WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2010 – PS3 – Preview

As expected, THQ is readying their
annual release of their popular franchise – and not to mention ever so important
license – WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010. After a weekend spent in downtown
Los Angeles visiting THQ for their press event to properly unveil the title to
the press, alongside WWE’s own Summerslam festivities nonetheless, it’s fairly
certain that WWE fans are in for a great surprise when WWE Smackdown vs. Raw
2010
hits store shelves.

What can fans expect from this
year’s release? First off, the online features are being heavily focused on with
the addition to download user-generated content. Secondly, there’s a new
tutorial mode to utilize. Among other things, there’s a new editing function
titled Superstar Threads, a change in the HUD, a reduction in loading times, a
story editor and much more.

The most talked about feature for
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010
has been the addition of the WWE Story Creator.
This mode is going to enhance the longevity of the title in droves. Players are
eligible to put together up to two years of storylines for the WWE for all of
the brands. From every PPV down to the television shows themselves, for the
first time ever, the WWE is truly now in the hands of the gamers. Becoming the
head booker of sorts, players will determine how the matches play out and the
angles (scenes) that go along with them. If gamers want a player injured before
a match, they could set up a backstage attack angle and then alter the body
injuries in the options menu before it takes place. The angles themselves have
customizable text, cameras, emotes of the characters, and lengths. If players
want The Undertaker smiling while Randy Orton yells at him, then it’s as easy as
a few clicks of a button. If they’d rather have the camera zoomed far out while
an intruder interferes on the scene, then by all means, the players have the
ability to do so.

On top of creating stories, players
are able to download them via their online connection. This isn’t the only thing
downloadable; players have the chance to download their favorite created
wrestlers, highlight reels, finishes and much more. The biggest drawback
about downloading created wrestlers is that many move sets of popular wrestlers
most likely won’t have their featured finishers from their career. Still, the
fact remains, online sharing is going to be a huge asset in luring back fans who
may have left the series a long time ago.

Also new this year is a new tutorial
mode. As gamers have experienced in the past with the NBA Live or NBA
2k
series, they’ll have the eligibility to pick up and wrestle without ever
having to click on a menu. This training center allows for players to learn the
basics of all match types and the controls. Players can adjust the AI
difficulty, turn on or off the training tips, change the ability to use
finishers and signature maneuvers. It’s not the most innovative feature, but it
surely was a long time coming due to many sports titles already following the
same path.

In other news, customization of a
gamer’s personal wrestler has received a new feature that is making its return
in the form of Superstar Threads. This option will allow for players to edit the
color of different sections of a wrestler’s attires such as The Undertaker
having his outfit turned to pink. While it’s not the most unique feature,
players should enjoy tinkering with their favorite wrestler’s attire to their
own preferences. Before moving on, THQ has also included the chance to customize
their own logos and emblems to be applied to their own created superstars with a
Microsoft Paint-type tool. These two customization options should help put
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010
among the better fighting games in recent memory.

The controls haven’t been modified
to the point of being unrecognizable. Grappling, striking, aerial moves and the
like aren’t anything out of the ordinary. What has changed is the momentum
players have to build up to execute their signature and finishing moves. It’s a
guarantee that players will be fighting longer matches due to how long it takes
to build up the meter. Speaking of the meter, the HUD has been removed and is
only applied to a circle underneath the wrestler. Players aren’t able to save
signature moves for later use as they have to use them within the allotted time
period or lose them forever. If players are able to pull off their signature
move, they’ll then have the ability to perform their finisher move to hopefully
end the match in high fashion.

Fans should be lining up around the
corner of their favorite electronics store when WWE Raw vs. Smackdown 2010
finally releases due to all the new improvements and additions. Not only
have the loading times have been diminished to less than four seconds, but there
are little to no loading times within the create-a-wrestler mode. THQ has even
added in a new damage type system where blood is shown and wrestlers show their
pain by hunching over or favoring their new injury. If there’s one THQ title to
put on a wish list, WWE Raw vs. Smackdown 2010 is it. Keep an eye out for
more coverage in the coming months as we get more hands-on with this highly
anticipated title.