"This iteration of the long running series is better than ever with numerous improvements and new modes!"
User Rating: 9 | WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 X360
Gameplay: Smackdown vs Raw 2011 is, simply put, awesome. THQ has made several improvements to surpass 2010's game. As always, there is the standard match types that have returned from the previous year such as Extreme Rules, Hell in a Cell, Steel Cage, Inferno, etc. However, the biggest edition to this year's game is the WWE Universe mode. Every match that you contest goes into the WWE Universe system that lets you run through endless calendar years in order to be the ultimate WWE Superstar or Diva. This mode is essentially WWE.com put into this game, however this WWE.com refers to your WWE experience. It tracks everything that you could possibly wish for including stats, the show/brand that you are on for that week, (and yes, you can choose to do every show if you want) the rankings of each and every superstar in your universe, who curently holds the title belts, and much more! This mode is a little dynamic in the sense that whatever you do in your universe, there will be consequences for it. For instance, if you're in a Singles match with John Cena and Triple H and you get disqualified, that disqualification will affect the next week of that superstar. THQ put a lot of effort into this mode and it shows. It really shows. Another new mode is called "Match Creator," but this is just a disappointing attempt to try and recreate the matches that you see in the WWE. This mode is very difficult to reccomend because there are so many restrictions to what you can do. All that you can do is pick the ring type, the win conditions, and the match settings! I mean how boring is that?! Everything else is extremely satisfying. You can create more attires for all superstars and divas so that theymatch their uniforms that week, you can also create your own story in "Story Designer." This mode has seen very little attention. You can still make your story as complex or as simple as you like. And you can enter text to show what the superstars are saying, however there is still no audio when the characters speak, which is very disappointing considering that the lip-syncing in this game is downright ridiculous. Another big edition is the new "Havok Engine" which lets you replicate the WWE like never before! For example, tables shatter into pieces now all over the ring and floor, and ladders bend in half when you perform a frontface suplex. The best match type though to try this out in is Hell in a Cell! Hell in a Cell is finally the real thing! The cell is much larger, there are now weapons under the ring, and the cell door has been removed. The only way to escape the cell is to perform one of your superstars' cell destroying finishers, which are sick.
Presentation: Although the gameplay is excellent, the presentation in SVR 2011 is showing its age. Clipping issues have returned from the past several iterations, the new backstage areas which you can roam in are just open spaces of nothingness, and the sound effects are absurd. On the upside, the overall look of the game is superb. All of the superstars and divas look fantastic, right down to the nitpicking details. And every single arena looks just as it has looked in real life, which means they look terrific. There are over 80 superstars in the game this year, so you're definitely sure to find your favorites and there are tons of arenas to play around in. But unless you have purchased "FAN AXXESS," mostly everything will be locked. To some this may be a good thing because it will take much longer to complete, but others, like myself, found it sad. Also, with new "MUSCLEFLEX" technology, all muscles and bodyparts move more fluidly and with less clipping. Hoorah! Online play though suffers from great amounts of lag, which ruin your timing of attacks, which then ruin the timing of pin escapes and reversals. My record online is 0-2 simply for the fact that the game skips so much! So, if you want a wrestling game with smooth online access, this should be passed over.
Verdict: Although this long-running installation is showing its sore spots, it still somehow manages to squeeze every last drop out of your systems graphical capabilities. From the excellent looking superstars and divas, to the wonderful arenas, SVR 2011 has it all. Clipping issues and a heavily hampered online experience bring the game down a couple of notches, but there is no doubt that this WWE game will be around for years to come. Simply put, SVR 2011 is the best wrestling game to date. It easily surpasses UFC 2010 Undisputed because of its easier-to-learn gameplay and it is superb over Lucha Libre AAA because thisgame feels much more authentic and realistic. If you can't buy this game, go over to a buddy's because this year, it shouldn't be missed.
