I picked up the game this Friday after work.

Overall, I am very impressed. I just completed story mode with Kane. A major problem I have with the story mode is if you choose to be heel or face (Like in my case, I wanted Kane to stay heel) your character changes sides way to often. Another problem I have with the game is the absence of Jamie Noble, William Regal, La Resistance, Jerry Lawler, Molly Holly, etc.

The best new feature is the improved grappling system. That is a major plus in my book. The new story lines are better than in the last game as well. Something that I don't like is how Eddie Guererro can't do any moves on the bigger wrestlers because he is labeled as a crusierweight wrestler. There is a big difference between Eddie Guererro and Rey Mysterio.

So far I have unlocked several alternate outfits for the wrestlers, all of the hidden arenas, and "Old School" Undertaker. I wish the legends had their own entraces rather than the same WrestleMania VI "mini-ring" ones. The elimination chamber match is a nice touch. A major complaint I have with the game is the Royal Rumble match. In the previous installment, you could be someone else until your chosen player came out. In this, you have to wait. This means that if you put your entry number at random, you could be waiting up to 30 minutes until your person comes out.

For those who were wondering, Matt Hardy does have his 'Version 1' entrance with several different "Matt Facts". It would be nice if stables had more of an impact in the game. It seems like even as Triple H, Evolution doesn't play a big part in the storylines. Speaking of storylines, I especially liked the FMV sequence where Jericho hides under the ring, you pull "him" out, pin him, and find out it isn't really Jericho. This prompts Jericho to run from behind for a quick roll up a'la Survivor Series 2000 (Undertaker vs. Kurt Angle)

Overall, all criticisms aside, I really like this game. The best in the series so far. Of course, every game is going to have it's flaws. Overall, 8.5 out of 10. Recommended.

Although Jerry Lawler is not a playable character at first, I did control him once in season mode. It was me and Goldberg vs. HHH and Randy Orton. Lawler was my partner because HHH was picking on JR and I came to the rescue.

Dean

Same thing with me. Vince was beating on Jim Ross and I came out to save him. The next week myself (Kane) and Lawler fought Jericho and Benoit.

You've got to be joking! I guess you don't like "realism"! Think of this as a strategy game, rather than an arcade button masher.

Of COURSE you're going to have a hard time if you're Haas going up against Kevin Nash! He would have a hard time in "real" life! Goldberg is (well, he used to be) a monster in the ring! He should be a monster in the game!

Try to come up with a strategy to beat these guys rather than button mash! While playing RVD, every time I went up against Kane, I'd use a lot of high flying moves. Was able to beat him every once in awhile too. It was challenging! And the adrenaline really got flowing!

This SUCKED last year! Getting back to your feet quickly after a major hit was LAME! You never see that on TV!!!

I wouldn't play Fire Pro Wrestling if I were you! Sorry you don't like it, but this is hands down the most "realistic" US wrestling game around!

Agreed. I just don't like the cartoon-ish moves Lesnar pulls off. He never does these over the top moves, does he?

I think this is better then RAW 2 in a destructive way. RAW 2 only highlight was the entrance edit for your create a wrestler. Thats it.

Smackdown has a great graphics and superb gameplay.


How is Wrestlemania XIX?


But to be a little blunt:

I REALLY F'ING MISS NO MERCY(N64)

The only reason Goldberg is a monster in this game is because he's popular in real life. His ranking in this game certainly isn't determined by his wrestling ability ( Since he sucks ass ). He dominates his matches on tv because it is written that way. I expect this when watching the show on tv. Why does it have to be this way in a videogame ? All the popular wrestlers from real life, usually faces, have been turned into Gods in this game. The Smackdown series used to be a fun game where you could take any wrestler and have good matches against any opponent. Why should it be ten times harder to win a match with someone like Haas, than it is for someone like Stone Cold? Example: I gave Undertaker four " F U s " and it didn't phase him. He gave me one " Last Ride " and it was over. The ability of the wrestlers' is being based on their popularity, and it's dragging this franchise down. The ranking system wasn't needed and is a stupid addition.


Furthermore, are you willing to look past the fact that the Iron Man and Hardcore Time Limit matches are only ten minutes now? What about all the missing wrestlers that should be in the game? I also think this game doesn't contain nearly as many different grapples and submission moves as last year's game.

Me too
It's a shame that every time a new WWE game is released, I have to pull out my old "for the love of God, just give us No Mercy with updated rosters and better graphics & sound!!" rant