A Great Game, but like Kane with his May19th, It STILL has a few Skeletons in that Closet.
That said, there are a few Good, Bad and Uglies within this game. For example, they abolished the old control system for a new Analog based one, which, especially for Smackdown veterans such as myself, was very hard to pick up. I reccommend, if you do purchase this game, that you spend about a day or two in single matches, just to get used to the controls.
The developers focused on a much more graphically better game for this years installment and has done so successfully (especially on X-Box version),but in doing so, they have had to cut out major areas of the game, for example - Create a Wrestler mode has been chopped down to basics, very little options for you in this one now. The commentary on the game is still much the same from last year, but major cracks in it. I mean, let's face it, we all love a good smash over the head with a steel chair to somebody right? But we NEVER like that to be called 'OMG, HE DID IT, HE HIT HIT WITH THAT STONE COLD STUNNER!'
I'll start by stating that the Smackdown! franchise is by far the best Wrestling/Sports Entertainment Gaming franchise around. Seriously, put this game in an Ironman Match against say, backyard wrestling or something...... It's like pitting Andre the Giant, The Big Show & Great Khali vs Spike Dudley....... It's gonna get ugly.
That said, there are a few Good, Bad and Uglies within this game. For example, they abolished the old control system for a new Analog based one, which, especially for Smackdown veterans such as myself, was very hard to pick up. I reccommend, if you do purchase this game, that you spend about a day or two in single matches, just to get used to the controls.
The Online mode has been re-vamped too. Well, all of the lounges are gone :( which makes it harder to interact as now you can only search for a random match. From when I play online, there have not been as many people, definately not as popular as last years.
Now, Game Modes, Story Mode has been switcheroo'd too so it's different, this year when you go to your locker before or after a match, you will be able to receive messages (via a dodgy cell phone thingy-still pretty cool though) - whether they be regular text or fully voice messaged, you can receive some smack from opponents or mates. Think of it like Def Jam: FFNY. The story mode is still like last years Smackdown wherein you still have mini-stoylines instead of years solid of matches like the earlier PS2 Smackdown Games.
The GM Mode - Still, dull and uninteresting, even though they have added alot more options for example hiring storyline writers and stuff which sounds pretty cool, but really just isnt.
I touched on this earlier, but not as detailed as you may need it. Controls. The entire controls system has been worked around the Analog Controllers. As mentioned, it's even harder for Smackdown Veterans which, I recommend you switch you Control type D i think it was, which is most alike the 2006 game. For the new guys being introduced to this game, it would be nice for you to learn this new control system as likelyhood would have it now, it'll be the same next year. It can be difficult, but i guarentee you it will come with time and practise. I reccommend a good day or two to practise entirely on the controls before delving into challenges or Story Modes etc.
Right, now, New Game Modes. This really just includes The Money In The Bank Ladder Match (MITB it will sometimes be referred to). This is where you go against 5 opponents (online it will be only 3), and beat the hell outta each other to then climb a ladder and loosen a breifcase enough for you to take it off it's harness and win the match. This is a very entertaining match will will more than likely have you screaming at your TV screens (especially when you play it on Legend Difficulty to win a special Trophy). Yeah, Trophies too! This game is packed with little extras to keep you going along. These include Trophies, Challenges, Unlocking Wrestlers & extra attires, Buying everything from WWE Shopzone, 'Pimpin' your Locker Room and more!
So yeah, along with the games flaws comes some major good stuff too. And in my reviewers opinion, the Good will outweigh the Bad in this one. I reccommend this game to any Smackdown! Veterans, and for anyone who has not played any Smackdown games. Remember!- It just takes Practice.
The game is very good but just not World Heavyweight Championship material, on a scale of 1-10, a steady 8. For all you Championship buff's out there. It's a good Intercontinental Champion.