If there's one aspect of gaming I enjoy more than playing, it's customisation. Whether Driver's film director, using decals in Forza, taking photos in Metal Gear Solid 4, or building LittleBigPlanet levels, I get hooked on user generated content.
When the latest iteration of Smackdown v.s Raw comes out, 'create a superstar' is first port of call. Like clockwork, I can waste a good few hours tinkering away with the caw editor, before checking out the other features.
Smackdown 2: Know Your Role is where my obsession began. For yucks, I made a quasi humorous gimmick called Fatboy. He was a hardcore version of myself, aping the Dudly Boyz and Big Boss Man. In later years he evolved into Divergence - less flashy and with a proper move set.
In total, I have six CAWS, (Anarchyst, Madlock, Tasha, and Divergence etc) who've crossed over each year. If there's an interest, then I might feature them in a future blog. Below, I want to share a couple of these creations who are my favourite:
DIRK 'SCREAM' BANSHEE.
A few people have drawn comparisons to Chad Johnson (Ochocinco), but I see shades of Jay Lethal in there too. I created him in 2007, with a predominantly green and yellow attire. I'm not sure where the inspiration came from, (his name popped into my head randomly), but had a clear idea of his essence.
There's slight differences between the 2007 and 2009 versions, but he's definitely come into his own in SDv.sR 2010. At first, he was larger than life with vibrant colours, Basically, he was DX crossed with Toxic Crusader. Nowadays, I've toned his appearance down, keeping true to the initial vibe. For example, the tanned, sun logo tights and white gloves were there from the start, as well as the dyed hair. The paint tool is a great addition, and as an artist, allowed me to define his gimmick further.
Hailing from Long Island New York, Dirk Banshee is a tribute to vibrant gimmicks of the eighties and nineties. I didn't want to turn him into a total cartoon, and gave him a streetwise look. His attire 'screams' like urban graffiti.
In terms of personality, Dirk interrupts anyone's match and loves the sound of his voice. As an in ring performer, he's quick on his feet, and unleashes some power moves. His entrance music is Livin In A Zoo by Public Enemy. :D
Here are some more pics:
MARCUS 'FALLOUT' DAVENGER.
For Davenger, the gimmick was predetermined. I wanted to base a wrestler around a nuclear explosion. He'd be unhinged, volatile, and scruffy. I imagined Marcus like a crazy hobo. His 'end of the world' schtick always got him into trouble, and he eventually turned to wrestling to spread the word. :D
Early morphs showed him like Nathan Hale - or his brother. Eventually, I scruffed him up, changed his face, but then he looked like Mick Foley with an afro. The afro was supposed to mimic a mushroom cloud, and didn't look right, so I removed it in the third revision. At present, he strikes a good balance between angry and nuts. I probably won't change his face again, because he's believable. When this guy walks out onto the entrance ramp, his on screen presence is strong. Keeping with the armageddon vibe, a triggered firework explodes at his feet when he punches the air.
In terms of custom logos, I wanted to push the envelope. I wasn't sure if a mushroom cloud and city skyline was possible, but loved the end result. The t-shirt design embodies Davenger. Even if I tweak his appearance again, nothing says Davenger more than that t-shirt. His attire is influenced by industrial warning signs - lots of skulls and black and yellow. On the back of his vest, is the phrase 'the end is now.'
Marcus Davenger is a powerhouse wrestler, mostly relying on dirty moves, and hails from Baltimore, Maryland.
Here are some more detailed shots:
