Where else can you see three Hulk Hogans fighting in a 20ft high cage?
To refer to my earlier point, the roster has around about 60 wrestlers, varying between currents stars, legends and divas. Some first-timers include Eugene, Carlito and Chris Masters, however it’s a real shame they didn’t take out some stars which have been released by the company and add new ones, like Nitro and Mercury of “MNM”. Each star looks uncanny to their real life companion, with a considerable amount of polygons going into them. During cut scenes, they move realistically, as during the matches. However, your own creations don’t look as they do during the “Create a Wrestler” screen; the patterns blur and generally look of a less quality. It’s a real shame, as they look a bit daft. But the in-game character models are better than they have ever been.
The gameplay is great. It really feels like a wrestling match you’re watching on the TV. The way the little mini games are at the beginning are pretty unique, as are the sleeper/stamina systems. Speaking of the stamina system, it can get repetitive. You could be in a triple threat match, knock both men down and then have to push your stamina back up, or you’ll fall to your knees with fatigue. Although you can turn if on or off at the options menu. Some of the new match types are good ideas. The “Fulfill Your Fantasy” matches are all eye candy, and a bit pants. But the “Buried Alive Match” is first-rate, it’s a real nice idea, but can be difficult on times to get your AI opponent to follow you.
As mentioned earlier, the wrestlers in the cut scenes look really clean. To go hand in hand with this, when they are chatting, the sound is clear and goes well with the mouth synchronizations. All the voices are done by the real people, which makes in better than just scrolling through endless amounts of text. As one of many characters hit the mat, the sounds are truly reactive, with both sets of commentators being quite assorted in terms of what they say and like the wrestlers’ voices, are clean and crisp.
Pros
• Beautiful graphics, character models like no other.
• Roster size.
• Online mode.
Cons
• Repetitive on times, when you’re doing long match types.
• Lack of newer stars.
Some last points. If you’re looking for a multiplayer, it’s right here. If you’re looking for a good online experience, it’s right. If you’re looking for a game you can pick up and learn the basics in 5 minutes, it’s right here. WWE Smackdown vs Raw is at least worth a rent, but I doubt it’s that appealing if you’re not into “Sports Entertainment”. Although if you are, and have a PS2, get this. You won’t be disappointed.