Friday, February 16, 2007

WWE programming is on TV almost every night, but that doesn't satiate fans of professional wrestling. THQ has made a mint from its WWE-licensed video games, which always have provided entertaining experiences on PlayStation 2 and PSP. Now Xbox 360 gets its first great WWE game and brings next-generation visuals to the ring.

With voice acting from the colorful collection of WWE Superstars and Divas, the TV experience becomes interactive. Plus, new camera angles offer perspectives in and out of the ring that can't be replicated in a broadcast. Granted, the way these virtual wrestlers move could use some work (at times they move like robots, and, in tag-team matches, your partner doesn't always step in like he should), but this is the best WWE game ever.

Though all three versions of the game are strong (in a cost-cutting move, THQ now releases one WWE game across multiple platforms rather than a specific franchise for each system), the Xbox 360 game offers the most realistic visuals and the best online gameplay through Xbox Live. Online gameplay, which still suffers a slowdown on PS2, includes every type of gameplay option that the offline version offers. In addition to dozens of match types, including "Money in the Bank" ladder matches and full stat tracking, players can trade created Superstars online.

As many as four players can play offline, and wrestling games always offer fun tag-team multiplayer options. Whether playing through the engaging story mode or the General Manager mode or in any match, upgraded controls offer more power. The right analog stick allows players to choose particular moves that offer endless options during the back-and-forth tilts. That added depth makes every match challenging.

Other elements that make the game more fun are environmental hot spots that allow opponents to perform feats such as climbing atop speakers and diving onto a wrestler sprawled across a table below. The crowd also plays a more interactive role than in previous titles. Superstars can rip audience signs in half or grab bottles and such from the crowd to use on opponents. This is a must-have for WWE fans as well as anyone who wants a great wrestling game.

-- John Gaudiosi

WWE Smackdown vs. RAW 2007 Teen; Xbox 360 ($60); PlayStation 2, PSP ($50) THQ/Yuke's