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.
With so much content- ranging from an expansive roster of WWE superstars and a robust create-a-wrestler component, to over a hundred different match types for both single and online parties, WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 delivers a mountain of gameplay. Factor in the fascinating Universe component and the title is easily the premier wrestling title on the market. If Yukes and THQ can mend some of the blemishes with the Road to Wrestlemania mode and in-game commentary, I could see myself becoming an annual aficionado of the franchise.
A little late but a good review regardless. You watch wrestling Deagle?
I don’t like the way this year’s game has been dumbed down. Let me decide what grapples to use.
Nice review. Ive been meaning to rent WWE, I like 2010’s game.
Which wrestlers are included? I heard they are selling DLC, so I want to now if they’re going to charge you from some of them.
Wrestling game haven’t really evolved that much from the old NES game. Better graphics but the idea is the same.
Pretty good read, Deagle. Thankx
Yep, SF gets all the love, but SvR gets all the playtime. I can easily sink 50-60 hours into the game.
You need to mention is you buy it used, you’re going to have to pay extra for online play.
Heres the list. * Bret Hart (Best Buy Pre-Order Exclusive) + 1 more way to be announced shortly
* Sheamus (NEW)
* David Hart Smith (NEW)
* Tyson Kidd (NEW)
* Alicia Fox (NEW)
* The Miz
* Triple H
* Chris Jericho
* Edge
* John Cena
* Randy Orton
* John Morrison
* R-Truth
* Evan Bourne
* Eve
* Melina
* Shawn Michaels
* Batista
* Mark Henry
* Santino Marella
* Ted DiBiase
* Primo
* William Regal
* Zack Ryder
* Vladimir Kozlov
* Goldust
* Yoshi Tatsu
* Ezekiel Jackson
* Gail Kim
* Brie Bella
* Nikki Bella
* Natalya
* Maryse
Smackdown Roster
* Drew McIntyre (NEW)
* Vance Archer (NEW)
* Luke Gallows (NEW)
* Kane
* Dolph Ziggler
* The Undertaker
* Rey Mysterio
* Big Show
* CM Punk
* Kofi Kingston
* Jack Swagger
* Christian
* Kelly Kelly
* Beth Phoenix
* Matt Hardy
* MVP
* Chavo Guerrero
* JTG
* Shad
* Cody Rhodes
* Finlay
* Michelle McCool
UPCOMING DLC
* Chris Masters (Part of DLC Pack 1 + alt attire for Kelly Kelly and Rey Mysterio @ launch)
* Nexus – Wade Barrett (Part of DLC Pack 2) – Holiday
* Nexus – David Otunga (Part of DLC Pack 2) – Holiday
* Nexus – Justin Gabriel (Part of DLC Pack 2) – Holiday
* Diva – Layla (Part of DLC Pack 2) – Holiday
* Legend – Lex Luger (Part of DLC Pack 2) – Holiday
* Legend – British Bulldog (Part of DLC Pack 2) – Holiday
Hows playing with the divas? Thats all I care about. I hope it’s better than Rumble Roses!
Where the hell is Tiffany???
Can you make your own belt?
Anyone up for some SvR right now?
PS3- supwarrior
cool review, but when did the game come out?
I always wait for these games to drop in price.
Has the game really changed that much since 2010? I mean Universe sounds cool, but if thats it, it’s not worth full price.
Thats kind of the standard with games from EA and THQ. I wouldn’t want to read it in every review.
One of the biggest problems it not being able to defend belt on Samckdown or Raw in Universe. The fact that THQ didn’t put that in boggles my mind.
Just let me know if it tops No Mercy- the King of Wrestling Games!
A list like that and you’re complaining about Tiffany?
I heard she’s in the game, just not playable.
Good review.
I haven’t had time to catch up on games because of work, but this has my interest.
You know wrestling is all fake right? Then why do you call it a “sport”?
Is that the N64 one? I remember playing that.
How does the PS3 version hold up? Any differences from the 360?
I always wait until the games are about $20.
BTW- Hows the PSP version?
I thought I’d be a nice guy and list the achievements for WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011:
The Achievements
5-Second Pose (50G)
Complete Christian’s Road to Wrestlemania story on any difficulty.
A Student Of The Game (10G)
Complete 50% of the tips in the Practice Arena.
A Successful Cash In (20G)
Cash in Money In The Bank in WWE Universe and win using a created character (Offline).
Backstage Fisticuffs (10G)
During a backstage brawl, string 3 environmental grapple combos in succession (Offline).
Button Mash Expert (10G)
Win a collar and elbow mini-game (Offline).
Caught Slipping (10G)
Win a match in which you successfully use a leverage pin (Offline).
Chairs Upside Your Head (20G)
Destroy 50 chairs (Offline).
Champion of Champions (50G)
Using a created character, hold either the WWE or World Heavyweight title (Offline).
Check For Splinters (10G)
Put an opponent through a table using a corner top rope grapple move (Offline).
Creative With The Moves (10G)
Create a front, top rope and corner finishing move in Create A Finisher. WWE 3
For Whom The Bell Tolls (20G)
Pin or submit Undertaker in the Wrestlemania arena on Legend Difficulty (Offline).
Intercontinental Champ (10G)
Win the Intercontinental Championship in WWE Universe using a created character (Offline).
Magna Cum Laude (50G)
Complete all of the tips in the Practice Arena.
Man of 1004 Holds (100G)
Perform a total of 1004 signature and finishing moves in any mode of play (Offline).
Mr. Money In The Bank (50G)
Win the Money In The Bank match in WWE Universe using a created character (Offline).
No More Mystery, Yo (50G)
Complete Rey Mysterio’s Road to Wrestlemania story on any difficulty.
One Step Closer To The Gold (10G)
Become Number 1 contender for any title in WWE Universe using a created Superstar.
Original Brand Logo (10G)
Create an original Brand Logo using Paint Tool.
Pinning’s Not The Only Way (10G)
Win a match in which you successfully use a submission (Offline). WWE 2
Please Don’t Try This At Home (50G)
Push an opponent off of a ladder, so they fall out of the ring and through a table (Offline).
Power Of The Punch (10G)
Win a match in which you successfully KO an opponent using a strong strike (Offline).
Randy’s Fired (50G)
Complete John Cena’s Road to Wrestlemania story on any difficulty.
Runaway Champ (50G)
Complete Chris Jericho’s Road to Wrestlemania story on any difficulty.
Sign Of The Times (10G)
Create an original crowd sign using the Paint Tool.
Streak Breaker (50G)
Complete the Vs. Undertaker Road to Wrestlemania story on any difficulty.
Talk About Resilient (20G)
Kick out of The Undertaker’s Tombstone Piledriver finisher on Legend difficulty (Offline).
Thank You Shawn (20G)
Defeat Shawn Michaels in the Wrestlemania arena on Legend difficulty as Undertaker (Offline).
That’ll Shorten Your Career (10G)
During a Hell in a Cell match, perform a wall destroying finisher (Offline).
The Excellence of Execution (10G)
Defeat 50 op
appreciated. Someone should do this for each review.
Great review. You should play more wrestling games, they’re good.
I wish this game had the older wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, Iron Sheik, even the Rock.
I would like to thank you for the efforts you made in writing this post. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well.