GDN: WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 Review (Xbox 360)

I have skipped the last few Smackdown vs. Raw games because they were starting to blur together; the same basic (but admittedly excellent) controls, created content features, match modes, and so on. The 2010 edition has some very real improvements over previous versions, but also adds some new flaws and strange design choices. This means that we’re starting to hit the point of diminishing returns, and while Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 is still a good game the series needs to make some significant improvements in any future releases.

For those unfamiliar, the Smackdown vs. Raw series lets you take control of the WWE’s various pro wrestlers and play in a variety of matches. The controls are similar to previous years, revolving around using the left analog stick to move and right analog stick for various attacks while button presses modify what exactly you do. The game’s controls are almost immediately intuitive, and the main menu also doubles as a useful training mode so even a complete beginner can be at least reasonably proficient in just a few minutes. While the game’s dozens upon dozens of wrestlers share similar controls, what they do based on those inputs does tend to differ and you’ll see at least some variety in moves.

While pro wrestling matches with familiar superstars in either a series of single matches or full TV-like storylines is a major draw, it’s not the only one. Like in most installments in this series, you can make your own wrestler, and even have them show up in storylines to some extent. Your options here are fairly in-depth, and I found I could make at least a reasonable ’close enough’ version of most ideas in my head. The mode has even seen some improvements, letting you download created wrestlers via Xbox Live and design your own logos via the paint tool. On the other hand, creation parts found in previous versions sometimes can’t be found here, resulting in some odd compromises if you plan to remake an old character.

The developers have made sure you have plenty to do, between online play and a variety of match types; standard one on one wrestling and tag team bouts are joined by things like steel cage matches, elimination chambers, and more. While I can think of a few significant match types that have been left out of this year’s edition, most of the important ones are accounted for and play well enough. The only real issue is the online play, which often suffers from significant lag. It’s severe enough that I mostly went online for downloadable content made by other players, which oddly enough I had to agree to a rather in-depth End User License Agreement to access.

Despite various improvements and a variety of storylines to play through, Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 has taken some odd steps back in terms of features. The most noteworthy is that female and male characters generally cannot wrestle one another, outside of certain story events. Previous games allowed us to do this, so why is it suddenly prohibited? There are also some odd limitations in what you can do with the new ’create-a-story’ mode, and while it remains a very interesting new feature I cannot help but think there was some missed potential here. Combined with usually bad online play and an A.I. whose competence wildly varies, and you have a game that is best enjoyed with friends in local multiplayer. Another odd problem is the inclusion of in-game ads; it’s mostly for things like Twix candy bars and Mobil motor oil, but why are they here? The game’s retail price is still around $60, so the ads aren’t giving players a price break and I don’t see any world-shaking new features that were likely funded by this ad money. It’s not a showstopping issue, but nonetheless upsets me a little.

These complaints shouldn’t be seen as condemning the game, however. Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 represents a good step forward with most of its new features but also hinders itself with new prohibitions and odd design flaws. Despite these problems, it remains a perfectly competent entry in the wrestling genre and fans will likely be pleased.