WWE "SmackDown! VS Raw"

[Guest I Got Banned for Sucking]

WWE Smackdown vs. RAW: First Details

 

Behold wrestling fans: the first screenshots and info from the year's biggest grappling game

 

http://ps2.ign.com/articles/522/522962p1.html

 

June 11, 2004 - As passionate as the teams at THQ and Yuke's are about their WWE Smackdown franchise, getting them to talk about the next iteration of the series hasn't exactly been easy. Originally announced last month exclusively through IGN prior to the Electronic Entertainment Expo, the sixth installment known as Smackdown! vs. RAW has been quickly transformed into one of the most talked about forthcoming PS2 titles this year. And with speculation and rumors about the game already running rampant, we felt it our duty to get to the bottom of it all so that we could set the record straight.

 

Sadly that's easier said than done. As our buddies at THQ are keeping tight-lipped regarding the implementation of this year's roster and feature set. "Honestly, we're just not ready to reveal too much about the game yet," said the THQ representatives we spoke with. "In fact, you guys [iGN] will probably be doing most of the roster revelations yourselves when you kick off your Smackdown Countdown later this year. We like secrets. Secrets are good."

 

Apparently the roster isn't the only thing remaining covert, though; as THQ has an absolutely massive undisclosed gameplay option that will be announced sometime over the next couple of weeks. And while we can't get official confirmation as to just what that secret may end up being just yet, the word on the street is that it's that it's the one extra that everyone has been waiting for since the advent of PS2 Network Adapter: Online connectivity. And from what we understand, that's not so far off from the truth.

 

Speculation aside, we were at least able to confirm several of Smackdown vs. RAW's specifics in relation to what's been left over from last year's effort Here Comes the Pain. Six-person simultaneous play, for instance, has once again been brought back so that players can make the most of a pair of Multi-tap peripherals. And every single one of 2003's game modes have returned to action too; with match types like Hell in the Cell, Slobber Knocker, Table Matches, and First Blood back and bigger than ever. Much to our chagrin, THQ would not confirm any of its new modes or gameplay features in time for us to meet our deadline; though the company representatives did assure us that Smackdown vs. RAW would boast several of them before all is said and done.

 

Click on Orton and Cena for more images

 

Link.

 

Visually the game has been given a boost too. Character models and attire in particular have a lot more detail than they did before, with a continued emphasis on facial recreation and animation. "You're going to freak out when you see this new one in motion," whispered a THQ employee that wished to remain anonymous. "It's easily the best looking game in the series."

 

Old-school fans should also be pleased to know that legends have been reinstated for the roster as well, with a stronger focus on big name stars and classic personalities. And while there will definitely be a few historical grapplers from last year's version to make the rounds all over again, THQ has also included some new representatives to bolster the ranks. We're told that the updated roster will be comprised of some of the biggest classic names in the industry too; but because of ongoing contractual negotiations, can't be named.

 

But that doesn't mean that we didn't get the names of some of the planned Smackdown vs. RAW active superstars. As we finally managed to get the THQ guys to spill the beans regarding the lineup. "It will definitely have all the champions in there, how could it not?" remarked aTHQ rep. "Of course, we'll have several surprises and divas on the list too, but for now, you can bet that the champions and their top contenders will be in there." Specifically, players can expect to see Randy Orton, John Cena, Triple H, Chris Benoit, Shawn Michaels, and Eddie Guerrero. Unforunately we couldn't confirm whether or not Tag Team champ Edge or the oft-wanted La Resistance would be in there.

 

But secrecy seems to be Smackdown vs. RAWs theme this year. As THQ have plans to reveal details more meticulously than in the years before it. The company did confirm one final tidbit about the game, though, which is its release date: November 2004. And with almost half a year left, the time should give anxious WWE gamers plenty of time to digest exactly what lies before them.

 

The good news is that your buddies at IGN will be with you every step of the way. As we plan on continuing our popular Smackdown Countdown features from seasons previous with the most information, media, and news regarding the game than anywhere else in the world. In fact, on our media page below we've included the first handful of screenshots taken from an early build. And you can expect us to return again next week (and rather soon at that) with the first official trailer that you won't be able to find anywhere else. So saddle up WWE fans -- today's tidbits was only the beginning. We'll be back again with more next week.

 

-- Jeremy Dunham

 

Credit: IGN.com - http://ps2.ign.com/articles/522/522962p1.html. Link at bottom of page.

[Guest JacK]

Why the hell put in all these cruddy legends when they don't even bother to put in the freaking actice roster? I mean what the hell? If we wanted legends we'd go buy legends of wrestling or make them in CAW.

[Use Your Illusion 0]

Sounds good to me. No doubt the hype will once again reach some insane level, only for me to buy the stupid thing and find it is just a beefed up Shut Your Mouth.

 

I'd like to be proven wrong on this occasion. Hopefully *much* more attire options this year round.

 

I'm glad someone over in Japan woke up and realised Orton doesn't wear the tights he wore on his debut anymore.

 

UYI

[King Cucaracha 0]

Orton looks way too bulky...and in half of the pics, he looks more like Test than Orton.

[Art Sandusky 0]

I wish they'd make a good WWE game for X-Box. One of my few regrets about buying one.

[Guest I Got Banned for Sucking]

IGN's tight lips make it sound as though it'll be fucking fantastic, but it has a shitty name and disappointing graphics. But it'll be interesting to see the other graphic improvements, i.e. Superstars, arenas, etc. Story mode and the Legends should be interesting too.

 

You notice how none of the WWE games for the GameCube really get any hype at all?

[Guest JacK]

Yeah I thought Orton was Batista at first . . . no way is he that more built than Cena.

 

Good ol' PS2 . . . you can't go wrong with Sony.

They had WWE Crush hour on X-Box . . . no, wait . . . they had those RAW games . . . they got nuthin.

[Use Your Illusion 0]

THQ were 'tight lipped' about HCTP as well, and the surprised turned out to be some Legends and the Elimination Chamber. These novel aspects were fun, but they wear off quick. In fact, I was sick of the Chamber match after about one night of playing the game.

 

UYI

[DangerousDamon 0]

Orton looks like he's been on the HHH nutrition program in some of those picks.

 

 

I hope they put in legends people actually want to play as cough*hillbillyjim*cough.

 

 

 

A few things they need to fix are:

 

1. making it so easy to fall off the Cell in Hell in the Cell matches. All someone has to do is punch you, and you'll stumble back and fall down.

 

2.Make it so pinning moves actually do damage. I'm sick and tired of giving a guy the Dragon Suplex Pin, watch him kick out and get up before me.

 

3.Make it so you can reverse all of the aerial moves. They also need to change that whole thing where you knee the guy in the gut when he does an elbow drop, or leg drop.

 

 

4.Fix the stat system and the weight detection system. On HCTP, Rey Mysterio can lift Eddie Guerrero, but he can't lift Jericho and Benoit who are the SAME size as Eddie. And for some stupid reason, benoit and jericho can lift anyone on the game, but Eddie can't even lift A-Train or Brock Lesnar.

[The Mandarin 0]

If this game goes online, you guys will be able to fight the world-famous CAW Smaffles the Pimpin' Bear.

[DrVenkman PhD 0]

Hope THQ gives the Legends proper entrances, otherwise they'll just be a group of guys I never use again (save for Old School Undertaker, who I use quite often in HCTP).

[Dobbs 3K 0]

Why can't the Xbox get a good WWE game? RAW2 was ok, but this will probably kick its BUTT big time. I mean, the Xbox _is_ a more powerful system...a well done WWE game would be awesome on that system. But instead, the PS2 always gets the best WWE game.

[Exslade ZX 0]

4.Fix the stat system and the weight detection system. On HCTP, Rey Mysterio can lift Eddie Guerrero, but he can't lift Jericho and Benoit who are the SAME size as Eddie. And for some stupid reason, benoit and jericho can lift anyone on the game, but Eddie can't even lift A-Train or Brock Lesnar.

Well that's because Eddie is a cruiser...and for most of his WWE stay that's what he's been considered. Even though he's bulked up now though. That's why in season you'll probaly see him going for the CW more then the World title.

 

I think they need to change the whole attribute/weight system. That just pisses me off. I know that was the 'big' thing they implemented last year, that was supposed to make it more realistic, but it pisses me off if I want to do Rey Mysterio Vs Big Show or something, and Big show can do like 5 moves and Rey's in red. Whereas Rey can only do like half of his moves on him.

[DangerousDamon 0]

4.Fix the stat system and the weight detection system. On HCTP, Rey Mysterio can lift Eddie Guerrero, but he can't lift Jericho and Benoit who are the SAME size as Eddie. And for some stupid reason, benoit and jericho can lift anyone on the game, but Eddie can't even lift A-Train or Brock Lesnar.

Well that's because Eddie is a cruiser...and for most of his WWE stay that's what he's been considered. Even though he's bulked up now though. That's why in season you'll probaly see him going for the CW more then the World title.

 

I think they need to change the whole attribute/weight system. That just pisses me off. I know that was the 'big' thing they implemented last year, that was supposed to make it more realistic, but it pisses me off if I want to do Rey Mysterio Vs Big Show or something, and Big show can do like 5 moves and Rey's in red. Whereas Rey can only do like half of his moves on him.

So how come that wouldn't apply to Jericho or Benoit, who are the same size as Eddie, but yet can lift anyone up.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

I think they need to change the whole attribute/weight system. That just pisses me off. I know that was the 'big' thing they implemented last year, that was supposed to make it more realistic, but it pisses me off if I want to do Rey Mysterio Vs Big Show or something, and Big show can do like 5 moves and Rey's in red. Whereas Rey can only do like half of his moves on him.

Well it's realistic. Rey's not going to be able to hit all his moves on the Big Show. And its realistic that a Big Show move would knock Rey's breath out.

[Nighthawk 0]

So how come that wouldn't apply to Jericho or Benoit, who are the same size as Eddie, but yet can lift anyone up.

It's one specific error (if you even want to call it that), that being, Eddie in the game as a light heavyweight, not a problem with the game in general. You could fix that with a cheat device, by the way, if you had the inclination. Since he has now been heavyweight champion, I'm sure he will be a heavyweight next time around.

 

And Rey vs Big Show isn't so bad, Rey doesn't really have all that many lifting moves. For something really hard, try Matt Hardy vs Big Show.

[DrVenkman PhD 0]

If Piper is in again, hopefully they realize he is not even close to being a cruiserweight.

[Only The Strong Survive 0]

I don't think that all of the bugs that the game engine has accumulated over the years will ever be fixed. As great as the engine is, and as intensely it's been modified over the course of the past five years, this is still really a PS1 game with a bunch of tweaks (and wicked graphics) that still has a lot of leftover glitches. then again, considering wrestling is the way it is, I don't think that you could ever really get rid of all of the problems with it.

 

Then again, I don't think the PS3 will fix that problem either. Regardless, HCTP is still the only game I'm playing right now, and I'm definitely looking forward to this new edition.

[Exslade ZX 0]

4.Fix the stat system and the weight detection system. On HCTP, Rey Mysterio can lift Eddie Guerrero, but he can't lift Jericho and Benoit who are the SAME size as Eddie. And for some stupid reason, benoit and jericho can lift anyone on the game, but Eddie can't even lift A-Train or Brock Lesnar.

Well that's because Eddie is a cruiser...and for most of his WWE stay that's what he's been considered. Even though he's bulked up now though. That's why in season you'll probaly see him going for the CW more then the World title.

 

I think they need to change the whole attribute/weight system. That just pisses me off. I know that was the 'big' thing they implemented last year, that was supposed to make it more realistic, but it pisses me off if I want to do Rey Mysterio Vs Big Show or something, and Big show can do like 5 moves and Rey's in red. Whereas Rey can only do like half of his moves on him.

So how come that wouldn't apply to Jericho or Benoit, who are the same size as Eddie, but yet can lift anyone up.

Because I don't believe in the WWE that jericho or Benoit have ever been acknowledged as cruisers, whereas Eddie has been. And plus...I don't think Jericho and Benoit are cruisers, where at the time Eddie was, even if not by many pounds, I'm pretty sure he was smaller then both.

 

Well it's realistic. Rey's not going to be able to hit all his moves on the Big Show. And its realistic that a Big Show move would knock Rey's breath out.

I know it's realistic...it just sucks. I mean they said when it first came out, each different attribute and stuff like that would give someone a better advantage. But if someone has ten everything, except for strength, they are still at a handicap. Basically what I'm saying, is the game favors towards strength. Ten speed does nothing...so it makes you climb up the turnbuckle not even a second faster...what does that do? And usually when you climb the person is out anyways. And technical..all of that really does nothing. the only one that really matters is Strength.

[Guest Real F'n Show]

I'd mark out of Paul London is in this game.

[Nighthawk 0]

Technical is very important. Fighting someone who reverses everything is a bitch.

[Hektik 0]

Because I don't believe in the WWE that jericho or Benoit have ever been acknowledged as cruisers, whereas Eddie has been. And plus...I don't think Jericho and Benoit are cruisers, where at the time Eddie was, even if not by many pounds, I'm pretty sure he was smaller then both.

If you want to get completly technical, Eddy, Benoit, and Jericho are all realisticly around 205 to 210. Shawn Michaels is realisticly around 190 and he is the most dominant face on Raw.

[DangerousDamon 0]

So how come that  wouldn't apply to Jericho or Benoit, who are the same size as Eddie, but yet can lift anyone up.

It's one specific error (if you even want to call it that), that being, Eddie in the game as a light heavyweight, not a problem with the game in general. You could fix that with a cheat device, by the way, if you had the inclination. Since he has now been heavyweight champion, I'm sure he will be a heavyweight next time around.

 

And Rey vs Big Show isn't so bad, Rey doesn't really have all that many lifting moves. For something really hard, try Matt Hardy vs Big Show.

I knew that, I'm just not gonna shell out 20 bucks or how much those things cost just to fix a screw up in a video game.

[Nighthawk 0]

Well, I wouldn't expect you to get for that sole purpose, but fair enough.

[Masked Man of Mystery 0]

Jericho, Eddie, and Benoit all qualified as Cruisers in WCW Revenge. I realise they've bulked up a bit since then, but still, they can't be much bigger.

[AndrewTS 0]

Some one please explain to me why Yukes makes a game that costs 50 bucks and leaves glaring gameplay problems, but to fix them we have to spend about 40 bucks on a cheat device?

 

It would be more worthwhile to spend the 5 bucks for No Mercy, if that didn't have a glitch that is unfixable. Oh well, there's still VPW2.

[Guest TheZsaszHorsemen]

Some one please explain to me why Yukes makes a game that costs 50 bucks and leaves glaring gameplay problems, but to fix them we have to spend about 40 bucks on a cheat device?

 

It would be more worthwhile to spend the 5 bucks for No Mercy, if that didn't have a glitch that is unfixable. Oh well, there's still VPW2.

I didn't think it was "glaring" you just have to work the match differently depending on who you've chosen.

[DangerousDamon 0]

Jericho, Eddie, and Benoit all qualified as Cruisers in WCW Revenge. I realise they've bulked up a bit since then, but still, they can't be much bigger.

Thank you. That's exactly what my point is.

[AndrewTS 0]

"Play differently": Play a hoss, win in 2 minutes. Play a Cruiser, beat the hell out of a guy for 10 minutes, try not to get hit by 3 moves and either beat the hell out of him with weapons or hope you get the big ****er to tap out.

 

FUN!

 

Having to make a guy from scratch and go through 100 matches to get his stats to match up correctly (no, I don't want real life wrestlers to have all 10 stats) =

 

Speed being a useless stat =

 

I think it's futile to expect Yukes to fix the problems. They'll fix something nobody wanted and take away something good in the process. Yukes is never going to make a No Mercy or a 3D Fire Pro clone.

 

I know it's realistic...it just sucks. I mean they said when it first came out, each different attribute and stuff like that would give someone a better advantage. But if someone has ten everything, except for strength, they are still at a handicap. Basically what I'm saying, is the game favors towards strength. Ten speed does nothing...so it makes you climb up the turnbuckle not even a second faster...what does that do? And usually when you climb the person is out anyways. And technical..all of that really does nothing. the only one that really matters is Strength.

 

As mentioned, technique isn't useless. However, I found that if I reversed a ton of moves, I could still lose, because the laws of probability would catch up, my opponent would get 3 moves in, and that would do me in.

 

Other than that, you summed up the major reasons I hate HCTP.

[Guest TheZsaszHorsemen]

"Play differently": Play a hoss, win in 2 minutes. Play a Cruiser, beat the hell out of a guy for 10 minutes, try not to get hit by 3 moves and either beat the hell out of him with weapons or hope you get the big ****er to tap out.

 

FUN!

 

Having to make a guy from scratch and go through 100 matches to get his stats to match up correctly (no, I don't want real life wrestlers to have all 10 stats) =

 

Speed being a useless stat =

 

I think it's futile to expect Yukes to fix the problems. They'll fix something nobody wanted and take away something good in the process. Yukes is never going to make a No Mercy or a 3D Fire Pro clone.

 

I know it's realistic...it just sucks. I mean they said when it first came out, each different attribute and stuff like that would give someone a better advantage. But if someone has ten everything, except for strength, they are still at a handicap. Basically what I'm saying, is the game favors towards strength. Ten speed does nothing...so it makes you climb up the turnbuckle not even a second faster...what does that do? And usually when you climb the person is out anyways. And technical..all of that really does nothing. the only one that really matters is Strength.

 

As mentioned, technique isn't useless. However, I found that if I reversed a ton of moves, I could still lose, because the laws of probability would catch up, my opponent would get 3 moves in, and that would do me in.

 

Other than that, you summed up the major reasons I hate HCTP.

Yeah, you have to use different moves to win, and it affects your style. Funny, I was still able to beat guys like Big Show with Ultimo in about 3 or 4 minutes anyway.

 

Who knows, perhaps it was more "human" error.