WWE Smackdown! vs. RAW 2007

The Smackdown series has been a staple of the PS2 library, and this year, it has made its way to the Xbox 360.

If you read our review of the PlayStation 2 version of Smackdown 2007, you’ll know that we were disappointed with the long loading, glitches and linear season mode. While a few bugs are still present, the game becomes more than decent with the much quicker loading times. In fact, you quickly realize that the game was built for the Xbox 360, and the PS2 version has seemingly suffered because of this.

Indeed, the game looks a lot better on the Xbox 360, the game engine just fits nicely together, and the new control system introduced this year uses the controller well. You’ve got grapples on the right analog stick, with the right button being a grapple modifier to initiate the four main grapple types when used in conjunction with the analog stick. Pressing the analog stick in when ‘locked-up’ will allow you to pull off an ‘ultimate control move’, where you have full control of how the move is executed.

Fighting in the crowd is beefed up for the 360 version, with more interactivity, such as taking items from fans. You are able to take the fight into the crowd area in virtually any match, as apposed to the PS2 only allowing it in one-on-one matches. Along with the Parking Lot Brawl and Backstage Brawl modes, there should be plenty to appease the hardcore fans.

The season mode is a good way to have some entertaining matches with back-story. Thankfully, the excessive loading problem which plagued the PS2 version is all but gone, ensuring that you can play the season on end for longer amounts of time without getting frustrated. After your first run through of each brand, you’ll start seeing repeated storylines, which is a bit disappointing considering every year we are promised a much less linear experience.

If playing out the storylines of one superstar isn’t your cup of tea, you may want to try out the GM Mode, which puts you in the role of either the Smackdown or RAW general manager, as you book each week's event, as well as looking after your brand’s talent. There is still plenty of room for improvement here as it feels repetitive, but at least it looks to be going in the right direction.

Graphically, the game looks great. Wrestler models are the best ever seen on a videogame, which greatly adds to the atmosphere. While the sweat system, where superstars get sweatier as the match progresses, seems a bit unneeded, or even over-the-top, it does actually add a fair bit of realism to the game. Clothes are also visibly layered, with items such as boots, arm bands, etc. being visibly thicker than say, tights. In turn, created superstars are looking much better, and while not quite as good as the in-game models, they definitely can hold their ground now.

WWE Smackdown! Vs Raw 2007 on the Xbox 360 is straight up enjoyable. It’s noticeably more polished than its PlayStation 2 counterpart, and while there is still a lot of room for improvement, it’s a great way to kick off the Smackdown series on the Xbox 360.