This installment has certainly opened new doors in the Smackdown vs. Raw series.
But this year, THQ and Yuke's hoped redemption in the latest installment of the series, WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2006. And I think they made it.
Carrying off some of the concepts from last years game, this newer version gave a much more realizism to date. One of the new fighting system additions is the stamina meter, this challenges players to not only balance the techniques they use but balance the stamina they use up during the match. For example, if go all out at your opponent in a match with strenious movement, your stamina will deplete and will tire you, leaving you open for your opponent to change the tide of momentum. Along with season mode, an all-new General Manager mode has been added in the game modes. This feature allows you to run your own wrestling program, spending cash to start main events and earn cash from paying fans in return, if they liked the show ofcourse.
Being a General Manager, your also given your own Locker Room which you can customize to your own liking, filling it up with Training Machines or even WWE collectibles purchasable on the game's WWE Shop.
Improving what they didn't do very good in the previous game. Season mode is still included, with improved voice overs for the superstars and created-superstars.
The game hasn't lost the exhibition mode, with now atleast 80 different matches including the Buried Alive match and Backstage Brawls. This leaves you playing the game for months.
With all these major improvements in the game, I can say that a bright future comes at hand for the Smackdown vs. Raw series.