WWE Smackdown vs Raw: 2006 (PSP)

WWE Smackdown vs Raw: 2006 (PSP)

Navneet Prakash, Mar 25, 2006 1454 hrs IST

WWE SmackDown vs RAW, the ruling wrestling franchise on the PS2 has arrived on the PSP

Good graphics, Detailed characters, Impressive motion capture, Enjoyable gameplay.

Long load times, A few AI bugs, Ugly crowd.

Expert Rating :

Expert Review

WWE (or WWF formerly) has been a passion for generations; people have loved the sport for decades. The fans of wrestling aren't satisfied merely by watching the wrestlers, they want more than that. Hence the rising popularity of wrestling games. WWE SmackDown vs. RAW has been the ruling franchise for wrestling on the PS2 and now it has arrived on the PSP.

New Season
WWE SmackDown vs. RAW on the PSP is at par satisfaction. The game delivers the same perfection and fortitude it's known for on the PS2. It is visually spectacular, has great quality sound and boasts of awesome gameplay. There are a few flaws, but nothing that should degrade the total package.

If you have played the earlier versions of the game on the PS2, you would feel at home. There are a few changes and a few new modes of play, but nothing that will require learning. The game runs so smooth that you wouldn't realize that it's been played on a PSP. The biggest flaw in the game would have to be the really lengthy loading time. The game takes at least 5 minutes to start, but if patience is your virtue, you will be rewarded with a great game. The game also offers good sound and completely engrosses you in the virtual arena.

The entry of each wrestler is a treat to watch; well coordinated sound with great motion capture. The characters are well detailed (the same doesn't apply for the spectators); the wrestlers look like their real world counterparts. It's great fun to watch your favorite wrestlers enter the ring and listen to your favorite soundtrack. Like the earlier version you can create your own wrestler and customize an entry scene for him. Custom creation is easy and is pretty cool add-on. Once a wrestler has been chosen, you have to decide whether to play dirty or clean. This basically gives you the ability to use dirty blows or cheap shots. It's amazing how they have captured so many wrestlers, with individual style and attitude, and put on a UMD. Each wrestler has his own special move and fighting method. It basically adds more replay value. You can complete season after season, each time with a new wrestler, without the game feeling repetitive.