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That is the message, pure and simple. For a short while I was actually sceptical about Shut Your Mouth, mainly because I was disappointed with Just Bring It. Things weren't included that I though should have been sure fire inclusions, and the fact that they weren't smacked of laziness on the part of the developers. Because of this, I was reluctant to get Smackdown 4 - but due to the persistent insurance of Herc that it would be a classic (what a visionary :D) I decided to get it, and thankfully, it delivers what should have been delivered a year ago.
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
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
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You can change that in the options menu thingy.
The only problem I see in the game is the 'change who your looking at' function doesn't always appear to respond. But still, can't be perfect can it.
Just got it, the graphics are AWESOME. Goldust and Booker T look fantastic!
I actually like the new camera for singles matches, but there's nothing wrong with the older one either. The gameplay is much improved, entrances are fantastic, I don't really care about Create-A-PPV at the moment. {:)
Best wrestling game ever.
I actually like the new camera for singles matches, but there's nothing wrong with the older one either. The gameplay is much improved, entrances are fantastic, I don't really care about Create-A-PPV at the moment. {:)
Best wrestling game ever.
I do like this game, got in on Thursday and haven't overplayed it, as to ensure I don't get bored to soon, but what I've played so far, it's a top game.
Woo... im the undisputed champ now as Jericho.
This rules.
This rules.
I haven't enough cash for it yet, meh i want it so bad.
And it teased me in the shop...
:D
And it teased me in the shop...
:D
Does anyone else think that some wrestlers look a little skinny? Its like their arms are the size of a normal person, rather than bulked up.
Or maybe that's just Scotty...
Or maybe that's just Scotty...
Spread the word my friends...
absolute shher brilliance. OMG this game is so ahead ov smackdown 3.and any other wrestling game for tha fact.
the graphics have jumped leaps since smackdown 4,only think i think when the wrestlers hold there arms there bodys seem to go skinny a strecth,but never mind the graphs are top notch,
the game play ov this game is outstanding i think,been able to wrestle multipul people while still keepin the speed which smackdown has allways had,been able to reverse any move the opponaint can pull off even there finishin moves adds a great facter to the wrestling match up,knowing when they pressed the dreaded L1 button you knew it was the end to all,but now its not over till they actually finish you off,you can reverse there finishin moves while they atempt to do it,GREAT!
the story mode is one ov the best so far in the line up ov smackdown modes,alawing you to room free before and after ever match,allowing you to interferre in any match,and make your own fate,and go for your own belts :).
HELL IN THE CELL:- This is no doubt the best hell in the cell ive seen,its actually the propper cell tha goes around the outside ov the ring givin about a meter between ring and cage,no more whippin and opponent to do a move on him and he flys out ov the cage,youve got to actually brake open the door,and the wretlers look real when they hit the cage,they actually hold on with one hand while dangling there on the cage wall and the floor.
a great add on to the game is been able to pinch the deadmans bike and ride it around the ring,even tho it doesnt go tha fast,it pulls off a great skid,but the down side is you carnt actually run anyone over on this thing :(.
street fights, the cars actually blow up and send your superstar fling if hes been flung into it hard enough, GREAT FUN!watchin angle gettin blown up :) you can through the other superstar into dumpster and have there life once inside,also fight in a subway train and get whipped away to a differnt part off the backstage areas.
this game is a defo buy for all wrestling fans and fans of great fighting games. no doubt this will be the biggest game this christmas.
go out and but now,if not for you for your younger or older bro or sister.
the graphics have jumped leaps since smackdown 4,only think i think when the wrestlers hold there arms there bodys seem to go skinny a strecth,but never mind the graphs are top notch,
the game play ov this game is outstanding i think,been able to wrestle multipul people while still keepin the speed which smackdown has allways had,been able to reverse any move the opponaint can pull off even there finishin moves adds a great facter to the wrestling match up,knowing when they pressed the dreaded L1 button you knew it was the end to all,but now its not over till they actually finish you off,you can reverse there finishin moves while they atempt to do it,GREAT!
the story mode is one ov the best so far in the line up ov smackdown modes,alawing you to room free before and after ever match,allowing you to interferre in any match,and make your own fate,and go for your own belts :).
HELL IN THE CELL:- This is no doubt the best hell in the cell ive seen,its actually the propper cell tha goes around the outside ov the ring givin about a meter between ring and cage,no more whippin and opponent to do a move on him and he flys out ov the cage,youve got to actually brake open the door,and the wretlers look real when they hit the cage,they actually hold on with one hand while dangling there on the cage wall and the floor.
a great add on to the game is been able to pinch the deadmans bike and ride it around the ring,even tho it doesnt go tha fast,it pulls off a great skid,but the down side is you carnt actually run anyone over on this thing :(.
street fights, the cars actually blow up and send your superstar fling if hes been flung into it hard enough, GREAT FUN!watchin angle gettin blown up :) you can through the other superstar into dumpster and have there life once inside,also fight in a subway train and get whipped away to a differnt part off the backstage areas.
this game is a defo buy for all wrestling fans and fans of great fighting games. no doubt this will be the biggest game this christmas.
go out and but now,if not for you for your younger or older bro or sister.
No, but I'll play as him next time I play this game. Should be fun doing the worm. I did knock him out of the Royal Rumble today. In SD4, his main outfit is blue trousers with no top, and his short hair. Hmmm...
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