WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 Review for Nintendo DS

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.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 screenshot

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

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.4

Graphics
Superstar models are amazingly true to life. Special effects look great too.

3.8

Control
Good, if a tad slow to respond and reset your wrestler after a missed grapple or strike.

3.6

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Wrestler entrance music is a great (and needed) component. More audio or sound effects during matches would help, though.

3.8

Play Value
A very solid title. Needed improvements belong to the "more features" side rather than the "fix this" side. Four-player capability and more moves would go a long way.

3.8

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Streamlined controls take advantage of the DS directional pad, eliminating use of the stylus. In addition, a brand new reversal system is now handled through simple button commands.

Earn a variety of collectible cards through winning matches and completing objectives in both Play and Story Mode. These cards, which can be traded wirelessly with other players, provide in-game power-ups, arenas, Superstar profiles and more.

Take created Superstars on a journey through all three brands, earning new moves and customization parts along the way. Experience story-driven action, training mini-games, cut scenes and extensive interaction with Superstars and Divas.

Take the action outside the ring in 14 unique areas, including parking lots, locker rooms and more. Unlock the areas by successfully completing various achievements in Story Mode.