My Review for WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2010

When I first picked this game up, it had been a long time since I had last played a wrestling game (the last one being WWF No Mercy for Nintendo 64), and I had no clue as to how different wrestling games had become since the last generation or two of video game consoles. The only thing that seemed familiar to me was that it had the THQ logo slapped on it.

When the game loaded up, the first thing I saw was the game's training mode, which let you press Start at any time to access the rest of the game's modes and features, including the Training Checklist. This was a sight for unknowing eyes, as this was my first time playing the game and had no idea what to expect except for John Cena and Triple H to be in the game. Once I got used to the controls, however, the game became very enjoyable, and I cannot wait to see how future editions of the game turn out.

Long story short: This makes me want to play SvR 2011.

Graphics: 9/10

The arenas are pretty detailed, and the wrestlers' virtual selves look really close to their IRL versions. Some of them look a little funny, but other than that, their images are basically authentic. The Titantron videos are there, and the visuals for those are crisp as seeing WWE live and in person.

The crowd looks better compared to last year (from what I've heard), but they still look like they're stuck in the N64 age. Nevertheless, the game looks great.

Sound: 10/10

What would this game be without sound? Not very interesting, really, and it's a good thing that the sound keeps it exciting. All the theme songs are there, and the crowd reacts quite nicely when the action gets exciting, and react to certain moves like knife edge chops just like in a real event. The wrestlers grunt when attacking, being worn down by submissions, and getting hit, and the announcers for all three brands (yes, ECW is featured) are there as well. Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole as well as Tazz and Jim Ross are in fine form, but Matt Stryker and Todd Grisham are pretty interesting.

Some of the voice acting from the WWE Superstars in Road to WrestleMania is hilarious, if not well-read. They may speak a little softer than in a real WWE event, but the mood is there. Don't be surprised if you find yourself laughing at some of John Cena's comments or The Miz and John Morrison's Dirt Sheet antics.

Gameplay and Control: 9/10

This, as I said earlier, is the big thing I was worried about when I put this game in for the first time. Would they be great or awful?

I'm glad they turned out well.

The controls allow for a wide range of attacks and actions, just like in the N64 titles. Unlike the N64 titles, you have more grapple moves than ever and all the strikes hit pretty hard. There is a more realistic scope of attacks than back then.

The characters still "snap in place' sometimes for some attacks (the most obvious one being John Cena's Five Knuckle Shuffle) and sometimes you'll find yourself hitting the referee on accident because he couldn't get out of the way...blame the targeting systems, since there really isn't a "perfect" one yet.

Other than that, the game controls fine, and it feels like you're really there. Also, the four difficulty levels are quite well-balanced, so don't worry about getting smacked around too hard on Legend (even if the more complex matches, especially 6-Man battles, become completely insane at that point).

Presentation: 10/10

Create-A-Superstar Mode is as detailed and in-depth as ever. No surprise there. Whether it's creating as close a replica of yourself or re-creating a classic WWE wrestler or video game icon, making your own characters has never been so in-depth or easier. You'll be spending as much time in Create-a-Moveset, deciding whether to have your split image pull a German Suplex or go for a Russian Leg Sweep.

The menus are minimalist here; they're not flashy or anything, but at the same time it isn't all cluttered up and everything's easy to read.

The arenas look pretty good, and Yuke's has gotten just about every detail down to the ring post decals to perfection. The commentary is interesting (as always), and there are more than enough match variations and game modes to keep you entertained.

Replay Value: High

Even though you'll be playing the following year's edition, you'll still be playing this one for a while, simply because of all that you can do. With the ability to play online as well as upload highlight reel videos to YouTube, there's more to do than ever before outside of the squared circle.

Say what you want...SvR 2010 has given the fans more of what they want.

Final Score: 9.5/10

A few control gripes aside, this one will definitely make you want to play SvR 2011...and probably keep you from wanting to part with it at your local GameStop. All in all, this is a great game.