LADYDRAGON.COM - WWF SMACKDOWN !

Developed by Yuke's Co. Ltd and published by a joint venture of THQ and JAKKS, which now owns the license to the WWF for the next ten years to develope games, WWF SmackDown is an outstanding wrestling game that will surely please the WWF fans and the newcomers as well.

When you start the game you will be treated to a nice intro that shows you a combination of clips from different wrestlers in action from the TV show.

In the main menu you can choose from the Exhibition or the Season game modes. You can create your own wrestler in a Pay Per View event and also view the current rankings of the Season mode. You can also view who is holding which belt in the Belt Record or check out the options where it allows you to set options like the level of difficulty and the camera angle.

All the main Wrestlers are in it like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kane, And Chyna is even on the cover on the game. this is the first time ever that a woman wrestler is on the cover of a wrestling game.

If you want to create your wrestler you have a model then you modify it the way you want and dress it up as you wish. You can decide everything from the name to the music entrance you want to see.

Cool jump by Jeff

The Season mode is quite unique and fun. If you create your own wrestler you need to start with the Pre-Season mode where you have to prove yourself before being able to start a real season. After each match you will see an animation where a wrestler talks to you, mostly to give you advice. And after a month you get points based on your performance then you use these points to upgrade your abilities, you choose what you want to improve like speed and strength.

Nice hit by Matt

Nice entrance

the first thing that stands out in this game is the interface. All the menus are done clearly and easy to understand. Every time you choose something a box at the bottom of the screen opens to explain in more detail what you are selecting so that is clear to you what you are doing.

After each fight will have a nice display of different statistics. They are spread on three pages and you get everything you need so that you can improve yourself like the amount of time you were in advance and how many pins you got.

Kane slamming X-Pac

The sound effects are quite good, but the wrestlers are not talking themselves unfortunately.

The graphics are very well done, especially the audience. You can see them clearly even, the signs that some are carrying. You also you see their camera flashes and hear them yell in the middle of a fight.

From the stands, to the entrance, through the moves in the ring, all has been well designed. For instance, Kane stands in the same way he usually does when he slams someone down with one hand or the fabulous jumps done by the Hardy Boyz. The ring is not the only place you can fight, you can fight outside the ring too, even as far as the garage and the kitchen.

WWF SmackDown gives you outstanding gameplay that is fast, fun and the most accurate and realistic wrestling game to date. This game is a must have in your collection if you are a fan and newcomers will be able to experience and enjoy this famously entertaining sport.

Companies

Developer
Yuke's Co, Ltd
www.yukes.co.jp

Publisher
THQ/JAKKS
www.thq.com

Category
Wrestling

Notes

Originality: 93%
Gameplay:95 %
Interest: 94%
Graphic: 93%
Control: 93%
Sound: 92%

TOTAL: 93%

Requirements

Console
PlayStation

Analog Controller
Compatible

Vibration Function
Compatible

Memory Card
1 Block