Over the past few years, the Raw vs. Smackdown series has essentially stayed the same, with a new tweak every year, which does its best to differentiate a title becoming increasingly derivative. One year it was focusing on tag team matches; another it was the inclusion of ECW. This year, the create-a-wrestler function has been given even more options, with one being the ability to share content with the entire game community. Because of that, the game has the longest legs of any WWE game released over the past decade.
However, with the gameplay essentially staying the same, even with the option to download all of your favorite wrestlers from the past and every other promotion, there isn’t much to do. As a result, the game delivers a finisher that is ultimately kicked out of. After a while, it feels like the game is stealing its own moves.
This year, THQ has eliminated the story mode used in the other games in the series, replaced by a new Universe mode, which is similar to the modes in 2K Sports titles, that allow you to play through a realistic season of the sport. With this implemented, at least on paper, Smackdown 2011 should have been fresher than ever. However, unlike the 2K games, Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 doesn’t put you in control of just one wrestler. Instead, you have to manage everything, making it feel more like a simulator, rather than a vibrant mode that rewards you for great matches. Add in all the focus and effort being given to created wrestlers, this new mode falls a bit flat.
For example, while it’s never been easier to update your roster and keep the game as new as possible, the Universe mode doesn’t implement new characters in as well as it should.
Let’s just say you downloaded a version of Alberto Del Rio (who is not in the game) and wanted to get him in a feud with Edge. You could set the match up yourself, but over time, the computer won’t pick up on your tendencies the way it should. Getting title shots with created characters are tough and even if you try to give one to a wrestler you feel deserves, one the AI eliminates the bout as a title contest. This aspect alone makes the Universe mode a frustrating one.
The Road to Wrestlemania mode is back and is also littered with problems. Taking too long to get to the match, players are allowed to run around behind the scenes and cause problems with fellow superstars. The only problem is every backstage set looks like rooms from Capcom’s zombie title “Dead Rising.†After a few matches, it’s essentially lather, rinse, repeat. As a result, this is another mode you’ll want to skip.
The same thing goes for the new create-a-story mode, which is too convoluted and complicated to be truly enjoyed. It’s got potential, but like many of the other modes, wasn’t polished enough to truly stand out.
Luckily, the in-ring action is still solid and is powered by excellent character models. There are still the same problems with clipping and collision, but for the most part, the game runs pretty smooth. Things change online however, as the game gets slower than King Kong Bundy on a Stairmaster. Nevertheless, for anyone looking to play with a few friends locally, the action is fast, fierce and fun.
With so many options in the create-a-wrestler and create-a-move options, Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 is still a viable option for any grappling gamer. It’s just not nearly as polished as it should have been and makes one think that it’s about time for THQ to take this game back to formula and redesign the gameplay from the ground up.
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