WWE SmackDown Vs Raw 2007: Review, Roster & Gameplay

Hey wrestling fans! Let's get ready to rumble with a detailed look at WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007. This game was a major hit back in the day, and it still holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. We're going to break down what made it so awesome, from its gameplay mechanics to its impressive roster. So, grab your championship belt and let’s dive in!

Gameplay and Features

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 improved upon its predecessors with smoother controls and more realistic animations. The fighting mechanics felt more intuitive, allowing players to pull off impressive moves and combos with greater ease. One of the standout features was the improved grappling system, which offered a more dynamic and engaging wrestling experience. The momentum-based gameplay added a layer of strategy, forcing players to think about their next move and manage their stamina wisely. This made each match feel unique and unpredictable. The game also introduced interactive hotspots, which allowed wrestlers to perform special moves in specific areas of the arena, adding a new level of excitement to the matches. Whether you were slamming your opponent through the announce table or delivering a devastating DDT on the steel steps, these hotspots provided plenty of memorable moments. Career mode allowed players to create their own superstar and guide them through the ranks of WWE. This mode was incredibly immersive, featuring storylines, rivalries, and the constant struggle to climb to the top. You'd start as a rookie, fighting your way through smaller events, gradually earning the respect of the locker room and the fans. The choices you made along the way influenced your character's trajectory, leading to different storylines and opportunities. You could align yourself with other wrestlers, form tag teams, or betray your allies for personal gain. The possibilities were endless. The game also included several mini-games, such as the classic Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank ladder match. These mini-games offered a fun and chaotic break from the traditional matches and added to the overall replayability of the game. Royal Rumble, with its unpredictable eliminations and surprise entrants, was always a highlight, while Money in the Bank provided a thrilling challenge as you fought to climb the ladder and secure the coveted briefcase.

Roster and Characters

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 boasted a star-studded roster featuring some of the biggest names in wrestling history. From legends like Hulk Hogan and Bret Hart to contemporary superstars like John Cena and Randy Orton, the game included a diverse range of characters to choose from. Each wrestler was faithfully recreated with detailed character models and signature moves. The developers went to great lengths to capture the unique look and style of each superstar, ensuring that they looked and moved just like their real-life counterparts. John Cena, with his signature taunts and powerful offense, was a popular choice among players, while Randy Orton's calculated and methodical style made him a formidable opponent. The inclusion of female wrestlers like Trish Stratus and Lita added further variety to the roster. These women were just as capable as their male counterparts and brought their own unique brand of excitement to the game. Whether you were a fan of high-flying acrobatics or ground-and-pound brawling, there was a character to suit every play style. The game also allowed players to create their own wrestlers, giving them the freedom to design their ultimate superstar. This feature was incredibly popular, allowing players to unleash their creativity and bring their own unique characters to the WWE universe. You could customize everything from their appearance to their move set, ensuring that they were a perfect reflection of your own personal wrestling fantasy. Many players spent hours perfecting their creations, sharing them online and competing against other custom superstars.

Graphics and Sound

Graphically, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 was a significant step up from its predecessors. The character models were more detailed, the arenas were more vibrant, and the overall presentation was more polished. The lighting effects were particularly impressive, casting realistic shadows and adding depth to the environments. The developers also paid close attention to the smaller details, such as the sweat on the wrestlers' foreheads and the wear and tear on their clothing. These subtle touches helped to create a more immersive and believable experience. The sound design was equally impressive, featuring realistic crowd noise, bone-crunching sound effects, and a rocking soundtrack. The roar of the crowd would swell as the action heated up, creating a sense of excitement and tension. The commentary, provided by Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler, added another layer of authenticity to the game. While their commentary could sometimes be repetitive, it generally did a good job of capturing the drama and excitement of the matches. The soundtrack featured a mix of rock and hip-hop tracks, adding to the overall energy and intensity of the game. The music was carefully selected to complement the on-screen action, creating a cohesive and engaging audio-visual experience. Many of the tracks became synonymous with the game, evoking fond memories for players years later.

Game Modes and Customization

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 offered a wide variety of game modes to keep players engaged. Career mode was the centerpiece, allowing players to create their own wrestler and guide them through the ranks of WWE. This mode was incredibly deep, featuring storylines, rivalries, and the constant struggle to climb to the top. You'd have to manage your character's training, build relationships with other wrestlers, and make tough decisions that would impact your career. The game also included exhibition mode, which allowed players to quickly jump into matches with their favorite wrestlers. This mode was perfect for quick bursts of fun or for practicing your moves before diving into the more challenging game modes. You could customize the match settings to your liking, choosing from a variety of match types, difficulty levels, and rule sets. The create-a-superstar mode was another standout feature, allowing players to design their ultimate wrestler. This mode was incredibly detailed, offering a wide range of customization options. You could tweak everything from their appearance to their move set, ensuring that they were a perfect reflection of your own personal wrestling fantasy. The game also included a create-a-belt mode, which allowed players to design their own championship belts. This mode was a fun way to add a personal touch to the game and to create your own custom wrestling universe. You could customize the belt's design, add your own logos, and even name it after yourself. The online multiplayer mode allowed players to compete against each other from around the world. This mode was incredibly popular, providing endless hours of competitive fun. You could challenge your friends to a match, climb the online leaderboards, and prove your skills against the best players in the world.

Legacy and Impact

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 left a lasting impact on the wrestling game genre. Its improved gameplay mechanics, extensive roster, and deep customization options set a new standard for wrestling games. The game's success paved the way for future installments in the series, which continued to build upon its foundation. Many of the features introduced in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 became staples of the series, such as the create-a-superstar mode and the career mode. These features were refined and expanded upon in subsequent games, further enhancing the overall experience. The game also helped to popularize wrestling games among a wider audience. Its accessible gameplay and engaging presentation made it easy for newcomers to pick up and play. Many people who had never watched wrestling before were drawn to the game and became fans of the sport. The game's legacy can still be felt today, as many modern wrestling games draw inspiration from its design and features. It remains a beloved classic among wrestling fans and a testament to the enduring appeal of the WWE franchise. So, whether you're a longtime wrestling fan or a newcomer to the genre, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 is definitely worth checking out. Its engaging gameplay, extensive roster, and deep customization options make it a game that you'll keep coming back to again and again. Plus, reliving those classic moments from the WWE universe is always a blast!