.

Regardless of what kind of match they choose to play, however, gamers will never be able to track their win/loss records, defend created belts online, wrestle in tag-team and specialty matches, or even protect their pseudo-identities -- as the GameSpy-powered Interface doesn't allow players to save permanent IDs sever-side. Perhaps most disappointing of all, though, is the fact the broadband-only setup doesn't support USB headsets, only keyboards while in the lobby area.

Where are Eugene, and Gail Kim, and Maven? Why can't we play as Rob Conway, Sylvain Grenier, or Tyson Tomko? And why have Billy Kidman, Funaki, and Johnny Stamboli been overlooked for the second year in a row?


This one right here is what killed my decision


Unfortunately for fans that are looking for additional feature upgrades, SmackDown! vs. RAW just doesn't have them. In fact, in many respects the game has taken a few steps southward. Backstage arenas, for example, have been removed entirely with the exception of a single large environment; and while that solo atmosphere is still highly interactive with plenty of different contact points, it provides nowhere near as much fun as the various backstage levels from Here Comes the Pain did. Additionally, THQ has removed the Cruiserweight, Women's, World Tag Team, and WWE Tag Team championships from career mode altogether (only the WWE, World, Intercontinental, and U.S. titles remain), and the cool stat tracking feature I thought was so helpful last year is gone as well.

career mode seems a lot more linear than it was last year

every wrestler but two (John Cena and a legend) were stripped of their alternate attires

To that, I say..


Only belts that are in season are WWE, World, IC and US title? No alternate costumes? No backstage area? No branching storymode? No tag team online play? Fuck this game.

[swetooth9]

I won't pick it up at all. Here's why.. IGN put this in their review, it took me a full readthrough to notice the faults..

Online (Dis) Connection
You see, as cool as it may have sounded to get the online feature that I always wanted, it didn't quite turn out the way I had hoped. Because unlike most of today's other prominent sports titles, be they Madden, NBA Live, or what have you, WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW doesn't offer any type of supplementary online content whatsoever. So while most competitive broadband users out there are used to such features as Internet gaming leagues, automatic ranking systems, downloadable content, and multiplayer support beyond just two players, SmackDown offers none of that -- providing instead, a simplistic two-prong option for either wrestling in a singles head-to-head match or a females-only bra and panties bout.

Regardless of what kind of match they choose to play, however, gamers will never be able to track their win/loss records, defend created belts online, wrestle in tag-team and specialty matches, or even protect their pseudo-identities -- as the GameSpy-powered Interface doesn't allow players to save permanent IDs sever-side. Perhaps most disappointing of all, though, is the fact the broadband-only setup doesn't support USB headsets, only keyboards while in the lobby area.

Where are Eugene, and Gail Kim, and Maven? Why can't we play as Rob Conway, Sylvain Grenier, or Tyson Tomko? And why have Billy Kidman, Funaki, and Johnny Stamboli been overlooked for the second year in a row?


This one right here is what killed my decision


Unfortunately for fans that are looking for additional feature upgrades, SmackDown! vs. RAW just doesn't have them. In fact, in many respects the game has taken a few steps southward. Backstage arenas, for example, have been removed entirely with the exception of a single large environment; and while that solo atmosphere is still highly interactive with plenty of different contact points, it provides nowhere near as much fun as the various backstage levels from Here Comes the Pain did. Additionally, THQ has removed the Cruiserweight, Women's, World Tag Team, and WWE Tag Team championships from career mode altogether (only the WWE, World, Intercontinental, and U.S. titles remain), and the cool stat tracking feature I thought was so helpful last year is gone as well.

career mode seems a lot more linear than it was last year

every wrestler but two (John Cena and a legend) were stripped of their alternate attires

To that, I say..


Only belts that are in season are WWE, World, IC and US title? No alternate costumes? No backstage area? No branching storymode? No tag team online play? shaq-fu this game.\

exactly...it would have been better even if they kept the same stuff, just updated the graphics and roster and just worked on the online component....

[Randy Orton]

If you listen to reviews, then you shouldn't be playing any games. Basically, the review is from one guy, how can you base your decision on some guy who reviews games? It should be YOU who decides the outcome of buying it. I had my doubts a bit, but I then realized, "hey, why not try it myself instead of just being sucked into the reviews". Of course, the game is fun with or without online use. If you have alot of wrestling fans as friends, then it really gets fun making belts, and like today, GCW (my fed), JWF (my friends fed) had a war with our 4 superstars we made each. The game is good, trust me. It's really good if you make more superstars.

[Scorch]

The issues I'm focused on aren't opinionated, though. No alternate costumes, no tag straps in season, online play is one vs one with no stat tracking..

[Scorch]

Whoa. I played it today. I take back all of the above. It's awesome.

[dpatel]

It doesn't seem like they changed too much for SVR. It feels like im playing HCTP with updated graphics. I haven't had a chance to CAW yet (which is where most of time is spent in wrestling games). Even though the game could've been a lot better, IMO, I will still have fun using CAW's and playing with other people.

I guess I am just spoiled by def jam. Both are great games, but I think SVR will have more replay value.

[davidflecha17]

can you play this game with dial up? I heard that some games that say broadband only can still be played online with 56k.

[Scorch]

can you play this game with dial up? I heard that some games that say broadband only can still be played online with 56k.

Broadband Only.

[PhrostByte]

Austin, Goldberg, Hogan, Steiner, Lesnar, and many others aren't in it. I know the reason for this is because they are no longer in the WWE but still, it made the last game fun. Also, the roster isn't entirely accurate to the time of game development. The friggin Tag Team champs aren't in it (La Resistance)... I haven't played it, might be good...

[Scorch]

Austin, Goldberg, Hogan, Steiner, Lesnar, and many others aren't in it. I know the reason for this is because they are no longer in the WWE but still, it made the last game fun. Also, the roster isn't entirely accurate to the time of game development. The friggin Tag Team champs aren't in it (La Resistance)... I haven't played it, might be good...

It's excellent. Gameplay is great. Bret Hart makes up for all five of those guys.

[guyver2077]

yea its ok...graphics are better. IMO i love all wrestling games but this is like the madden of wrestling..every year more of the same....but still its kool..good story. its hard to top the leap that here comes the pain did to shut your mouth.

if anyone wants to play pm or something

[smellhasreturned]

its not 2 great seems like a rehashed hctp without lesnar or goldberg

[guyver2077]

yea its not the same without lesnar and goldberg :(

they took the honor of me wooping everyone with goldberg online..its gonna be hard for them to top last years roster though...

i think raw 2 had the best roster of any game though

[Monsta Mack]

It's ok. Not alot of updates and doesn't seem as fresh as HCTP was. Outside of online and Bret Hart nothing has really swooned me. Hopefully the next version of Smackdown has a deeper online counterpart, more wrestlers and a better story mode. I would give it a low 8 where as HTCP was probably the most improved/best Smackdown to date.

[Scorch]

I love it. I mean yeah, HCTP was probably better, but this one just flows a lot more smoothly. I'll play against you guyver, just name the time and place.

I'm usually Bret Hart. I had a match against Batista and survived three batista bombs and he survived two sharpshooters.. lasted 15 minutes and ended with me getting the win after he got frustrated and hit me with a chair.

Just had a GREAT 10 minute match against this guy named Delriach. He was Angle and I was Hart.. GREAT technical match, I'd love to see that match in real life.. He finally got me with the ankle lock..

[guyver2077]

allright kool. id play you now but im like half asleep and would get wooped real bad.

[Scorch]

I'm in Room 001 right now, actually.

[guyver2077]

fine im coming but excuse me if i play a lil assy....

[Scorch]

Hah, that was a quick match, I beat the crap out of you.

Note: I made this post before I actually had the match with him :P

[guyver2077]

are u in amateur cuz its full

edit...and u already beat me?? lol

edit..im there

[Scorch]

Yeah, amateur, forgot to mention that. It has 14/20 now.

Every time I try to join your game, it says "connection lost".

[guyver2077]

nothing dammit

now its full again

[guyver2077]

damn well i guess your gonna have to make me tap some other time....

[Scorch]

Doubtful. Seems like the internal firewalls in our router were clashing.

On a side note, I'm impressed with how updated this game is. They've even got Orton's new theme and him seperated from Evolution. Normally games are several (4+) months behind.. but this one's pretty updated.

[guyver2077]

yea next time...ill try to direct connect with my modem....

[Scorch]

Game is broadba..oh, I see what you mean. Yeah. Tomorrow, or whenever. This game is fun online.

[BustaUppa]

Damn, I can't wait to get this! The only thing holding me back is that the damn tiny PS2's haven't come back in stock yet (traded my old one for $100). I'll be up for some games with anyone here as soon as I get it.

btw Scorch, what made you change your tune on the game? I'm curious, you turned pretty hard there. Anything specific, or did the gameplay just generally kick ass?

[TheRock88]

Got the game yesterday and have been playing it nonstop. I also got Killzone and havent even touched it yet. The challenges give a lot of replay value to the game and they're pretty fun and challenging at the same time.

I'm having a blast so far, I'd give it a 8.5/10.

[slidecage]

is funner online then playing it solo.. I got One up for sale brand new if anyone wants it (40 shipped) I got it as a gift but instead of opening it up i rented the game to see if i like it before opening. Its a good game but dont really have much time to play it

[guyver2077]

well i havent even played online yet cuz i think its pretty barebones...i just like the season and stuff. let mw know if you wanna try again scorch. we should have a cag tourney or ppv lol

[CaseyRyback]

my friend rented it. He is supposed to bring it over along with his memory card.

I told him the only way I would let him play online is if he came over here with Bret Hart unlocked :lol:

[CaseyRyback]

The Hitman even gives his Sunglasses to a kid in the intro


awesome

[$hady]

i've got it rented, good stuff. :D

[-Never4ever-]

The issues I'm focused on aren't opinionated, though. No alternate costumes, no tag straps in season, online play is one vs one with no stat tracking..

Well there are alternate costumes, Rock Evolution, Shawn Micheals and Randy Orton each have alternates.

Personally, I prefer HCTP but this comes in at a close second as greatest wrestling game to date.

[guyver2077]

yea but after playing dor its hard for to play this game. yea the story and online are the strong point of this game but then engine in dor is just too much fun

[BustaUppa]

Yooo, finally got my new PS2. And I picked up SvR on my way home, so I am ready to go! If anyone is up for some games just let me know. On the PS2 server my name is Busta_Uppa.

[JSweeney]

So which would be the better purchase...
this or Rumble Roses?

[BustaUppa]

Well since they are based on the same engine, I would go for Smackdown. As I understand, the gameplay of RR is kind of like playing "Smackdown Lite"... simplified game mechanics (only one button to counter strikes and grapples, for example), and FAR less match modes.

But then again, I'm the kind of sicko who loves DOA Beach Volleyball, so I'll probably end up getting Roses anyway when the price drops :P

[CaseyRyback]

So which would be the better purchase...
this or Rumble Roses?

I have not played Rumble Roses, but if it is Smackdown " light " like I read over in the IGN review I would pass. Raw vs. Smackdown added a lot more content then they cut and the game is flat out amazing. Getting to hear the legends like the Legion of Doom and Bret Hart come out to their music is awesome, as is the fact that the characters actually have spoken dialogue in story mode.

If it was not for me being broke I would def. pick up SD vs. RAW (although my hands probably thank me as I have blisters from rapidly pressing buttons to apply the Sharpshooter on my friend)

[guyver2077]

i actually rented rumble roses and hsould get it in a couple days..ill see how it is.....

anyone wanna play online just holla

[BustaUppa]

LOL... the Garrison Cade loading screen just came on. That cracked me up.

[guyver2077]

hey busta u play smack online?

i think i played u in mk the 1st day i got it

[CaseyRyback]

LOL... the Garrison Cade loading screen just came on. That cracked me up.

I saw that earlier today and was laughing about it

[ViolentLee]

So which would be the better purchase...
this or Rumble Roses?

I have not played Rumble Roses, but if it is Smackdown " light " like I read over in the IGN review I would pass. Raw vs. Smackdown added a lot more content then they cut and the game is flat out amazing. Getting to hear the legends like the Legion of Doom and Bret Hart come out to their music is awesome, as is the fact that the characters actually have spoken dialogue in story mode.

If it was not for me being broke I would def. pick up SD vs. RAW (although my hands probably thank me as I have blisters from rapidly pressing buttons to apply the Sharpshooter on my friend)

To me, if the Road Warriors don't come out to Iron Man, it's not "their" music, but I'm just old-school like that.

I personally like SD vs. Raw and Rumble Roses. I reviewed both of them. They're kind of different games, so it's hard to pick one over the other. I'd say SmackDown is a better game, but Rumble has its own merits (like HOT females). Neither blew my mind, though.

[CaseyRyback]

So which would be the better purchase...
this or Rumble Roses?

I have not played Rumble Roses, but if it is Smackdown " light " like I read over in the IGN review I would pass. Raw vs. Smackdown added a lot more content then they cut and the game is flat out amazing. Getting to hear the legends like the Legion of Doom and Bret Hart come out to their music is awesome, as is the fact that the characters actually have spoken dialogue in story mode.

If it was not for me being broke I would def. pick up SD vs. RAW (although my hands probably thank me as I have blisters from rapidly pressing buttons to apply the Sharpshooter on my friend)

To me, if the Road Warriors don't come out to Iron Man, it's not "their" music, but I'm just old-school like that.

I personally like SD vs. Raw and Rumble Roses. I reviewed both of them. They're kind of different games, so it's hard to pick one over the other. I'd say SmackDown is a better game, but Rumble has its own merits (like HOT females). Neither blew my mind, though.

I understand what you mean, but I am just glad that Legends have any music at all. The whole mini ring thing in HCTP was lame.

I hope we eventually get a WWE Legends game, as that would be well worth the price of admission

[guyver2077]

i dont know why they didnt keep ted dibiase in the game...i would of loved to hear his song in the game

[Scorch]

That's essentially what the Showdown game is. I like the Showdown game.

Anyone wanna try Smackdown vs. Raw out sometime? I've played two online matches.. I won one and lost another. I was Hart, he was Batista.. I took him to the limit and he hit me with a chair after 20 minutes or so. Then I had a GREAT match with Hart vs. Angle.. Angle wore me down.

[BustaUppa]

hey busta u play smack online?

i think i played u in mk the 1st day i got it

Yes, and yes.

I'm going online right now in Smackdown, are you on? It'll be my first time!

[CaseyRyback]

That's essentially what the Showdown game is. I like the Showdown game.

Anyone wanna try Smackdown vs. Raw out sometime? I've played two online matches.. I won one and lost another. I was Hart, he was Batista.. I took him to the limit and he hit me with a chair after 20 minutes or so. Then I had a GREAT match with Hart vs. Angle.. Angle wore me down.

my friend offered to let me borrow his copy and I declined (mainly because I will be painting tomorrow).

If I see him tomorrow and can get it from him I will bump this post up and let everyone know I am on

[guyver2077]

yea scorch we gotta play. i have to say now i havent touched the game since i got halo 2 but i still will give it a go sometime

[BustaUppa]

holy crap... A-Train looks REALLY good in this game.

Ironic.

[MorbidAngel4Life]

The issues I'm focused on aren't opinionated, though. No alternate costumes, no tag straps in season, online play is one vs one with no stat tracking..

Well there are alternate costumes, Rock Evolution, Shawn Micheals and Randy Orton each have alternates.

Personally, I prefer HCTP but this comes in at a close second as greatest wrestling game to date.

I love HCTP. When I get my PS2 back, I am going to play that game hardcore.

[CaseyRyback]

if anyone wants to play I will be on around 9 tonight(maybe a little later though)

[CaseyRyback]

if anyone wants to play I will be on around 9 tonight(maybe a little later though)

bump. Still looking to play aganist someone ( have to direct connect, which is why I am asking if anyone wants to play). Do not want to go through the hassle if no CAG's want to play

[lintsniffer]

http://img114.exs.cx/img114/4287/gay8.jpg
WHO THE SHAQ-FU LIKES WRESTLING???? haha pllz let the flaming begin.

[MorbidAngel4Life]

http://img114.exs.cx/img114/4287/gay8.jpg
WHO THE SHAQ-FU LIKES WRESTLING???? haha pllz let the flaming begin.

Ahem. Obviously a lot of people do.

[dutch72]

( May contain Spoilers )....... I just got the game and started season mode as Batista As I Started my first match Flair came out as my first Opponent instead of my co - hort...WTF..so I beat him....then for my first major storyline I faced off against Tajiri ( sp ) which ended up a battle for Torrie...which I later laid the "ole meat pipe " to In the shower and now she Is my manager. At the moment I still Like HCTP better but I have yet to try online yet.

[crickett003]

So which would be the better purchase...
this or Rumble Roses?

Rumble Roses is an EXTREMELY shallow game. It is fun & nice to look at, but it seriously lacks any kind of depth that the recent WWE games have.

There are only 2 modes- exibition & story mode (You can't save during Story mode, meaning that you have to complete it in one sitting).

Overall, a decent rental, but not a lot of replay value. :)

[crickett003]

http://img114.exs.cx/img114/4287/gay8.jpg
WHO THE SHAQ-FU LIKES WRESTLING???? haha pllz let the flaming begin.

What is up with all these lame-ass "look-at-me-I'm-so-kool" noobs all of a sudden?! "haha pllz let the flaming begin." :roll: Stupid.

[mykevermin]

I like wrestling as much as I hate people who use terms like 'gay' or 'reatarded' as diminuitive terms.

And I hate those people more than the fact that I cannot connect my PS2 to the network in order to play SVR online.

But I've also rediscovered just how great HCTP is. I only wish it had custom tracks (like Raw 2 Xbox); does SVR have it? Someone has to use the PS2 HDD.

myke.

here, I'll be immature too: Take your ass to:
http://image.com.com/gamespot/shared/gamefaqs/header_logo.jpg

[TheRock88]

But I've also rediscovered just how great HCTP is. I only wish it had custom tracks (like Raw 2 Xbox); does SVR have it? Someone has to use the PS2 HDD.

myke.

Nope, doesnt have the feature. Hopefully, they'll have it in the next SD game.

[Scorch]

Well.. if you have HDLoader and a burner, yeah, you could.. you just rip RawVsSmackdown to your HD and replace themes.. a friend of mine did that.. not worth it, though.

[vrs1650]

Man wew should give noobs like three chances.
Piss people off once or twice is ok, we have all done it, but the third time, get you ass out of here.

[mykevermin]

Well.. if you have HDLoader and a burner, yeah, you could.. you just rip RawVsSmackdown to your HD and replace themes.. a friend of mine did that.. not worth it, though.

details, please.

myke.

[Scorch]

Well.. if you have HDLoader and a burner, yeah, you could.. you just rip RawVsSmackdown to your HD and replace themes.. a friend of mine did that.. not worth it, though.

details, please.

myke.

PM user '89' and ask, he should explain, he's the one that did it.

[geotech]

I'm not buying smackdown this year. I bought the last two, but with with no legends in season mode, no hard drive support for customized tracks and downloadable CAWs and some what lame roster (excluding Bret Hart).
The next Smackdown NEEDS HD support. Sure you can create a wrestler (like goldberg or hogan) but it's not the same for them to come out without their theme music. With filesharing programs it's easy to find themes for wrestlers. I think I'll pick up rumbe roses (when it's in the $20 range). Hopefully THQ will either do smackdown the right way next year, or just wait till PS3's launch. Why the heck can't you play legends in season mode??? UGH

[Scorch]

It doesn't matter if you play legends or not. The lines and story lines are the exact same every time you play through, which is a MAJOR letdown. With the new pstwo out and not supporting the HD, don't look for support to be added anytime soon.

As I said in the review, if you have HCTP, stick with it. It's infinitely better than Smackdown vs. Raw.

[mykevermin]

I'm not buying smackdown this year. I bought the last two, but with with no legends in season mode, no hard drive support for customized tracks and downloadable CAWs and some what lame roster (excluding Bret Hart).
The next Smackdown NEEDS HD support. Sure you can create a wrestler (like goldberg or hogan) but it's not the same for them to come out without their theme music. With filesharing programs it's easy to find themes for wrestlers. I think I'll pick up rumbe roses (when it's in the $20 range). Hopefully THQ will either do smackdown the right way next year, or just wait till PS3's launch. Why the heck can't you play legends in season mode??? UGH

You think THQ should include themes so that you can illegally download music to use in the game? While I don't disagree (all of us who have Raw 2 have done just that), you may want to consider an alternate strategy when talking to the THQ brass.

Downloadable updates will be demanded eventually, but why do that when you can sell old wine in new bottles once a year?

I could see THQ selling wrestlers updates, but not giving them away. It's the wave of the future.

myke.