WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007
| WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 | |
|---|---|
| Official WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 logo. | |
| Developer(s) | YUKE's Future Media Creators |
| Publisher(s) | THQ |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable and Xbox 360 |
| Release | PlayStation 2  November 10, 2006 November 14, 2006 February 1, 2007PlayStation Portable October 13, 2006 November 14, 2006 December 31, 2006Xbox 360 October 13, 2006 November 2006 December 31, 2006 |
| Genre(s) | Fighting, Professional wrestling |
| Mode(s) | Single player, multiplayer, multiplayer online |
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 (Exciting Pro Wrestling 8 in Japan) is a forthcoming professional wrestling video game released by THQ. It will be the latest installment of the WWE SmackDown! series based on World Wrestling Entertainment's weekly TV show of the same name. The game is the successor to 2005's WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006. On March 31, 2006, THQ, YUKE's Future Media Creators and WWE officially confirmed the game.
Like the previous game, the game will be released on the PlayStation 2 and the PlayStation Portable. While the series has traditionally been exclusive to the PlayStation series of consoles, this game is also planned for release on Xbox 360 after a series of lackluster wrestling games THQ released on the original Xbox. This is the first time a game in the SmackDown! series is featured in two different console generations.[1]
A PlayStation 3 version was also planned but has been cancelled due to the fact that the THQ development has publicly announced that they would rather concentrate their resources on other game systems. However, next year's SmackDown! game is planned to be featured on the PlayStation 3. [2] There was also consideration over releasing the game on the Wii as the game's developers were waiting to learn more about the system. [3] However, during an video interview, creative manager Cory Ledesma announced there are no plans for SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 to be released on the Wii.[4]
Features
THQ says it will bring a more realistic fighting experience with a new analog control grappling system, enabling the player to throw their opponent anywhere they want, in contrast to previous preset animations. [5] In the new system, grappling moves will also be affected by analog control, in contrast to the button-based system from preceding games. [6] The chain reversal system has also been improved and now involves grapples as well as strikes. [5] An option to switch to the previous control layout is also possible. [7]
Move sets have been improved as well and now feature restrictions on specific moves for particular wrestler classes. Moves such as hurricanranas cannot be done by taller, heavier wrestlers and more power based moves cannot be performed by cruiserweights or divas.
A lot more interactivity in the arenas will also be present such as fighting within the crowd. Signs and objects from the crowd can be used to beat down the opponent. One major feature included is the inclusion of environmental "hotspots" such as the ring ropes, steel steps and scaffolding which players can interact with.[5] The PS2 version however has a restriction on crowd fighting and interaction for specific match types. [7]
Voice chat will be in the game to communicate with other players in the online modes. This was a feature that was supposed to be included in the previous two SmackDown! vs. RAW games but was not included due to time constraints. [1]
The graphics have also improved with each superstar consisting of 20,000 polygons compared to the total of 500 from the previous game. [8] Sweat from the wrestlers has now been included in the Xbox 360 version of the game. [3] [7]
Cory Ledesma, creative manager of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007, announced in a video interview that the Season mode will be similar to the one featured in WWE SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain, featuring champion, challenger and generic storyline paths and more choices for the user. Ledesma also announced there will be improvements to the General Manager mode. [4]
Ledesma confirmed that the game will have no new match types. However, there will be improvements in existing match types. The Money in the Bank variant to the ladder match will be added and all ladder matches will feature more flexibility in placing the ladders. The Tables match is also undergoing a complete overhaul, requiring players to build up momentum and store a finisher before being able to put an opponent through a table. [9] An improved Hell in a Cell match has also been confirmed. [4]
Confirmed roster
The roster will contain about 60 superstars, including legends. [8] So far, the superstars confirmed to have made this installment's roster from screenshots and videos are:
References
- ^ a b Dunham, Jeremy. "WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007 -- World Premiere". IGN. Retrieved 2006-03-30.
- ^ Dunham, Jeremy. "SmackDown PS3 Smacked Down". IGN. Retrieved 2006-07-24.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ a b Buffa, Chris. "WWE SmackDown Vs Raw 2007 Interview". GameDaily. Retrieved 2006-04-23.
- ^ a b c "GR Exclusive Video Interview THQ Developer Cory Ledesma (requires registration)". GamingRing. Retrieved 2006-06-03.
- ^ a b c Dunham, Jeremy. "E3 2006: SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 Hands-on". IGN. Retrieved 2006-05-11.
- ^ Ekberg, Brian. "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2007 Feature Spotlight: Analog Controls". GameSpot. Retrieved 2006-07-29.
- ^ a b c Dunham, Jeremy. "SmackDown vs. Raw '07 Update". Retrieved 2006-08-02.
- ^ a b Asher, Ian. "WWE ready for the next generation". WWE.com. Retrieved 2006-05-13.
- ^ Dunham, Jeremy. "SmackDown 2007: Improved Match Types". IGN. Retrieved 2006-07-22.
External links
Official
- WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 official site
- THQ.com: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 mini site
- THQ-games.com: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 mini site