WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2007

"Best Smackdown since HCTP? I think so!"

The Smackdown! series of games is an exciting, quick paced, innovative series, that has certainly set the standard for all wrestling games. However, most people have been slightly disappointed with the lack of new features since Here Comes The Pain. The newest installment, certainly changes up some things, that certainly needed changing. Not to mention, this is the first good Xbox wrestling game!

Graphics: 10

I know, there are much more impressive graphics on the 360 but, this is the first wrestling game to look this good. Obviously, the 360's graphics, are the superior graphics over the PS2's, but that is to be expected. You can now see the wrestlers collect sweat as the match goes on, you can see the blood fly, and splash on the mat as you bust opponents heads open. I can't wait to see how good future wrestling game look!

Sound: 9

The commentary, is better than ever. Though I liked having just music playing, while I kicked much ass, the commentary is at least mildly enjoyable. Though there are several noticeable mistakes. However, if you can get over them calling the Divas men, and saying Booker T has never been champion, and that Rey Mysterio is too small to ever be champion, then you can enjoy the commentary much more than the old, lagging commentary. The music they picked was also pretty good for the game, I didn't enjoy the rap, or think it fitted in. However, I don't enjoy rap at all, so I might be biased.

Create A Wrestler: 10

The CAW in this game is the best from the Smackdown! games since the second installment. Now, we have better looking parts, and finally, long hair, that doesn't make a man look like a she-male. Also, you can make your people as strong, and buffed as Batista, or as tall and big, as The Big Show. Not to mention, the CAW's finally look close to as good as the real wrestlers.

Gameplay: 9.5

If you're a veteran of the old Smackdown! games, like me you thought you'd come in with an advantage, and could start kicking ass immediately. However, there is a small learning curve. Watch the Tutorial videos first, they're not that long, and they'll totally be worth it. Otherwise, your match will consist of quick grapples, and strikes. After you practice up, you're ready to enjoy this awesome game.

The new environment hot spots, is one of the best things about the game. Now you can control your wrestler, as he smashes your opponents head into the steel steps, chokes out a foe with a cable, and racks a poor bastard with the ropes. You can now take the fight into the crowd, which I know they did in Smackdown!: Just Bring It, but face it, that game sucked. Now we have fully 3D fans, who can hand you signs that you can use on your opponents. They can hand you all sorts of weapons as a matter of fact.

There is also the new season mode, which hasn't changed much. It's still fun, but it's nothing too new, or innovative. You still face heavy amounts of betrayal, heel turns, and McMahon's, just like the real thing. The inclusion of wwe.com was surprising, and it's cool to see your guy make headlines. There is also a better roster of legends than ever, as you can get Hulk Hogan, Piper, Rock, Stone Cold, Eddie, Dusty, and all three of the faces of Mick Foley! This certainly adds a nostalgic touch, that surprisingly goes a long way.

There is also GM Mode, which is awesome fun. You'll be pulling out your hair trying to please the needy fans, while building your dream rosters, and fulfilling your dream matches. The new match types are also fun, and the ones they edited are great as well. The new game engine works well, and now it actually takes something to win matches such as Ladder matches, Tables matches, and Buried Alive! Overall, the gameplay is great.

Replay Value: 9.5

With the possibilities of Season mode, and GM mode, you'll really want to play this again and again.

Finally, Rent or Buy: Buy, just go ahead and buy it.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/01/06