IT'S TIME TO PLAY THE GAME!

It’s been a interesting few years for Smackdown vs Raw. 07 and 08 weren’t bad. 2009 was better. Which means 2010 has to be even better still … doesn’t it? Like always, the guys at Yukes have changed a few bits here and there; they’ve added more content and slapped a bold new tagline on the box: ‘It’s your world now’. The question is: is it a world I want to spend my hard earned money on?

The most noticeable change from last year is the front end menus. Instead of a rolling list of options, you are now greeted with the training facility. Here you can get some practise in before deciding what you want to do next. Veterans to Smackdown may shrug this off, but they would do well to have a go as several new moves have been added to the already mammoth moves list.

Compared to last year, the moves lists offer a lot more variety, with the grapples list – for example – having increased from 8 to 16. On top of that, you only have to click the right stick to initiate a submission move bringing your grapple list to 20. Add to that turnbuckle, mat, apron, hot spot, double team, weak grapples, running and your specials … well you get the point.

Welcome to your world

Create-a-Wrestler has also been updated. Although very similar to last year the biggest difference is the end result. Your created star looks almost on a par with the actual wrestlers. Minor details like knee and elbow pads have been polished, a vast improvement on the flat uninteresting layers that we’ve seen previously. When you’ve created your wannabe star you’ll want to create a cool finisher – obviously! Again, Yukes and THQ have bowed down to our requests. For example, your superstar can now fly like Jeff Hardy on the top turnbuckle to deliver some serious damage …

When it comes to dealing damage, it all feels slightly better than last year. The controls are just as responsive but this year there seems to be some real weight behind each punch. The wrestlers show signs of damage this year too. Deliver enough backdrops and their back will light up brighter than Rudolph’s nose, as will their chest. The crimson mask looks slightly better too as it covers your opponent’s face with the red stuff.

As great as they are, none of the above changes were totally unexpected. What I didn’t expect, however, was the Create-a-Story mode. Here you can choose some preset animations and actually create a WWE story. It’s brilliant. I found it slightly tricky at first but once I’d cracked where everything was, it was easy. Your stories can run for one episode or (if you’d like some substance) over a number of months. So basically, once you’ve cracked the returning Road to Wrestlemania stories you can simply create your own story. Don’t worry if that’s not your cup of tea; just go online and download someone else’s. THQ and Yukes are creating a true WWE Community where you can not only fight but share your stories and created characters too.

Tuning up the Band

Another addition that is welcome is the newly enhanced Royal Rumble. This year you have a variety of new ways to eliminate your foes from the ring including Royal Rumble Finishers. These are brilliant when you want to get someone out quickly and add that authentic feel to the rumble. How many times have you watched HHH Pedigree some poor bloke to then send him crashing to the outside? Well, now you can do this in your Royal Rumble. There are plenty of other great moves to choose from too, including Sweet Chin Music and the RKO. Normal elimination has also had a slight tweak. Instead of hammering every button, the screen will show you which buttons to press and when.

If you want something story-driven then don’t forget you have the returning Road to Wrestlemania where you guide one superstar through their own story on the path to the grand daddy of them all: Wrestlemania. The Superstars chosen for this road are a good choice with the likes of Orton, HBK and a coop story with Cena and HHH. Each story is different and has its own stand-out moments. This year also sees Mickie James bring the Divas into the Spotlight with the first female Road to Wrestlemania.

Bow down to the King

Last year Smackdown vs Raw 2009 marked a return for the franchise after two good, yet relatively underwhelming Smackdown titles. I’m pleased to say that Smackdown 2010 has contintued the trend, proving that Yukes really do know their wrestling. They’ve given us fans exactly what we’ve been crying out for, making Smackdown vs Raw 2010 the King of Kings when it comes to wrestling games. And that truly is the bottom line.

GAME's Verdict

• +Improved Create modes: Story, Superstar and Moves.
• +Responsive controls that should never change.
• +Royal Rumble has had some much needed improvements
• +RTWM stories are just as good as last years.

• -Online coop career would be nice
• -Hoping that this years DLC will be better than last years
• -Doesn't seem to have had a graphical boost from 2009

Review by: Tom 'Bionic Gamer' Daly
Version Tested: 360
Review Published: 05.11.09