Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw builds on its predecessors by delivering a robust and varied in-ring experience that caters to both casual fans and series veterans. The introduction of six-man contests via the multi-tap adapter opens up chaotic, high-octane team matches that feel distinct from the standard one-on-one or tag-team offerings. These free-for-all brawls add a new layer of strategy, as you must juggle offense, defense and fresh teammates while keeping an eye on opponents’ momentum meters.

Match types span the full spectrum of WWE’s theatrical repertoire, from the unforgiving steel walls of Hell in the Cell to the mayhem of First Blood and the smash-and-crash thrills of Table Matches. The brand-new Parking Lot Brawl mode stands out as an inventive twist, letting combat spill outside the ring and into a makeshift arena of parked cars, merchandise tables, and ramp trucks. Veterans will appreciate the Slobber Knocker style for quick-and-dirty brawls, while newcomers can learn the ropes through more structured matchups.

Controls have been refined to emphasize timing and counters, rewarding players who master the reversal system with cinematic momentum spots. Grapple chains feel smoother, and signature finishers deliver impactful animations that capture the spectacle of televised WWE events. Add to that a deep Season Mode with branching match cards and rivalries, plus a Create-A-Superstar suite rife with customization options, and you’ve got a package that encourages you to keep climbing the ranks toward WrestleMania glory.

Graphics

Graphically, Smackdown vs. Raw receives a noticeable visual boost over its forerunners. Character models display sharper textures on muscles, attire and tattoos, while arena lighting effects work overtime to replicate the glitz of Monday Night Raw and Smackdown’s stage presentations. The thunderous spotlights, pyrotechnics and entrance ramp visuals combine to create an authentic broadcast feel.

Facial recreation has been a talking point, and it’s clear the developers invested in animation fidelity. WWE superstars sport more expressive faces, with sweat glazing skin, flexing jawlines and reactive eyes that shift focus during taunts and strikes. Mic segments and backstage interviews also benefit from these enhancements, lending a cinematic quality that helps suspend disbelief.

That said, some arena backgrounds and crowd models still exhibit legibility issues at long range, and a handful of textures feel mildly stretched in certain cutscenes. Frame rate remains mostly stable, though rapid camera pans during brawls can occasionally drop a few frames. Overall, the game’s visuals are a substantial step forward, showcasing the kind of polish expected from a marquee wrestling title.

Story

While WWE Smackdown vs. Raw doesn’t deliver a traditional narrative storyline, its Season Mode weaves a customized tale of triumph and betrayal. Players guide either a WWF superstar or a created character through months of televised events, pay-per-view payoffs and backstage drama. Story beats are propelled by branching dialogue choices, booking decisions and rival challenges that can diverge wildly from one playthrough to the next.

Key moments—such as championship wins, surprise returns of legends like Bret “The Hitman” Hart or Roddy Piper, and heated faction skirmishes—unfold through in-engine cutscenes that balance spectacle with interactivity. The inclusion of past icons like Andre the Giant and Jimmy Snuka amplifies the nostalgia factor, giving long-time fans the thrill of cross-era dream matches that defy the passage of time.

For those seeking a more structured progression, the revamped General Manager mode allows you to draft rosters, schedule matches and manage title belts, creating an overarching storyline of brand supremacy. Though it lacks the scripted drama of a single-player campaign, the emergent narratives born from your booking choices can be just as compelling, offering near-endless replay value.

Overall Experience

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw excels at encapsulating the raw energy and theatrical flair of professional wrestling. Its deep roster, including both contemporary superstars and returning legends, provides a wealth of matchups and fantasy booking scenarios. The refined controls and diverse match types keep show nights feeling fresh, while the visual improvements enhance immersion.

Newcomers will find ample tutorials and exhibition modes to learn the basics, while seasoned players can dig into Season and GM modes for strategic depth. The Create-A-Superstar feature remains a standout, with robust sliders, attire options and promo editing tools that let you craft your ideal in-ring persona. The only caveats are occasional performance dips and some reused background assets, but these minor issues don’t detract from the overall spectacle.

Whether you’re a die-hard WWE aficionado or someone looking for a high-energy sports-entertainment game, Smackdown vs. Raw delivers hours of entertainment. It strikes a solid balance between arcade thrills and simulation-like nuance, making it a must-have for anyone who’s ever dreamed of stepping into the squared circle under the bright lights of the WWE.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10