Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 brings a noticeable leap in in-ring control thanks to its new Analog Control Grappling System. Gone are the days of generic button-mashing; now every lockup, strike and grapple flows with purpose. Players can finesse their wrestler’s positioning, execute powerful reversals and chain complex combo moves by tilting the analog stick in precise directions. This system deepens the learning curve but rewards mastery with a feeling of authentic wrestling strategy.

The roster has been refreshed and expanded, featuring the latest Superstars and Divas of the season. Fan favorites such as John Cena, Batista and Rey Mysterio stand alongside rising talents and a handful of legends, giving you a broad spectrum of fighting styles to explore. Beyond the ring, over a dozen environmental hotspots—like steel steps, announce tables and ringside barricades—add a visceral edge to matches. Delivering or receiving signature moves in these spots dramatically impacts momentum and can turn the tide at any moment.

Season Mode has been overhauled with branching storylines and meaningful player decisions. As you guide your chosen Superstar through rivalries and title chases, you’ll face booking choices that shape alliances and feuds. Opt for grudge matches, tag-team partnerships or high-stakes title opportunities—each decision spawns unique cutscenes, match stipulations and promotional segments. These layers of choice give SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 significant replay value, encouraging multiple playthroughs to unlock every pathway.

Graphics

For its generation, SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 delivers crisp character models and arena designs that capture the larger-than-life spectacle of WWE. Superstars look recognizable in their signature gear, and facial animations during entrances and finishers convey raw intensity. Lighting effects on stage–from pyrotechnics to LED titantron screens—immerse you in the real-world broadcast feel.

The improved motion-capture animations elevate the sense of impact in every slam and suplex. Transitions into environmental hotspots trigger dynamic camera shakes and sparks, accentuating powerful strikes. Whether you’re smashing an opponent through a table or catapulting them onto the announcer’s desk, the visual feedback is immediate and satisfying. Background crowds react with cheers and jeers, lending additional atmosphere to pivotal match moments.

Loading times between entrances and matches remain reasonable, keeping the action flowing. Frame rates hold steady even in the most chaotic brawls, ensuring that your precision-driven combos and reversals stay crisp. While textures can appear a bit flat on older hardware, the overall presentation remains polished and aligns with the high-octane energy WWE fans expect.

Story

Unlike wrestling games that simply simulate matches, SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 weaves an engaging narrative through its Enhanced Season Mode. You step into the shoes of an aspiring Superstar, navigating backstage politics, media interviews and title aspirations. The branching arc system allows rivalries to evolve based on your in-ring performance and dialogue choices, giving each career path a distinct flavor.

Cutscenes and promo segments are interspersed between weekly shows, featuring fully voiced interactions that bring WWE personalities to life. You’ll find yourself crafting promos to bait opponents or solidify alliances, shaping fan perception and locker-room dynamics. This layer of role-playing gives more weight to each victory or betrayal, making the road to WrestleMania feel personal.

With multiple narrative forks, alliances can turn to bitter feuds or longstanding tag teams depending on your decisions. Unlocking alternate rivalries and championship pursuits encourages replay, as every choice carries consequences. Although the overarching plot isn’t a Hollywood blockbuster, its authentic WWE flavor and player agency deliver a compelling story experience for wrestling enthusiasts.

Overall Experience

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 stands as one of the most complete wrestling packages of its era. The combination of analog-based grappling, a star-studded roster and dynamic environmental interactions creates an immersive in-ring experience. Season Mode’s branching storylines and promotional segments add a welcome strategic layer that extends beyond standard match play.

While newcomers may find the control scheme a bit daunting at first, a handful of matches quickly teaches the nuances of counter timing and positional grappling. Minor graphical hiccups on older consoles can momentarily break immersion, but they never detract significantly from the core fun. Overall, this installment captures the intensity and unpredictability of live WWE broadcasts better than its predecessors.

Whether you’re a die-hard WWE fan or just curious about wrestling games, SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 offers engaging mechanics, varied match types and a wealth of replay value. Its deep customization and branching story arcs ensure that no two careers play out the same way. For anyone seeking a realistic and entertaining wrestling simulation, this title remains a must-have entry in the series.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10