WelcometoExtremeGamer

WWESVR2011
PG 1 | PG 2

This One's for You, The WWE Universe
The catchphrase “WWE Universe” just won't go away! When you hear it constantly being said over-and-over on the televised product it can drive you nuts. Where it won't drive you nuts is in 'WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011.' In 'Smackdown' it is the name of the mode that has replaced the standard “career” type of mode. Similar to the old school games, 'Smackdown' will build cards based on your settings in 'My WWE,' which is very important if you want to mirror the real life product. When cards are built you will be able to run through them with the choice to fight the match as is, change it up with a new custom match, or simulate the action. This goes on through the days of the year, stopping at each televised show, with a big lead up to the next PPV, just like real life. It's not just matches, surprisingly you will also get added cut-scenes and rivalries starting during you career. It's cool to see the Universe rolls on with or without your participation and more importantly this mode is exactly what fans have wanted for a while. I have to admit, it's pretty awesome and is a great way to experience the game after you've drudged through the 'Road to Wrestlemania.'

TheMiz

Create, Share, Wrestle!
As always the “create” options in 'WWE SVR11' are above par. The 'Create-a-Superstar' (CAW) mode is now pre-loaded with points, so you can actually make a competitive wrestler. This is a major improvement and something the community has been gripping about for a while. Although you can skip this step and just download content from the online service, it's fun to make and share your own creations. The new 'Match Creator' which I touched about in the 'WWE Universe' mode is fairly deep allowing you to make new match types, design new cut-scenes etc... It's very in-depth and one more reason why you can play a 'Smackdown' game for a whole year and not get bored.

It's Good to be a Fan
Along with fan created content, THQ introduces 'Fan Axxess,' an online plan that gives access to free Yuke's produced DLC. Free codes will be given out with each copy of the game, with the code available for purchase if you're getting the game second hand. This is similar to what other companies have started doing and is the way of the future. I love the idea, buy the game, get free DLC. Its a lot better from the 'Horse Armour' debacle where the online model started. On day one you will already have access to a new costume for Kelly Kelly, the additional superstar Chris Masters, and more. It's Masterlock time!

This feature might also help to improve the one issue that always plagues the WWE games, being outdated on very day it's released... and 'WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011' is not different. Deadlined months ago, you will see brands that don't exist anymore (ECW with GM Tiffany,) wrestlers who are released Batista, Matt Hardy, etc, and titles that have now been unified (diva/woman's title). Hopefully Yuke's and THQ has more an incentive to prove a more updated product via the 'Fan Axxess' feature now that it is in place.

Online, We Now Do it All
The other side of the online component has also been beefed up, allowing you to play any type of match online (ranked or unranked) -- I can hear a big “finally.” The more you play online and share content you will be rewarded with a boost to your online prestige (ranking) which is viewable online, if you're into such details. This includes checking how you stack up with other WWE fans via the leaderboard system. While, some lag was present when in the bigger matches, most one-on-one matches are flawless and should be a hit within the wrestling community.

TheMiz


Lowdown
'WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011' takes some chances. Some that didn't work and others that did. I know we expected this year to be "Wrestlemania big." However, it didn't quite reach that pinnacle. While the 'Road to Wrestlemania' and its simplified controls might not be a road we want to travel, the new Fan Axxess, WWE Universe, and updated physics more then makes up for it. The 'WWE Smackdown vs. Raw' series is still the best wrestling game on the market, and will continue to be until next year. So Wrestling fans, let them hear you and maybe 2012 will be our main event.


Boxart
+
  • Biggest roster to date
  • New Fan Axxess DLC Program
  • Love the new 'WWE Universe' mode
  • Lots of diversity
  • All match modes can now be enjoyed online
  • Improved interaction with objects with update physics
  • Simplified control scheme works
  • Huge community with lots of support
  • Horrible 'Shut Your Mouth' backstage sections
  • Simplified controls take away from your choices
  • Out-of-ring graphics are down right ugly
  • Audio commentary and voice work isn't consistent
  • Game is out of date on day one
Quote: "'WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011' takes some chances. Some that didn't work and others that did. I know we expected this year to be "Wrestlemania big." However, it didn't quite reach that pinnacle. While the 'Road to Wrestlemania' and its simplified controls might not be a road we want to travel, the new Fan Axxess, WWE Universe, and updated physics more then makes up for it."
Reviewed by DowntownJimmy | 10.26.10

Similar Games:TNA Impact (6.6) | WWE '12 (7.0) | WWE SVR 2009 (8.0) | WWE SVR 2010 (8.8)

Boxart

WWE Smackdown
vs. RAW 2011

Publisher
THQ

Developer
Yuke's Media Creations

Genre
Sports / Fighting

US Release
October 10

ESRB
"T"

Platform
PS3, X360

Features
Players 1-4
Online 2-12
HD 1080p
5.1 surround
Custom Sndtracks
Leaderboards
D/L Content


Links

Lowdown-8/10