WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw First Impressions

WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw is the latest offering from THQ and Japanese developer Yuke's, and it's shaping up to be the most explosive combination since man first mixed Pop Rocks and Coke. The game has all the excitement of a pay-per-view event with its varied roster of fighters that spans the past and the present, in addition to its blending of the WWE's SmackDown! and Raw franchises into one big brawl. While we've gotten peeks at the game since it was first announced this past May, THQ finally unveiled a solid work-in-progress version at its recent press event. Naturally, we were eager to see just how the whole shebang's working out. And it's working out like this: WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw is shaping up to be a serious highlight in Yuke's and THQ's collaboration.

SmackDown! vs. Raw isn't done yet, but it already looks awesome. Click "Stream for Free" for higher resolution.

The version of the game on display at THQ's event was pretty content-heavy and offered a good sampling of what the game is going to offer. The game's roster was an eclectic mix of old and new faces and included a solid representation of legends, including the late, mighty Andre the Giant. The build that was shown let us take a look at just about every mode, with the exception of the recently announced online mode, which reps on hand kept good and vague. We know, at least, that you'll be able to create your own pay-per-view event, and you can even create your own belt to put on the line when competing against a friend. If you lose the championship, then your belt is copied over from your memory card to your opponent's, who gets to keep it.

You'll also find a challenge mode that will give you the option to finish up to 60 challenges across four skill levels: amateur, rising star, superstar, and legend. This flexible mode even lets you re-create your favorite match in WWE history, or you can just earn money for items and upgrades in the game's shop zone. You'll also find a grip of other matches, including a new and improved bra-and-panties match for you to test your skills at. In addition, you'll find all-new matches, patterned after events seen on television, to add to the game's atmosphere.

The game's combat system has seen a number of tweaks since THQ and Yuke's last outing, ranging from an improved submission system that now includes reversals, to the implementation of an all-new mechanic, to the fighting system. You'll be able to choose your character's fighting style--dirty, clean, or neutral--which will affect how he or she handles in combat based on the respective style's unique energy bar. For example, if you manage to fill up your dirty meter by performing appropriately fiendish deeds, you'll be able to perform a special attack that will involve a weapon or some equally cheap tactic. If you fight honorably and manage to fill your clean meter, you'll gain such perks as temporary invincibility, which will serve you well in a match. You'll also find more modest additions to the fight mechanics in the form of prefight events that will include such encounters as a prematch stare-down or a shoving contest that you'll participate in by following onscreen button prompts.

The graphics in the game are shaping up to be an outstanding collection of high-polygon models and environments that provide sharp re-creations of the people and places from both franchises. The level of detail on the character models and the various effects thrown in to complement the already-impressive models add up to present a stunning-looking PlayStation 2 game. But while you may think the improved detail would have come at a price, such as a lack of detail in the environments or crowds, WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw manages to throw down just as well as it used to--and then some. The game appears to improve every element of its presentation without sacrificing performance, which is quite a feat.

The audio in the version of the game we played was still coming together, but a good chunk of the superstar voice-over was in, and it helped lend the action an extra layer of authenticity. The themes and crowd roar were still being refined. However, a rep on hand stated that the crowd would offer more-dynamic reactions during your match, which we imagine will either be an upper or a downer depending on how you're doing. As we noted, the game will make use of the voice of just about every superstar included in the title, within reason. Besides enriching the story mode, the superstar voices add quite a bit to the game's commentary.

Based on the work-in-progress version of the game we saw, WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw is evidently shaping up to be a high point in the series, and it's quite a showcase for the PlayStation 2 technology. The hefty roster of athletes, the solid gameplay, the crazy amount of modes, and the staggering amount of voice-over already makes for an impressive-sounding sequel. The inclusion of online play should take the game to a whole new level that should please avid fans and attract some new ones too, since players who are eager to dole out pain on the 'net will definitely want to give the game a whirl. So if you're a fan of the WWE or you just enjoy throwing down with total strangers online, you'll want to keep your eyes open for the game when it ships this fall. Look for more on the game in the coming months, but until then, check out our exclusive developer interview and direct feed video footage of the game on our media page.