WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2007

[L.S.D]

Game: WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2007
System: PSP
Emulators: None


THQ's Smackdown series have always been the norm where we will get an annual update on
the wrestling game on PS1 and PS2. PSP get a taste of wrestling when the PSP version of
SVR 2006 was released on Dec 2005. The game deliver a solid wrestling game on a handheld,
never before seen with everything from the console version ported to the PSP version. However,
a lot of people were put off by the long loading time (holding the record for the longest loading time
on a PSP) and bypass the game. Another years goes by and the latest version arrived on Nov 2006.
So, how does this fare compare to the 2006 version? Read on.

Graphics:


First of all, for those that own the 2006 version, you will notice somthing on the graphics......THERE IS NO
DIFFERENCE AT ALL in the 2007 version. You still get the same highly detailed wrestlers, the slightly jagged
environment, the cardbox audiences that you get in 2006 version. I was slightly disappointed with the
non-improvement in this department after seeing the gorgeous X360's screenshots. I was hoping that some
improvement will be made so that it will be more gorgeous. However, this doesn't mean that the graphics
is not good in the 2007 version. But it seems to me that THQ decided not to put much efforts in the graphic
department since they are not facing competitions at all on the handhelds. Hopefully the next version will
feature a better improvement, if any.


Graphics: 7/10 (laziness on THQ for not improving even slightly)

Controls:

There was some improvements on the controls on the console version which I am not aware of.
But from what I know, the control is different on the PSP due to lack of 2nd analog stick. Aside from
the usual run, punch, grapple and action button, there is a new gapple control which is called the
Ultimate Grapple system. This is initiated by pressing the R Shoulder button + Circle + Directional Pad.
Each directions give you a different kind of grapple. Once grabbed, you can press Circle again to
move into the actual Grapple system. THere, you will given a choice to execute moves using the analog
stick, YES, the analog stick on the PSP. Following the movement of analog stick needed to execute
the wrestling move, you will push the analog stick as indicated. In actual, this is EASIER to execute than
it sounds. let me give an example. Using Undertaker, you initiate an Ultimate Grapple move with
R+Up+Circle. pressing a Circle again will have Undertaker getting ready to perform a chokeslam.
Two options appears. You can either press Circle again for another wrestling move or you can move
your analog stick up to lift your opponent. if you lift your opponent up, you have the option to either
chokeslam the opponent to the mat by pushing the analog stick down OR you move Undertaker to the
rope AND chokeslam the opponent to the floor outside the ring! yes, the new grapple system can be
interactive to the surrounding and the wrestling moves might change, depending on where you are.
Although it seems tedious to execute, a little practise will ensure that you can perform all wrestling moves
smoothly. Best ever on any Smackdown series.

Controls: 9/10 (great innovation on the controls, IMO)

Sound:

The sound department again is top notch. Despite some dubious selection of BGM music, the BGM
still sound better than the 2006 version. Again, all voiceovers from the actual wrestlers are in, their
entrance musics, the crowd effects all intact. In fact, kudos to the team for improving on the entrance
music as no longer we have a loopy entrance music (which happens to a lot of entrance music on 2006
version)

Sound: 9.5/10

Presentation:


This is a department that I simply have to add in for this review. A wrestling game won't feel like a
wrestling game if it didn't play like watching wrestling on TV. I am happy to say that THQ get that feel
right down to the pat this round. Entrances of each wrestlers were done perfectly. During the cutscenes
in story mode, it is just like you are watching a wrestling program on TV, with the commentaries and the
camera shaking while chasing after wrestlers. Every details were captured brilliantly. Wrestling fans will
be very happy. I love the entrance to Mr. KENNNNNEEEEEEEEDYYYYY.....................KENNNNNE EEEEDDDYYY
the most as it really capture that particular bastard's cockiness well


Presentation: 10/10

Gameplay:

Other than the new grapple system, the rest of the gameplay did not change much. We still have the stamina
bar to contend with, ability to store and use the Special move. The new grapple system did add some spices
to the game with the ability to interact with the surroundings. Also, a new addition is the hotspots for some
special moves. If you drag your opponents to a certain parts of the ring or outside the ring, a kind of mini
games will be started with instructions on how to push the analog. Example, you can drag your opponent
to the turnbuckle, then a minigame will start where you push the opponent to the turnbuckle and climb up
on him. THere you have the option to raise your hands and punch him 10 times just like the actual situation
on a wrestling match, and the opponent can counter you also by pushing you down. Or if you are a heel, you
can expose the turnbuckle, the drag your opponent to the turnbuckle and proceed to hammer the brain
out from your opponent there A great addition although the novelty will wear off once you have tried
every hotspots available.
AI is still the same as ever, and once you have mastered the game, the Hardest setting will be quite easy
for you (it will still give you a challenge). Season mode was improved with a more extensive storyline,
a better way of telling the story and also improvement on the locker room where you will receive text
messages on your cell phones (in game cellphones, not your real world cell phones, dummy) from
wrestlers commenting or initiating the stories. More choices could be made in the storyline and there are
more branches to play with.
As usual, all the modes from Elimination Chamber to Last man standing matches are still in. A new addition
is the Money In the Bank match, popularised by RVD in the last two Wrestlemania. With the addition,
the match and Ladder match were also improved where it is more difficult to bring down the prize hanging
on top. A Money In The Bank match can really be as exciting and exhasuting as the real one. Another addition
is the Road to Wrestlemania mode where you are thrown into series of matches leading up to Wrestlemania
with no choice of wrestlers at all. IMO, I rather have the mini-games. I did not find the new mode interesting
at all. The GM Mode which was introduced last version made a comeback and was improved on. Now,
you can hire writers to create certain storylines for your wrestlers to wrestle in. However, i still find the GM
mode a bore and didn't find enough motivation to finish it .
Loading times has been improved a lot. We no longer have to wait for one minute to play a match, but
instead, only 40 - 45 minutes is needed. HOWEVER, i found that the loading can be more annoying compared
to 2006 version. In this version, I found that the loading happens too frequently. Going from one menu to
another menu might even initiate a loading just because the game want to load a different BGM. THis can
be really irritating especially when you navigating between menus. A problem not found on the 2006 version.

Gameplay : 8/10

Graphics: 7/10
Controls: 9/10
Sound: 9.5/10
Presentation: 10/10
Gameplay: 8/10

Overall Score: 8.7/10
Tilted : Minus 0.5
Actual score : 8.2/10

Summary:

A lot of people might be wondering why I give a lower score after giving a score of 8.7. Despite the new
addition of modes and controls and whatnots, I still have the feeling of playing a rehashed game. Granted,
there are some improvements made but I still feel like I can just get the 2006 version and play it.
I love this game, however i still feel like I am only getting a game with an updated roster of wrestlers
and some tweaks here and there. Hopefully, we can have a revamp next version to justify purchasing
another Smackdown game. Those who have not play the Smackdown series on PSP, maybe you can
still hunt down an old copy of the 2006 version at bargain price. Die hard fans will probably buy it just
to get an updated roster anyway

[Phr0z3n]

nice review! thanx! Was considering to buy this one since I couldn't find the 2006 version.

[loca]

Isn't this game really old? Well none the less nice review.

[L.S.D]

Originally Posted by Psploca

Isn't this game really old? Well none the less nice review.

It came out on Nov 2006. I just want to really play it extensively before writing a review. Took me quite a while since a few good games came out last few months

EDIT: I think you are talking about 2006 version. Pls read my review on that too

[iTrunks]

The PSP version was released in December 06 . But nice review, as always. I agree with everything stated in this review. Very comprehensive.

[JoeyStorm]

i think if you're really into wrestling (like i was) you would only want a revamped roster of the next SD vs Raw

i mean... who really wants to play with kurt angle now on 2007 when he's gone? what we always want is a new revamped roster (CAW's r nice but they just dun really cut it)

however i agree that i wud play 2006 over 2007... why? the new grapple metod isn't up to par as it used to(just my opinion anyways)

improved graphics? hard to say.. psp does have some nice graphics.. but by how much can you improve sd vs raw?

[phrogger]

Graphics still the same as the one from last year or 2 but new match events are good.Overall i wont buy it

[smellfunny2000]

Thanks for the review. I might pick it up if/when it comes down in price.

[jim2k23]

Have the 360 version and have just brought a psp is it worth getting would you say, just as a portable wrestling game.

[salvi24]

hopefully my cousin will let me borrow it so i can see how cool dis game is...