Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2006 refines the core wrestling experience with deeper ring psychology and an expanded moveset for every superstar. Each wrestler now boasts a larger repertoire of strikes, grapples, and high–risk maneuvers, allowing players to tailor their approach to every opponent. Whether you’re chaining together suplexes or teasing with taunts, the fluid control scheme ensures that every match unfolds with authentic WWE flair.

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Pre-match mini-games inject fresh tension into every bout. A quick strength challenge or button-mashing face-off sets the tone before the bell rings, providing a unique advantage—be it momentum or ring positioning. These bite-sized contests are satisfying icebreakers that add strategic depth: winning momentum often spells the difference between a triumphant finisher and a costly reversal.

The introduction of Smackdown Dollars elevates the long-term engagement. Earn currency in Season, General Manager, and exhibition modes to unlock new moves, Legends, or customize your ideal locker room. This reward system promotes experimentation and offers a tangible sense of progression as you build your dream superstar from the ground up.

Season Mode remains the heart of the package, sending you through rivalries, contract negotiations, and championship pursuits. Voice-acted promos and branching match cards create a living narrative as you chase gold on Raw or Smackdown. Your choices—whom to ally with or target—ripple across multiple episodes, making each playthrough feel distinct.

General Manager Mode stands out as a spirited management simulator. Draft talent, allocate budgets, and navigate wrestler morale while crafting weekly cards to outshine the competing show. Balancing contracts, health concerns, and storyline intensity demands both strategic savvy and a keen eye for ratings, rewarding players with a satisfying taste of behind-the-scenes booking.

Graphics

Graphically, Smackdown vs. Raw 2006 makes a noticeable leap from its predecessors. Wrestler models are more detailed, with updated face scans capturing signature features like Undertaker’s grim stare or John Cena’s determined glare. Animations flow smoothly, especially during signature moves, giving each slam and submission a weighty, visceral punch.

Arenas are rendered with impressive authenticity. From the neon glow of summer Pay-Per-Views to the classic stone-pillar entrance of WrestleMania IX, each venue is instantly recognizable. Crowd models, though occasionally repetitive, burst into animated life during big moments—pop-up pyro, confetti showers, and booming spotlights all contribute to the WWE spectacle.

The user interface strikes a fine balance between arcade flair and broadcast polish. Roster menus are easy to navigate, while on-screen indicators (stamina bars, momentum meters) are clear without cluttering the action. Dynamic lighting and updated ring textures complete the presentation, ensuring that even casual exhibition matches feel like marquee events.

Story

Season Mode weaves together a tapestry of rivalries, alliances, and title chases. Each chapter unfolds through voice-overs and pre–match build-ups, lending credibility to your quest for championship gold. Whether you’re a rookie climbing the ladder or a legend chasing one last run, the storyline adapts to reflect your in-ring achievements and off-screen decisions.

Recorded dialogue elevates immersion. Wrestlers deliver taunts, promos, and backstage banter that react to your performance and choices. These snippets aren’t mere window dressing—they influence the ebb and flow of your feud, from fiery heel turns to unlikely comebacks, ensuring that no two Season playthroughs feel identical.

General Manager Mode also carries its own narrative weight. Negotiating contracts can lead to surprise draft-day scandals, while injured wrestlers might force last-minute card reshuffles. These unscripted events create a storyline that emerges organically, rewarding players who adapt their booking strategies on the fly.

Overall Experience

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2006 stands as a definitive wrestling package for its era. It strikes a harmonious blend of arcade accessibility and simulation depth, appealing to casual button-masher and hardcore booking aficionados alike. Its multitude of modes—from classic exhibition brawls to the cerebral General Manager—ensures there’s always a fresh challenge waiting.

The game’s breadth and polish make it an easy recommendation for any wrestling fan. While online features were still in their infancy, local multiplayer remains as entertaining as ever, offering endless hours of competitive fun. Even today, revisiting its roster of mid-2000s icons delivers a potent dose of nostalgia.

Minor drawbacks—occasional AI hiccups or repetitive crowd animations—do little to mar the overall enjoyment. With a robust create-a-wrestler suite, unlockable legends, and a compelling reward system, WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2006 remains a standout entry that delivers the full WWE spectacle right to your living room.

Retro Replay Score

8/10