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WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 Review for Nintendo DS

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 Review for Nintendo DS

I Hear Voices in My Head…

With THQ’s WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 for PS3 and Xbox 360 receiving nearly universal praise, their Nintendo DS version has flown under the radar. While it should be apparent that a DS game won’t offer the same experience as one for a supercharged home console, the DS has been known to put together an entirely worthy and unique experience when a developer puts the time into the title instead of making a quick port and calling it a day. It’s a good thing that this is the approach developer Yuke’s and publisher THQ have taken. The DS version of SvR10 has its own style, story, and gameplay elements tailored to the system. But does it work?

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 screenshot

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It’s worth mentioning early that the graphics and entire presentation are excellent. The 3D models of the WWE superstars are fantastic and a testament to what is capable on the DS platform. The roster of 30 or so is impressive, and each is given the details to make them stand out as portable versions of their real life counterparts. HHH comes out with his customary water bottle in hand (remember to keep hydrated kids) and blows watery mist that looks very good on the small screen. Undertaker has shooting jets of flames during his slow walk to the ring. It should go without saying that the Titantron isn’t actually showing videos here, it’s still pictures snapped up from superstar videos instead. There are also several different arenas and backstage environments to give a healthy variety of locations to wage war.

Entrance music is there for the included superstars. While some games skimp on music for their DS games, SvR10 utilizes the wrestler’s themes – it’s great to have Christian’s entire entrance music pumping out of your DS. There is virtually no selection for a created superstar, so they have to settle for bland, generic music or rip off another superstar’s theme. The ring announcer belts out full introductions as the wrestlers make their way to the ring. In game sound effects are lacking, though. During a match, wrestlers don’t so much as utter a grunt. With no commentary system to fall back on, its oddly quiet with only the dull “roar” of the crowd and sounds as strikes connect or the rumble of the canvas after a slam. Even adding a few token sounds from the competitors would make a big difference and add a bit of audio spice to the game.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 screenshot

Gameplay is solid, if a bit limited. Each wrestler has three weak and three strong grapple moves from front and behind their standing opponent as well as a weak and strong strike. Most other scenarios allow for only one choice of grapple move, such as when the opponent is laying on his back or thrown into the turnbuckle. These are enough options to get by on and make the game entirely functional, it’s just somewhat limiting. A wider variety would be welcome for the future. Even if it’s not possible to give the sort of move selections the consoles enjoy, additional options should be a goal. Along with that would be a form of location-based damage. Moves don’t target specific parts of the body and instead affect the fighter’s overall condition. These complaints aside, the SvR10 is definitely on the right track and provides a fun, not frustrating, experience. There are several different match types to spice things up, ranging from TLC and cage matches to the rarely seen ambulance match.

The most unique aspect to the gameplay this year is the addition of collectable cards that can be used during the game. On the bottom screen are up to three cards unlocked during the game that can be deployed for temporary benefits. Cards range from temporarily reversing all of your opponent’s grapples to calling out Hornswaggle for a Tadpole Splash assist. Once a card is used, you have to earn or purchase another to take its place or trade cards with a friend. You can never have enough Tadpole Splashes at your disposal, I always say. As odd of a dynamic as this may seem to be for a WWE game, and it is rather odd, it gels pretty well and is a unique feature for the system.

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WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 screenshot

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.

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.

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    Razer Blackshark V2
    • Compatible across virtually all gaming platforms and devices
    • An unmatched, immersive gameplay experience (THX 7.1 surround sound capable, detachable mic, and more)
    • Gel padding is incredibly comfortable across a wide range of head sizes


    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
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