WWE SmackDown (video game series)

WWE SmackDown (video game series)

"WWE SmackDown vs. Raw" (formerly trademarked as "WWF SmackDown!" and "WWE SmackDown!") is a series of professional wrestling video games developed by Yuke's and published by THQ. The first game released was on the PlayStation console in 2000, which prompted the releases of sequels on the PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Mobile, Nintendo DS, and the Wii. The original series, produced from 2000 until 2003, was titled under the "SmackDown!" name, while the present series, which has been produced since 2004, is titled "SmackDown vs. Raw". In Japan, the series was published by Yuke's and was known as "Exciting Pro Wrestling" until 2005. Following "SmackDown vs. Raw 2007", THQ took over as the Japanese publisher and the series adopted the western name.ja icon cite web|url=http://www.yukes.co.jp/hp/game/?COM=list|accessdate=2008-05-12|title=YUKE'S Future Media Creators games list|publisher=Yuke's]

Each game is based on World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), a professional wrestling promotion, is playable in different professional wrestling match types, and features a roster based on WWE. A season mode has also been included since the series introduction, which is an arcade-like feature in which the player chooses a superstar to work with through a series of storylines that involve challenging for championships and choosing options that affect the superstar's career.

The "WWE SmackDown" series reception has been positive, and "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009" was rated 31st and 28th (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, respectively) in IGN's "Top 100 Games" list. [cite web|url=http://games.ign.com/topgames/|title=Top 100 Games by IGN|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-30] The series has been criticized for its unappealing season mode, poor audio quality, and small modifications to the features in each game, although it has been praised for presenting an engaging representation of the WWE franchise. [cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/856/856646p1.html|title=Three WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw video games for only $29.99|date=2008-03-04|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-13] Due to the series' popularity and reception, it is among the best-selling video game franchises, with 37 million copies shipped as of 2008.cite press release | url=http://investor.thq.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=96376&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1123080&highlight= | publisher=THQ | accessdate=2008-03-28 | title=The Number One Fighting Videogame Franchise Returns to the Virtual Ring with WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2009 | date=2008-03-28]

History

The series began under the "WWF SmackDown!" series name, with the release of "WWF SmackDown!". After releasing "" and "Just Bring It" under the same name, World Wrestling Federation (WWF) was ordered to change its name to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). [cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_05_06.jsp|title=World Wrestling Federation Entertainment Drops the "F" to emphasize the "E" for Entertainment|date=2002-03-06|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment Corporate|accessdate=2008-06-12] As a result, all WWF products, including unreleased video games, were ordered to avoid using the WWF acronym. Due to the name change, the series was renamed to the "WWE SmackDown!" series. [cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/358/358638p1.html|title=WWF is now WWE|author=IGN Staff|date=2002-05-06|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-12] After the release of "Shut Your Mouth" and "Here Comes the Pain" under the same name, THQ announced the release of "WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW", a new installment into the original "WWE SmackDown!" series. [cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/511/511512p1.html|title=Pre-E3 2004 SmackDown! vs. Raw Unveiled |last=Dunham|first=Jeremey|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-12|date=2004-03-05] Since the release of "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw", the "WWE SmackDown" games have been released under the "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw" name. Games released after "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw" were titled with the year after their year of release, such as "WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006", which was released in November 2005. In 2006, with the release of "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007", the exclamation mark from the "SmackDown" logo was removed, prompting the renaming of the series to the "WWE SmackDown" series. [cite web|url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/699/699316p1.html|title=World Premiere: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007|last=Dunham|first=Jeremey|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-12|date=2006-03-30]

There have been nine games released in the "WWE SmackDown" series—five under the "SmackDown!" name, and four under the "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw" name. The first game released was "WWF SmackDown!" and the most recent release was "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008". Two games, "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009" and "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw Online", are currently in production, with the latter setting to be series' first game on the PC.

Gameplay

All games up to the release of "WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006" retained the same game functions and mechanics as the original "WWF SmackDown!" release. For example, players pressed the grapple button and a directional button to perform an attack or throw. When "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007" was released, new game mechanics were introduced, in which a new control scheme altered the grappling system of the game, called "Ultimate Control moves." Unlike the previous games, where the player pressed two buttons to perform a grapple or an attack, players were able to place their opponents into a grapple position and then choose to perform a move by moving the directional buttons of their system's controller. For example, the player could place their opponent in a suplex grappling position and then either perform a normal suplex or a inverted suplex slam. [cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/744/744193p1.html|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 Game Review|last=Dunham|first=Jeremey|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-11|date=2006-11-06] [cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/smackdownvsraw2007/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs;reviews|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 Online Review|last=Navarro|first=Alex|publisher=Game Spot|accessdate=2008-06-11|date=2006-11-06] Before the release of "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008", in order for players to force a superstar to submit, they had to tap buttons to move a marker towards the end of the meter labeled "Submit", and the only way for opponents to escape was for them to move the meter towards "Escape". Included with the release of "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008" was a new submission system, in which the player had to move the analog sticks of their system's controller in different directions to force the opponent to submit, while the opponent could do the same to escape the submission hold.This was changed to that because of a number of people geting blisters from the button tapping and mashing. [cite web|url=http://games.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1692/WWE-SmackDown-vs-RAW-2008/|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 |publisher=Team Xbox|accessdate=2008-06-11|quote=A brand new Struggle Submission System will give players intuitive and natural control over their WWE Superstars by using the game’s popular analog controls. Realism and strategy are at the forefront, as players will now control the amount of pressure they apply to their opponents.]

In every game, the amount of damage inflicted to the player's chosen superstar was measured with a meter on the HUD, where a design of a male figure presented the damage. As a move is performed against a superstar, the affected area of the body flashes—the more damage that is done to that specific body part, the more likely it is for the superstar to submit. Colors are used to represent the amount of damage done to a specific body area; yellow represents minimal damage, orange represents moderate damage, and red represents maximum damage. [cite web|url=http://guides.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/839892/WWE-SmackDown-vs-RAW-2008/page_2.html|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 Guide|publisher=Team Xbox|accessdate=2008-06-11] The more damage inflicted to opponents, the more likely it is for them to lose the match. There are four ways to win a match in every game: by pinfall, submission, knockout, countout; alternatively, the match could end in a draw. With the introduction of an on-screen referee in "WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It", the ability to win by disqualification was also included.

Included with the release of "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw" was the option of fighting "dirty" or "clean". When players select "dirty", the superstar is booed by the audience in the game; conversely, the "clean" superstar is cheered by the audience. With the "dirty" or "clean" option comes the inclusion of performing a special maneuver when playing. Players using a "dirty" superstar must direct their superstar into building up their "dirty" meter by performing "dirty" tactics, such as attacking the referee or taking the pad off the ring's turnbuckle. Unlike performing dirty tactics, "clean" superstars build their meters by performing "clean" tactics, such as an aerial technique or performing a taunt. When "dirty" superstars' meters build up, they are able to perform a signature low blow; likewise, "clean" superstars can perform the opponent's signature move. [cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/wwesmackdownvsraw/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs;reviews|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw Online Review|last=Navarro|first=Alex|publisher=Game Spot|accessdate=2008-06-11|date=2004-11-04] [cite web|url=http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/E8E5347F-0E09-4308-BBC0-EEBB2120F0A2.htm?CS_pid=281096|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw Online Review|publisher=Game Informer|accessdate=2008-06-11]

With the release of "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006" was the inclusion of a stamina system, which is a measure of the superstars' stamina. The stamina system is measured by a meter on the HUD; the meter decreases when performing a variety of moves. The meter increases, however, when the player does nothing with the superstar or holds down a selected button that increases the stamina, which varies depending on the player's system. When the superstar's stamina is low, the wrestler reacts by moving slower when performing moves, walking, and running. If the meter decreases completely, the superstar will fall to the ground until the meter increases. [cite web|url=http://reviews.cnet.com/playstation-2-games/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw/4505-9581_7-31452532.html|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 CNET Review|last=Navarro|first=Alex|date=2007-11-16|publisher=CNET|accessdate=2008-06-11] [cite web|url=http://www.cnet.com.au/games/ps2/0,239029672,240059100,00.htm|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 CNET (Australia) Review|publisher=CNET (Australia)|accessdate=2008-06-11]

eason mode

In the "WWE SmackDown" series, the player is able to choose a "superstar" from a roster and compete in an arcade-like feature called season mode. In season mode, players direct their superstars through different career obstacles through a year of WWE programming to gain respect with other superstars and popularity among the fans. Like superstars from WWE, the superstars in the "WWE SmackDown" series season mode are involved in storylines that affect their career in some way. Beginning with the release of "WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth", the WWE Brand Extension has been included in season mode, and superstars are exclusive to one brand of WWE. A result of this feature is that the player's superstar may only wrestle superstars and compete for championships from the same brand on which he or she is a part. In season mode, the player's superstar has the ability to earn and wrestle for a variety of championships based on actual WWE Championships. When superstars win championships, their respect and popularity increase, which also increases their involvement in main event matches. As the superstar's respect and popularity increases through the year of WWE programming, is becomes more likely for the player to achieve the main goal in season mode, which is to earn a World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania, the WWE's flagship pay-per-view event and the final stage in season mode. After the final stage, season modes begins again with the same superstar chosen before, though the player has the option of switching superstars. The superstar is then a part of the WWE Draft Lottery and is assigned to a brand. [cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/375/375004p1.html|title=WWE SmackDown!: Season Mode|first=IGN Staff|date=2002-10-22|author=IGN Staff|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-11] cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/375/375004p2.html|title=WWE SmackDown!: Season Mode|first=IGN Staff|date=2002-10-22|author=IGN Staff|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-11]

Another game mode within season mode is General Manager mode, a feature that also began with the release of "SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006". In this mode, players are able to play as the General Manager of WWE's brands, where they compete with opposing brands by drafting superstars, setting champions, and creating rivalries for their own brand. Unlike season mode, where the player follows regulations by the General Manager, in General Manager mode, players regulate the careers of the superstars on their brand. [cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/664/664472p4.html|accessdate=2008-05-09|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 Review|last=Dunham|first=Jeremy|publisher=IGN|date=2004-11-04]

Exhibition mode

Other than the season mode, every game features an exhibition mode, where different professional wrestling match types are available. Basic matches included in every game are "one-on-one" matches, where a player chooses one superstar to wrestle another bot operated or human operated superstar, or tag team matches, where a pair of superstars team together to face another team. These basic matches may also expand into six-man tag team matches or non-elimination type matches, which include four or more superstars. [cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6183341/p-8.html|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 Game Spot Online Guide (P.8)|publisher=Game Spot|accessdate=2008-06-11] Besides basic matches, hardcore based matches are also included, such as the Steel Cage match, which has been included in every game, the Elimination Chamber, which was first included with the release of "WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain", [cite web|url=http://sports.ign.com/articles/454/454029p1.html|date=2003-04-03|title=WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain: Elimination Chamber Review|last=Robinson|first=Jon|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-11] and ECW Extreme Rules matches, which is basic hardcore wrestling based on the ECW brand of WWE (which first appeared with the release of "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008").cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/831/831925p1.html|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 Review|last=Greg|first=Miller|date=2007-10-03|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-11] Also included in every game is the Royal Rumble match, which is based on WWE's actual Royal Rumble match, in which a player chooses to compete as one superstar, and must wrestle against twenty-nine bot operated superstars. [cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6183341/p-7.html|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 Game Spot Online Guide (P.7)|publisher=Game Spot|accessdate=2008-06-11]

Online gameplay

Starting with the release of "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw", online gameplay was made available for players who had a Sony Network Adapter and a Sony PlayStation 2. Online gameplay was kept at a minimum, as online players only had two game modes to compete in: one-on-one and a Bra and Panties match, in which a player competes as a WWE Diva and strips the opposition of her clothes, until she is left with only her undergarments. [cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/561/561668p1.html|title=WWE SmackDown! vs Raw Review|first=IGN Staff|date=2004-10-29|publisher=IGN|last=Dunham|first=Jeremy|accessdate=2008-06-11|date=2004-10-24] When "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006" was released, the online gameplay was changed, and players were able to compete in more match types, defend created championships, and compete with up to four players in each match. [cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/657/657279p1.html|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 Online Review|last=Dunham|first=Jeremey|date=2005-10-25|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-11] With the release of "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008" on the Xbox 360 console, players were able to rip music from their computer's hard disk drive into the video game, where the music can be used in superstars' ring entrances. [cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/831/831925p3.html|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 Review|last=Greg|first=Miller|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-11|quote=Also, 360 kids get to rip music from their hard drive and put it in as entrance music.|date=2007-11-01]

Roster

Every game in the "WWE SmackDown" series includes a roster of "superstars" based on superstars who compete for WWE. Every year, WWE acquires new superstars and releases old superstars. As a result, every time a "WWE SmackDown" game is released, the new superstars are added into the game and the old released superstars are removed from the game to reflect the changes in the actual WWE. From the release of "WWF SmackDown!" to the release of "WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It", superstars were not divided into brands. In 2002, the WWE split its entire roster into two brands of wrestling, called Raw and SmackDown!, which were named after WWE's television shows. [cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_03_27.jsp|title=WWE Entertainment To Make RAW and SMACKDOWN Distinct Television Brands|date=2002-05-27|publisher=WWE Corporate|accessdate=2008-06-30] The WWE Brand Extension was first featured in "WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth". [cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/359/359814p1.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth Review|first=IGN Staff|date=2002-05-17|author=IGN Staff|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-11] In 2006, WWE launched a new brand, called ECW, which was named after the original Extreme Championship Wrestling promotion. [cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2006/2006_05_25_02.jsp |title=WWE Launches ECW As Third Brand|publisher=WWE Corporate|date=2006-05-25|accessdate=2008-06-30] The new ECW brand was first featured in "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008". [cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6168371.html|title=ECW Invades SmackDown vs. Raw 2008|last=Sinclair|first=Brendan|date=2007-03-20|publisher=Game Spot|accessdate=2008-06-11] WWE holds an annual draft lottery, in which WWE superstars switch brands. The games in production when the draft occurs include the changes that take place in the draft. For example, when "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008" was in production during June 2007, the 2007 WWE Draft took place, and the draft changes were included in the video game. Another brand of wrestling included in the series is the legends program, which was first included with the release of "WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain". [cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/456/456113p1.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain: The Legends|last=Dunham|first=Jeremey|date=2003-10-22|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-11] Popular WWE alumni or members of the WWE Hall of Fame have been included since then under the legends program.

Create mode

The series features a create-a-wrestler mode, where players are able to create their own wrestler, including their move set and ring entrances. The feature was introduced when "WWF SmackDown!" was released in 2000. As new games were released, the mode was altered; the first change came with the release of "WWE SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role", which featured a mode in which wrestler taunts could be created and customized. This was further modified in "WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth", which enabled players to create the walking style of a wrestler. [cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/sports/wwesmackdownshutyourmouth/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs%3Breviews&page=3|title=WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth Review|publisher=Game Spot|last=Varanini|first=Giancarlo|accessdate=2008-06-13|date=2002-11-07] With the release of "WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006", the game first featured the ability for players to make an entrance for the created superstar. [cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/wwesmackdownvsraw2006/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs%3Breviews&page=3|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 Review|last=Navarro|first=Alex|publisher=Game Spot|accessdate=2008-06-13|date=2006-11-16] The feature was expanded with the release of "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007", as players could place pyrotechnics and special effects in any part of the superstar's entrance. [cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/smackdownvsraw2007/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs%3Breviews&page=2|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 Review|last=Navarro|first=Alex|publisher=Game Spot|accessdate=2008-06-13|date=2006-11-14] As an addition to "SmackDown vs. Raw 2009", there will be a create a finisher mode where the player chooses 10 out of 500 animations combined to make there own personalised finisher.

Development

Every game in the "WWE SmackDown" series has been developed by Yuke's and published by THQ. [cite web|url=http://www.yukes.co.jp/english/game/game_title_list.html|title=Yuke's Future Media Creators game developing list|publisher=Game Spot|accessdate=2008-06-11] [cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/games.html?type=company&mode=6374|title=THQ Company Page|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=2008-06-11] Before the release of "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw", the only communication possible in season mode was through subtitles. Voice over, however, was included in season mode with the release of "WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW". WWE superstars pre-record a script, which is then assigned to the voice of the corresponding superstar in the game. With the exception of "WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain", pre-recorded commentary by WWE commentators has been included in each game since the release of "WWE SmackDown! Just Bring It". [cite web|url=http://reviews.cnet.com/playstation-2-games/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw/4505-9581_7-31449307.html?tag=prod.txt.1|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw Review|last=Navarro|first=Alex|date=2004-11-01|publisher=CNET|accessdate=2008-06-11]

Yuke's studios in Yokohama, Japan worked with WWE writers to create storylines for the season modes of each "WWE SmackDown" game. [cite web|url=http://uk.videogames.games.yahoo.com/ps2/previews/wwe-smackdown--vs--raw-2006-b1a8a8.html|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 GM Mode Spotlight|publisher=Yahoo! Games (UK)|author=Game Spot|accessdate=2008-06-12] When "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007" was released for more than one console, Yuke's had to port their original game codes that make up each game mode and graphic designs to a new game engine that supported the new consoles. When new features are added to "WWE SmackDown" games, developers have to create new gaming codes for the features. Along with the features, the developers have to test the game for any errors. [cite web|url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2007/747289p2.html|title=Yuke's break down SmackDown! Online|last=McGarvey|first=Sterling|date=2006-11-01|publisher=Game Spy|accessdate=2008-06-12] An improvement done yearly by Yuke's with each release of a "WWE SmackDown" game is the polygon count for the 3D models of the superstars in each game. [cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/526/526341p1.html|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw Interview|last=Dunham|first=Jeremey|date=2004-06-25|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-12] Every game in the series is also developed using the game engine based on the one used by the Japanese professional wrestling video game series "Toukon Retsuden", which was also developed by Yuke's. [cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/sports/wwfsmackdown/news.html?sid=2446823|date=1999-11-10|accessdate=2008-05-23|title=New WWF Smackdown Screens|publisher=GameSpot|last=Kennedy|first=Sam]

Reception

The original "WWF SmackDown!" was one of the most popular games for the Playstation console in 2000, selling over 975,000 units for the PlayStation, [cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-BestSellUS.shtml|title=US Top Best Selling Games in 2000|publisher=Magic Box|accessdate=2008-06-12] and selling over one million copies in the United States. [cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml|title=US Platinum Chart Games|publisher=Magic Box|accessdate=2008-06-12] The game lost appeal due to the failing of a well-established season mode that was deemed "disappointing." The season mode was criticized for the lack of in-depth storylines and the way superstars spoke in season mode, through "putrid lines" and "blocked text." [cite web|url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/163/163317p1.html|title=WWF SmackDown! Review|last=Nix|first=Marc|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-12|date=2000-03-01] "" received a better reception than the first "WWE SmackDown" game, as IGN stated that season mode "actually works properly", though the audio of the game was lacking as there was no commentary, and only generic music was included in the game. [cite web|url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/164/164828p1.html|title=WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role|last=Smith|first=David|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-12|date=2000-11-22] "WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It", according to IGN, did little to improve the season mode of the game, [cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/165/165128p1.html|title=WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It Review|last=David|first=Smith|date=2001-11-19|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-12] while GameSpot stated that the addition of audio commentary detracted from the playing experience. [cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/sports/wwfsmackdownjustbringit/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs%3Breviews&page=3|title=WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It Review|last=Villoria|first=Gerald|date=2001-11-14|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=2008-06-30]

"WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth" and "WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain" received more positive reviews from both IGN and GameSpot, both of whom cited the expanded season mode as an improvement, although flaws were still visible in the mode. It improved from the previous three "WWF SmackDown!" games, as it was written by actual WWE storyline writers. [cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/456/456414p5.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain Review|last=Dunham|first=Jeremey|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-12|date=2004-10-24] [cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/sports/wwesmackdownhctp/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs;reviews|title=WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain Review|last=Navarro|first=Alex|date=2004-10-23|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=2008-06-30] Both games also featured generic music, though the quality of it had improved. "Shut Your Mouth" featured little improvement to the commentary, which was then removed completely from "Here Comes the Pain". [cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/456/456414p7.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain Review|last=Dunham|first=Jeremey|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-12|date=2004-10-24] [cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/376/376682p3.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth Review|last=Smith|first=David|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-12|date=2002-11-07] "WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW" received a more positive review than previous games, as GameShark stated that it was "a wonderful new edition to the SmackDown! family, serving up slick graphics, vastly enhanced gameplay, and lots of other bells and whistles that make the whole package shine." [cite web|url=http://www.gameshark.com/reviews/1960/p_10/WWE-SmackDown!-vs-RAW-Review.htm|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw Review |last=Fudge|first=James|publisher=GameShark|accessdate=2008-06-30|date=2004-11-17] "WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006" received a positive review and a 9.2/10 rating by IGN due to the additions of matches, the General Manger mode, and the ability to defending championships in exhibition mode. [cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/664/664472p4.html|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2006 Review|last=Dunham|first=Jeremey|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-06-12|date=2005-11-04] "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007" and "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008" received more negative reviews due to lack of an appealing season mode and little improvement of features, with the exceptions of the "Ultimate Control moves," "Struggle system," and the ECW Extreme Rules matches. [cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/14F67332-D5B9-4109-AB73-FF6C427BA205.htm|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 Review|last=Reiner|first=Andrew|publisher=Game Informer|accessdate=2008-06-30] [cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/ps2/wwe_smackdown_vs_raw_2008|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 Review|last=Tan|first=Nick|publisher=Game Revolution|accessdate=2008-06-30|date=2007-12-11]

References

External links

* [http://www.smackdownvsraw.com/ SmackDown! vs. Raw official website]


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