Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

WWE Smackdown! Shut Your Mouth expands on the series’ intuitive grappling system by introducing a more fluid chain of strikes, holds, and reversals. Whether you’re executing a classic Hulk Hogan leg drop or countering an opponent’s suplex attempt, the controls respond with satisfying precision. The addition of a stamina meter adds an extra layer of strategy, as wrestlers can now become visibly fatigued after repeated high-impact maneuvers.

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The revamped season mode is a standout feature, allowing players to create an untested wrestler and guide them from dark matches to main event status. Along the way, you’ll relive key moments from the past year in WWE, including the co-ownership saga with Vince McMahon and Ric Flair, and the resurgence of the NWO. These narrative beats are woven seamlessly into match objectives, providing clear goals that make each bout feel meaningful.

Create-a-wrestler mode receives a major overhaul, offering unprecedented control over physical traits, attire, and move animations. From custom entrance poses to signature taunts, you can craft a character that truly reflects your vision. Pairing this with tag-team and multiplayer options turns each creation into a personalized superstar ready to challenge friends or AI opponents in a variety of match types.

Graphics

The character models in Shut Your Mouth showcase a notable leap in polygon count and texture detail compared to its predecessor. Faces of superstars like Hollywood Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair are rendered with recognizable likenesses, capturing their iconic features and signature expressions. Even lesser-known talents such as Stacy Keble appear with surprisingly accurate detail.

Arenas shine under dynamic lighting that mimics the look and feel of live WWE broadcasts. Spotlights track wrestlers as they move, and crowd animations react to big moves and finishers, creating an immersive atmosphere. Entrance stages—complete with pyrotechnics and customized titantron visuals—add extra flair and authenticity to each match’s opening moments.

Match presentation is polished, with crisp visual effects for impactful moves—sparks on steel chair hits and dust clouds from ring-side crashes. While some background elements, such as arena walls and crowd sprites, may exhibit occasional repetition, the overall aesthetic remains vibrant and true to the WWE brand.

Story

The story component of season mode cleverly integrates real-world WWE narratives into gameplay. As you progress, you encounter cutscenes and backstage segments that reenact pivotal moments like the McMahon‐Flair power struggle. These scripted events not only provide context but also add dramatic stakes to your in-ring performances.

The reintroduction of the NWO faction creates compelling rivalries, allowing you to choose sides or forge new alliances. Rivalry meters track tension with opposing wrestlers, and high-stakes grudge matches can culminate in specialty bouts—such as steel cage encounters—that feel earned rather than tacked on.

While the overarching storyline follows familiar WWE beats, the ability to shape your own career through dialogue choices and match outcomes lends a personalized touch. Branching paths in certain story arcs encourage multiple playthroughs, making the narrative framework as replayable as it is engaging.

Overall Experience

WWE Smackdown! Shut Your Mouth delivers a well-rounded package that caters to both casual fans and hardcore wrestling enthusiasts. The balanced blend of accessible controls, deep customization, and a mode structure inspired by real WWE storylines ensures that players remain invested over dozens of hours.

Replayability is a highlight—between crafting new superstars, chasing alternate season mode endings, and competing in local multiplayer matches, there’s always a fresh challenge awaiting. The game’s roster, featuring legends like Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and rising stars, ensures diversity in playstyles and matchups.

In summary, Shut Your Mouth represents one of the series’ finest entries. It refines its core mechanics, delivers impressive graphical flair, and provides a compelling narrative pipeline that honors WWE’s storied past. For anyone seeking an authentic wrestling experience on the PlayStation platform, this title stands as a must-have.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10