Game Preview 6:WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007

Publisher:THQ
Platform available: Xbox 360, PS2, PSP (PS3 version has been cancelled)
Release date: October 2006

Ever wanted to be John Cena or Triple H or any other superstar? Now you can – in the virtual world, of course! It is time to bash and slam your way to victory again with the new installment of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007. How could there be a greater way to vent your frustration after a hectic day? The superstar rooster has been updated and there are more superstars to select from. Needless to say, the graphics have also been bumped up for Xbox 360 version -- you will be able to see perspiration forming now. However, for the PS2 and PSP versions, (sadly) that will be absent. Each superstar will now possess multiple grapple moves, leaving more options for the player. Each class of superstars will have their own wrestling abilities that cannot be performed by other classes. Therefore, do not expect some wrestler with a small build to be able to throw Big Show out of the ring. Fighting will also involve more items like the ropes and tables, to name a few. Think of this game as the one that you see on television. More realistic. Don’t you always see the superstars taking the fight to the crowd? I am glad to inform you that this has been implemented into the gameplay, but only in designated areas. No, you can’t push through the crowd and take your opponent to the car park (unfortunately). Signs can be grabbed from the spectators and be used to hit your opponent, thus inflicting more damage. How about an umbrella? Or a bottle? Okay, I will leave that to you. Some finishing moves can even be performed in selected areas. Think about the announcers’ (the ones who provide some comments when the match is going on, or whatever you call them) table. It will help if you have watched at least one WWE match before. As seen in previous WWE games, you can also reverse an opponents’ attack. New match types include Money in the Bank and Ladder Match. The existing Table Match has been overhauled too. Pulling your opponent to the table will not be as easy now and the table will give you a harder time when you want to set it up. You may be the one ending up on the table afterall – if you are not careful! I expect this new WWE game to be more challenging and enjoyable, given the bigger effort that the developer has put into this game. Check back for more updates soon.