WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 (Sony Playstation 3, 2009)

The greatest thing about all of this content that you can create is that you are able to share it online with the rest of the world. The fact that you can upload your own storylines and download other ones to play through means that the content is potentially infinite if it's embraced by the community; and to be honest, the system is so easy and fun to use that we can't see why it wouldn't be embraced wholeheartedly. Being able to download each others created superstars also will extend the longevity of the game as there is the ability to constantly keep your roster fresh with new characters and therefore, more strategies. While we're sure there will be some unique creations, it's going to be handy to download superstars that have been created based on real-life counterparts from those created players who want to play as their favourite new superstar or legend from the past.
Road to Wrestlemania mode, a story mode designed specifically with a handful of particular characters in mind. These are a lot of fun to play, and range from playing as Mickie James all the way to the other end of the spectrum, playing as a desperate Shawn Michaels who refuses to give up and retire. More importantly, you can now take your created superstars through this special mode, starting out as a fan that gets insulted by Santino while sitting in the front row and playing through the narrative from there. There are moments in this mode where you have to make decisions that alter the path in the story, and there are also special match conditions you can meet such as winning in a certain way or using a certain move which goes towards unlocking more goodies for yourself later.

The presentation in WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 is top notch this time around as well. While it's always been said that the games try to be as close to the real thing as possible, it's 2010 that more than ever proves that it's certainly not far from the truth. Replacing some loading screens are the logos of company and show copyright pops up at the end of matches as your superstar celebrates in the ring. There are even more subtle touches to the presentation, including actual reactions from superstars outside the ring after they've been eliminated from the Royal Rumble, and the HUD has been replaced with a simple circle around your superstars feet which lets you know how much momentum you have, so that you can time your trademark moves and finishers.


Gameplay has also been refined for the better, moving to just the one reversal button rather than using both the shoulder buttons. The timing of each counter really needs to be more precise, and it just feels more natural when counters do occur rather than just picking a side and mashing it in the hope that you are predicting whether your foe is using a striking or a grappling move. There are also a few new moves in there for good measure, and the mechanic for kicking out has moved into a mini-game of timing rather than being merely about bashing the control pad. The Royal Rumble has copped some serious upgrading in terms of how to eliminate people also, with timing-based mini games replacing the old formula which essentially was frustrating and cheap if you were ganged up on by the AI at any point. And finally, the Championship Scramble has been added as a match mode, where (for those who don't know) the title can change hands as many times as necessary over a period of either 5, 10 or 20 minutes, with the winner being the last person holding

Excellent gameplay, much improved over the past versions of the genre. Unfortunately, as usual, a few complete failures in the game.
First up, The Roster: While the roster of current wrestlers is overall a big improvement from the previous SvR rosters, the "bonus" wrestlers you can unlock are overall completely useless. Red and Green man? Seriously?! Cowboy Bob Orton? Does anyone interested in playing these games even know who he is? Ted Dibiase Sr & Dusty Rhodes? Seriously epic failure on your bonus/unlockable roster on just about all counts. The only saving grace is that you can unlock The Rock, and unfortunately if you want to play him you have to BUY Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Second issue, Belts: For some this may mean absolutely nothing but when I play I love to have title matches. Somehow the designers of this game managed to code the child sized championship belts onto man sized wrestlers. ALL of the belts look like mini version of their former selves. It's quite sad looking and demolishes any reason to enjoy watching your champion's entrance.
Overall the gameplay itself is much improved. The actual wrestling is far better than any previous SvR, or any wrestling game for that matter. The additional matches such as the championship scramble are a welcome addition. I believe I speak for most fans when I say that match type options are highest on the list after the actual wrestling maneuvers and options themselves.
The cosmetics of the puny belt sizes and the overall useless unlockable bonus roster is why I give this game 4/5. Stick the the belt appearances from SvR 07 and give us a worthy bonus roster for a 5/5 game.

The best-selling fighting videogame franchise returns to the virtual ring with the most authentic, entertaining and compelling simulation of WWE programming to date. Featuring unparalleled creation tools, a robust Superstar roster, key franchise improvements and a few surprises, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 delivers the empowering freedom to create, customize and share gameplay experiences. It’s the player’s world now.

CREATE-A-SUPERSTAR REDESIGN – The franchise’s renowned customization interface delivers a new look, improved graphical quality and a host of new parts, allowing players to create Superstars who are comparable in quality with their WWE counterparts. Take creation one step further with a new Paint Tool to detail created Superstars with original tattoos, logos and other unique designs.
SHARE THE CREATIVITY – Share created content with the WWE Universe by uploading created Superstars, entrances, finishing moves, highlight reels, created storylines and more. Utilize the keyword search engine to view created content from around the world and download for use both offline and online.
SUPERSTAR THREADS – For the first time in franchise history, create alternate ring gear for Superstars by customizing the colors of shirts, logos, face paint, elbow pads, boots and much more. Save the alternate looks for use throughout the game and online to show off the Superstars in grand fashion.
WWE STORY DESIGNER – Embrace a directorial role to create and customize unique storylines. A brand new cut scene creation interface includes talent and location selections, dialogue writing, camera angles, Superstar emotions and much more. Construct each night’s show card with matches, unique match stipulations, interference events, and other story twists and turns.
ROAD TO WRESTLEMANIA – The popular story-based mode returns with key updates and new storylines, including a first-ever Divas storyline and a Create-a-Superstar storyline.
Which Superstars will feature in WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2010?

SmackDown
Batista
Chris Jericho
CM Punk
Dolph Ziggler
Edge
Eve Torres
Finlay
Jeff Hardy
Jesse
John Morrison
JTG
Kane
Maria
Matt Hardy
Melina
Michelle McCool
Mike Knox
Natalya
Rey Mysterio
R-Truth
Shad
The Brian Kendrick
The Great Khali
The Undertaker
Umaga


RAW
Big Show
Beth Phoenix
Carlito
Chavo Guerrero
Cody Rhodes
Evan Bourne
Festus
Gail Kim
Jack Swagger
JBL
John Cena
Kelly Kelly
Kofi Kingston
Mark Henry
Maryse
Mickie James
Mr. Kennedy
MVP
Primo
Randy Orton
Santino
Shawn Michaels
Ted DiBiase
The Miz
Triple H


ECW
Brie Bella
Christain
Ezekeil Jacksoon
Goldust
Nikki Bella
Shelton Benjamin
Tommy Dreamer
Vladimir Kozlov
William Regal

This has to be one of the best wrestling games made by THQ. The possibilities are endless because you can now basically create your own season of WWE just like the real thing. Other players can now upload/download and share other created wrestlers online instead of trying to create one themselves which can be time consuming. Also has an upload to youtube feature so you can show off your created wrestlers with friends. Overall great game for the money.

Ratings at a glance: Graphics-84/Sound-84/Controls-​86/Blastforce-92/Overall-87

Hey, the experts are right...the PS3 is in it's prime; the 3rd year. This is where games get cut graphically and the features start to show up (ahem, RPG's masked as sports games). Historically, it's true, and Smackdown v. Raw 2010 is no exception. The graphics are just plain bad compared to last year. It's painfully obvious that it's not the CAW's that look better, but the characters look bad in general. THQ and Yukes must have used only custom skin tones, facial scans, and costume designs to separate the default wrestlers from the jobbers in order to level the playing field visually. That said, the added animations are a riot, and custom sountracks are implemented even better. There are a plethora of added features, but some key modes are STILL missing (slobber knocker...cough, cough, GM mode, ahem!). The control scheme has been tweaked a bit to support the new fight mechanics, but shouldn't be a bother. Due to online support and flexibility in CAW building and match types, this IS one of the best Smackdown games yet, and is therefore worth the asking price.