
System: X360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PSP, DS | Review Rating Legend | |
Dev: Yuke's Media | 1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid | 4.0 - 4.4 = Great |
Pub: THQ | 2.0 - 2.4 = Poor | 4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy |
Release: Oct. 20, 2009 | 2.5 - 2.9 = Average | 5.0 = The Best |
Players: 1-2 | 3.0 - 3.4 = Fair | |
ESRB Rating: Teen | 3.5 - 3.9 = Good |
Create-A-Wrestler is here but only allows for three saved slots for your creations. Creation options are a toned down version of the insane amount of options allowed on the DS. In fact, the DS creation method may be preferred by some people who don't want to take several hours to create just one wrestler or are overwhelmed with those options. You are still able to change your superstar's look, moves-set, and attributes here.
The Story Mode requires you to create a superstar looking to headline Wrestlemania. It's another entirely unique creation designed for the DS and one that works well. You spend your time between shows traveling between your home and the gym, hospital, rival show's arenas, general managers' offices, as well as Mr. McMahon's office. It actually reminded me of those anime "dating sim" flash games minus the dating part. It does beg the question: what would a fully-fledged WWE RPG look like? I enjoy the thought of exploring some warped WWE universe where you stumble into a boiler room and have a boss fight against Kane, Final Fantasy-style. It's something for THQ to consider for the future at any rate.
Overall, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 on the DS is a strong outing. It needs some work to round out its content and depth, but isn't lacking in presentation or mechanics. The card-based gameplay is significantly different from any other SmackDown product this year, catering nicely to the DS platform. If THQ and Yuke's continue to devote time to just the DS platform, their SmackDown series has the potential to become great. As it stands now it's still a solid title, but the limited moves, strategy, and two player maximum for a match make it simpler than it needs to be.
By
Caleb Newby
CCC Freelance Writer
Game Features: