One of the best wrestling games out there. Simply amazing and it is only on The PS2
This is the part of the game that really shines! This is the best grappling system for any wrestling game ever to hit the market. With 16 different possible moves, from 4 different grapples, you rarely have to repeat moves.
AI: 10/10
The AI in this game is really good. The wrestlers respond to different actions like they do on TV. The game is challenging, and that's a good thing. Do not expect to walk all over the computer. Instead, expect a challenge that is both fun AND realistic.
Sound 8/10
The sound in this game is good. The entrances are very well animated. The only reason why sound does not get a 10, is because not everybody has their original themes as you see on TV. Money issues and Contractional issues is the reason why many themes are not in. Other than that, the sound effects are realistic, the in game music is not too repetitive and can be turned off, Entrance music sounds great and the sound is overall very well done. The lack of introductions from ring announcers takes the sound down a tad bit, and the loss of commentary may be a bummer to some.
Graphics 9/10
The graphics in this game are the best in a wrestling game that I have ever seen. The move animations are very well done. The wrestlers look real to life. There isn't much I can say about the graphics, except that they are awesome. The backgrounds are also very well done, and you can interact well with the environments. Including climbing the top of a semi and tossing your opponent to the concrete below!
Season: 10/10
The season in this game is simple awesome. Some of the events in season are from past WWE shows, along with some original story lines developed for this game only. The season mode in this was very well done. You can edit stables, take out wrestlers, decide who's heel and face, and decide which show they will belong to. The season is 1 year long, and you can earn Smackdown! money to unlock extras such as Move Sets, The 11 Legends wrestlers, Loading screens, attires and more.
Replay Value: 10/10
This game will leave you coming back for more. You will never get tired of this game. There are so many match types, including the newly added ELIMINATION CHAMBER. With the ability to put many wrestlers in many different match types, affiliate them with many stables, the replay value becomes Extraordinary.
Rent or Buy?
BUY! No question about this. BUY! THIS! GAME! It will make you come back for more each time you lay down the controller. Once you get the game in your hand, play it. Do not wait, Play It. This game Brings the Pain, and you will LOVE IT!