Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw Superstar Series shines brightest in its in-ring action, combining the best mechanics from three landmark entries in the franchise. From the raw intensity of WWE Smackdown vs. Raw (2004) to the refined combos and match types of the 2006 and 2007 editions, this compilation delivers deep, accessible wrestling gameplay. Players can initiate grapples, reversals, and finishers with intuitive timing-based inputs, ensuring that newcomers and veterans alike feel in control of the action.

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Each title contributes unique match types that expand the ring beyond the standard one-on-one bouts. Hell in a Cell, Elimination Chamber, and TLC matches make thunderous returns, while new modes like Last Man Standing and Full Metal Mayhem in the later releases elevate the stakes. The pacing strikes a satisfying balance between cinematic set-pieces—think high-flying dives and weapon-driven chaos—and methodical ground-based grappling, allowing you to tailor your heavy-hitting approach to any superstar’s style.

Career progression, known here as Season Mode, unfolds through branching storylines, rivalries, and unlockables scattered across the three games. Your path to championship gold is shaped by match outcomes, backstage segments, and cutscenes that punctuate rivalries with authentic WWE drama. While the core loop of challenge match → rivalry escalation → title shot repeats, the breadth of talent rosters across these years ensures a fresh experience each time you jump in.

Character creation and customization serve as a gameplay cornerstone. The Create-A-Superstar features introduced in 2006 and expanded in 2007 provide a robust suite of tools—from facial morphing to entrance video editing—encouraging endless creativity. Pair your dream wrestler with signature moves and personalized attire, then pit them against legends and modern icons. Combined with online leaderboards (where supported) and exhibition modes, the compilation’s gameplay package is both comprehensive and endlessly replayable.

Graphics

Visually, the WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw Superstar Series captures the distinct era of mid-2000s wrestling with faithful arena designs, authentic lighting rigs, and crowd reactions that pulse to the beat of each body slam. The original 2004 release set the stage with lifelike wrestler models for its time, and the 2006 and 2007 entries polished them further with finer textures and expanded move animations. When you hit those high-impact finishers, you’ll appreciate how sweat glints and gear shimmers under the spotlight.

Character likenesses evolve across the trilogy, with 2007’s roster looking particularly sharp. You’ll notice improved facial detail and more dynamic entrance sequences that mirror the grandeur of WWE pay-per-views. Muscle flexes, ring mat scuffs, and cloth physics for entrance outfits bring matches to life, while camera angles during big moves—like a top-rope Swanton Bomb—are dramatic and cinematic without sacrificing gameplay clarity.

While the compilation adheres to the technical limits of its original platforms, performance remains smooth and stable. Frame rates stay consistent even in multi-wrestler brawls or weapon-filled hardcore matches. Minor texture pop-in can occur when switching arenas or during backstage brawls, but these fleeting moments do little to detract from the overall spectacle. The result is a nostalgia-tinged package that still looks impressive decades later.

Menu interfaces and presentation packages within each game reflect their release timelines, offering a behind-the-scenes peek at WWE’s evolving broadcast style. From the gritty SmackDown! aesthetic to the slick RAW branding in 2007, the compilation’s visual variety reinforces its status as a definitive snapshot of the brand’s mid-2000s heyday.

Story

Although wrestling games traditionally deliver emergent stories through gameplay, the Superstar Series weaves its own narrative fabric via Season Mode and rivalry cinematics. In the original SmackDown vs. Raw, you climb the ranks from dark matches to main event glory, encountering backstage brawls and surprise run-ins that set tone for each feud. These story beats, while simpler than modern narrative-driven titles, still capture the excitement of forging a championship legacy.

With the 2006 and 2007 entries, story pacing and depth improve significantly. You’ll be enlisted in multi-wrestler feuds for the World Heavyweight Championship, navigate alliances in tag-team arcs, and even decide brand loyalty between RAW and SmackDown. Choices made during dialogue prompts and match stipulations subtly affect rivalries, giving you a sense of agency over your career trajectory. Key cutscenes, including contract signings and backstage confrontations, add flavor without lengthy exposition.

Iconic wrestlers of the era—John Cena, Batista, The Undertaker, and more—play pivotal roles in these narratives. Their signature mannerisms and catchphrases are faithfully reproduced, lending authenticity to each encounter. While there’s no fully voiced story campaign, the blend of in-engine dialogue, visual storytelling, and reactive commentary from Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler keeps the drama engaging.

For players seeking deeper lore, the compilation’s Historical Exhibition modes let you reenact classic pay-per-view matches drawn from WWE’s archives. Reliving iconic showdowns—like Edge vs. Mick Foley in a hardcore match—grants context to the real-world events that shaped the modern product. These curated scenarios serve as mini-narratives within the overall experience, reinforcing the series’ commitment to marrying gameplay with WWE history.

Overall Experience

The WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw Superstar Series stands as a time capsule for wrestling enthusiasts, delivering three cornerstone titles in one robust package. Whether you’re a longtime fan longing for a nostalgia trip through WWE’s mid-2000s golden age or a newcomer curious about the evolution of sports entertainment games, this collection provides a comprehensive look at the franchise’s growth.

Value is a major draw here: nearly a decade’s worth of rosters, modes, and unlockables ensures dozens of hours of gameplay. The inclusion of multiple match types, expansive customization, and season-driven story arcs makes the compilation more than just a greatest-hits album—it’s a deep dive into wrestling mechanics and presentation that shaped future WWE titles.

Minor dated elements—such as simpler AI behavior compared to modern standards—are balanced by the series’ strengths: tight controls, memorable moments, and fan-favorite superstars. Community support and online leaderboards (where available) extend replayability, encouraging friendly competition in exhibition matches or custom tournaments. Local multiplayer remains a highlight, perfect for living-room brawls and championship showdowns with friends.

Ultimately, the WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw Superstar Series captures the spirit of its era while providing a solid foundation for wrestling games to come. Its blend of accessible yet deep gameplay, authentic presentation, and varied modes makes it a must-have for collectors and casual players alike. Step into the ring, unleash your finishing move, and experience three generations of WWE action in one electrifying package.

Retro Replay Score

null/10