WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2010 (PS3, 360, Wii) Preview

Posted by Chris Lansdell on 09.15.2009

First look: Created storylines, shared content and finally a Divas storyline mode!

There aren't many games that I buy religiously, year after year. I've been buying NBA Live since 1994, FIFA since 1998 and the WWE games since...well, since always. Since the start of the SMackdown vs Raw franchise, I've been reading the previews each September with great anticipation, drooling over the new features and imagining all the awesome that will be coming my way come November.

Every November I get let down. At least we know that won't be happening this year, as the game is set for an October 20 release date.

Last year it was the tag team focus that failed to deliver, along with the continued lack of Slobberknocker mode. I know a lot of people disliked the create-a-finisher but I had a lot of fun with it. What will be added this year?



You want me to do what?

The first and most interesting addition is the ability to create your own storylines. You'll be able to manipulate wrestlers, cut scenes, locations, matches, emotions, event cards, stipulations, intereference and other plot twists, even down to the level of camera angles and scripts for the wrestlers. Each created story can have up to 500 scenes in it, which is EPIC. Not only is this bound to appeal to the "armchair booker" crowd, but it's a noteworthy step for WWE as they are killing the last vestige of kayfabe they really had left.

The create-a-wrestler mode has long been the major selling point of the franchise, and this year they've added yet more. You can now add custom tattoos and designs with the new Paint tool, something that is sure to go down well with the internet custom-wrestler community, as well as create alternate attire for existing wrestlers. They've also added a host of parts, a new user interface and better graphics for the creation menus.

My baby, the create-a-finish, has had a major addition: you can create top-rope finishers, both to standing and prone opponents. Plus, they work on opponents outside too! Double shooting star legdrop off a ladder to the floor, here I come!

Once you've done all this creating, you will have the opportunity to upload your creations. I'm stoked about this part, since I'm pretty damn lazy when it comes to creating wrestlers and now I can let people do it for me. Moves, entrances, storylines, highlight reels and of course created superstars can all be uploaded and downloaded.



Now you can tell by the way I use my walk, I'm a woman's man...

The moves have been tweaked slightly, as you now have the ability to do more moves off the apron (like in No Mercy...). Ground grapples have also been increased to include a "Side" category, and the moves will vary depending on whether the opponent is face-up or face-down (like in No Mercy...). Struggle submissions are now manually instigated instead of being automatic, handy if you just want to punish someone.

Finally, we can tell you that the Road to Wrestlemania mode returns with an all-new Divas storyline (FINALLY!) and a created wrestler storyline. No other major changes have been announced, but there is some bad news for Wii owners.

Yes, once again you're getting the shaft. Shared content, custom outfits for existing Superstars and the Paint tool are all exclusive to the PS3 and 360 versions. But at least you get to create stories too!

More to come as I get it...

Screenshots
All 14 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 Screenshots