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Presentation-wise, the game remains as slick as ever. Entrances have been enhanced, and the wrestler likenesses are even more so than JBI - although some do look a little wierd (D-Von, The Rock) guys like Booker T and Hulk Hogan are just about an accurate a representation as you're are going to get. Their mannerisms are spot on too, from Booker T's glaring stare (usually at his hand) to Jericho's nonchalant stamps. The menus are great as usual, so that's ok.
But Smackdown has always been about style over substance, and I was apprehensive that it would still fall short where it really mattered - in the squared circle (ring for the uninitiated). However, Yukes have come up trumps. For the first team, the action has a really meaty feel to it, so when you connect with a big move, the impact is felt, unlike the wishy washy reactions of Just Bring It. Also much improved is the reaction to weaponry, similarly, chair shot actually make a proper sound rather than the previous hollow chime, you can now do moves onto the ladder, and tables can be propped up to cause carnage - not that much of a change, but its amazing how much this tiny difference improves the gameplay.
The wealth of options has been faithfully retained - as well as the modes from JBI, the pitiful season mode has been comlpetely overhauled, incorporating the brand extension as you can create your won drafts. Now played over two seasons, you can control your wrestler as he tries to climb the ladder (no pun intended) to WWE glory. PPVs now take place in addition to weekly Raw or Smackdown shows (depending on what draft you're in), and all the arenas have been faithfully recreated in all their digital glory. And a lot of wrestlers there are too, Yukes expanding the roster to 60 playable characters, with new additions such as Rob Van Dam, Hulk Hogan and Shawn Michaels correct and present.
As well as the improvement to the season mode, other game modes have been improved - CAW mode is as exhaustive as ever, HiaC is majorly improved - the cage actaully surrounds the ring, allowing your to mesh your opponents face in the side - you can kick down the door and climb the cell as well. Contrary to the ultra unrealistic JBI HiaC, where you could never run off the top of the cell, and when you did you landed perfectly, now moves have to be timed perfectly, and falling off the cage results in much damage. Good stuff at last, Yukes.
However, for everything that Yukes have finally done properly this time, there are still a few gripes - graphically, it doesn't even come close to the games on Xbox or Gamecube, as the jagged edges are still prevalent. The commentary takes the 'less is more' approach - now with J.R. and the King, its mre appropriate but much scarcer, and JR. screaming after a massive move is still sadly missing. Still, it beats Michael Cole bleating "He's a great Texan" in a Regal/ Jericho match. Lastly, there is no blood, dammit! The introduction of the red stuff would take the game, and the matches, to a new level, a feature sadly missing.
I wanted to put most of this in my review, but a) the new 3000 character thing wouldn't have allowed it, and b) if there is anyone in my position unsure whether to get this after the disappointment of JBI, then I urge you to - for the first time it feels like step forward rather than a step sidewards with a graphics update. It's not perfect, but this is the most definitive WWE game you are going to get.
So buy it. Now.
:D
You lucky gits already have, I have to wait until 29th November - my brother's birthday :P
I thought this was about Spyro the Dragon 4
>:(
>I thought this was about Spyro the Dragon 4
Lol, If it was, i don't think this thread would be that popular :D
I wnat Smackdown 4 so much, it teased me in the shop yesterday.
Meh!