WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 Review

While I’ve cast my reviewing net over a wide swath of the gaming lake, one species has narrowly evaded capture: the wrestling title. Blame the oversight on arrogance- I’ve impetuously followed the prevailing  notion which asserts that sophisticated, frame-counting fighting games are the proper representation of human combat.  Recent reviews of Lucha Libra AAA: Heroes del Ring and the PSP iteration of TNA Impact!  have showed me otherwise, illustrating the gratifying plebeian pleasures of a good face and heel match.

After surveying the more modest wrestling franchises, it was time to evaluate the industry leader- WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011. Now in its twelfth season in the ring, the Yuke’s Media Creations-developed title offers a abundance of game modes and customization options to create a playground that impressively recreates the WWE experience. Although a passing knowledge of Vince McMahon’s current roster can certainly bolster a players interest in Smackdown vs. Raw, it’s not a requisite.  The game’s inspired Universe mode produces enough random-generated drama to draw the interest of even casual admirers.

With a steady stream of rivalries, double-crosses, weekly Raw and Smackdown episodes and even Royal Rumble events, the WWE Universe proficiently combines the franchise’s  recurrent exhibition and career modes. Variables ranging from match outcomes, types of win condition, as well as things like mid-match assists and entrance assaults are used to generate SvR 2011‘s dynamic storyline, abandoning the predetermined  alliances and grudges of previous iterations. When the Hart Dynasty’s durable union was undermined by David Hart Smith’s dubious allegiances (mirroring the Nov. 15th Raw match) the game proved to be eerily prophetic as well as entertaining. Being able to jump into Universe, inflict a change or two, and see the results play out is an undeniably captivating moment where the butterfly effect and gaming vividly collide. Unlike most sports games, players can follow the causality of each decision.

For player’s seeking a more scripted diversion, there’s WWE‘s Road To Wrestlemania campaign. Reminiscent of the trajectory of a role-playing game, the component tasks players with leading a personality to the Spring pay-per-view event. The focus here are the pre-match diversions, from initiating and listening in on conversations, being confronted by other wrestlers, and deciding whether to come to the aid of an ally or diva. Unfortunately, the Road has its share of potholes- from an unmistakable lack of lip-synching to a frustratingly frugal reward system, making the mode feel a bit rushed.

Although SvR 2011‘s controls don’t attempt to innovate they are reliably serviceable.  Strikes and Irish whips are mapped to the face buttons, while reversals are initiated with a press of the right trigger. The game’s one nuance come with the right-thumbstick instigated grapples- no longer do players have to select light or heavy variations, now the computer automatically selects the appropriate maneuver based on the stamina level of your opponent. The game’s one small defect occurs when players want to traverse the ring’s aprons- the lightest tap of the ‘A’ is required.

Considering the amount of content in the title- from seventy WWE superstars, a host of arenas, and a wealth of create-a-wrester parts, SvR 2011‘s presentation is remarkably solid. With convincing (but repetitive)  animations, graphic transitions, and a fancy edits, matches can nearly resemble their televised counterparts. Beyond entrance themes and the sporadic sound of a folding chair to a back, the game’s commentary is limited- players will hear the same phrases after a few extended matches.

With every type of match available as an multiplayer contest, SvR 2011‘s online functionality is indisputably robust. Unfortunately, some Xbox Live competitions succumbed to a bit of sporadic lag, especially during the heavier populated contests. The title’s WWE Online Axxess grants gamers the ability to share and download custom wrestlers and logos, as well as rate content.