WWE Smackdown! Vs. Raw 2007

Written by Joe Comunale  on September 28, 2006

First Impressions: Fans will now help you out by giving you weapons... talk about home field advantage.

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Yuke's, developer of numerous wrestling games, is finally bringing its acclaimed Smackdown! vs. Raw series to the next-gen. Sadly, the PS3 has been left out of this upgrade. But have no fear, THQ is also bringing WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw 2007 to the PS2 and Yuke's has a few major gameplay adjustments that will hopefully manage to keep things interesting.

With more and more games in the sports genre starting to utilize the right analog stick, it was inevitable that wrestling may go down that same path. That said, the most noticeable difference in Yuke's upcoming wrestler is just that: the new control mapping to the right analog. Contrary to past iterations, the grappling system is now worked by pressing the right analog stick in one of four directions, as opposed to pressing the d-pad in conjunction with a face button.

Not only is this addition user friendly, it also allows for a more dynamic system of pulling off various slams, suplexes, and submissions. By pressing the R3 button while in a strong grapple, you can be in complete control of the move. With Angle, for example, it's the fireman's carry. You can control the intensity and duration of it in real-time by maneuvering the right analog. Spin the analog in a clockwise motion to make Angle spin his opponent around in circles, or you can even press the analog up and down repeatedly to showoff by military pressing your opponent. To make your opponent bite the mat beneath him, simply push down on the stick. Of course, with everything there are limitations, and an onscreen stamina meter will indicate just how much showboating you can include within your moves.

There are two types of grapples: quick grapple and strong grapple. While the quick grapples are performed by simply pushing the right analog in a direction, the strong grapples are done by holding the right bumper while pressing the right analog. The quick grapples are simple attacks, such as a leg snare takedown. High-impact suplexes, body slams, and submissions are among some of the strong grapple maneuvers. Each strong grapple direction brings up a set of four available moves, so in theory, the wrestlers will have 16 strong grapple moves. When standing behind an opponent, the quick grapple directions will bring up different moves while the strong grapple will simply swing your opponent around so that you are facing him.

The reversal system is also undergoing an overhaul, which is controlled by the trigger buttons. Yuke's hopes to deliver a move diverse reversal system by giving more variations and combinations. Punches and kicks can now be reversed into holds and vice versa. Perhaps the reversal system won't be as predictable and repetitive as it has been in previous titles.

Each WWE wrestler brings his own unique presence and style to television each week, and Yuke's is emulating such by giving each playable grappler a certain style of wrestling as well as his signature moves. Also, you can edit the wrestlers' move sets and style of wrestling (technical, power, and brawler for example), which is great for those who like to keep their game on track with what's happening week to week on USA Network.

УMoney in the bankФ is a new match that's making its way to the series. Like a typical ladder match, the brawl is ended when a contender climbs up a ladder to reach the suspended object. However, there will be a briefcase dangling above, rather than a belt. While the hanging object is certainly no championship belt, it's not far from it. Inside is a contract for a guaranteed title shot, making the winner the number one contender.

Smackdown! vs. Raw 07 will include a number of hot spots. The announcers' table, for instance, has a hot spot that allows you to use monitor cords to choke your opponent, and for good measure, you can clock him with the monitor itself. There are other hot spots too, which should help add more authenticity to the experience.

Another interesting addition for players to explore is the increased interaction with fans. Encouraging players to take the action into the stands, Yuke's has set up little quirks and intricacies. Members of the crowd will pat you on your back, hold up various signs, and some may even hand you a weaponЧand they say there's no home field advantage in wrestling. Not every fan will be so fond of you, though, which is no problem because you can seize and rip apart any sign you see.