This past weekend I was lucky enough to be invited to a Los Angeles community event to check out THQ’s WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 title. Before getting into the game, I have to start by thanking Aaron Kaufman and Marcus Stephenson for putting on such an amazing event. It was my first time attending something like this, and it blew away my expectations. These guys really care about their community and the game, which I will now get into.

Immediately when you pick up the game, it feels a lot smoother than last year’s title. While other sports games will sometimes sacrifice gameplay for a smoother look with a lot of signature animations, SvR 2011 has found a way to combine both and take a step forward without taking a step back.

THQ added a new physics system that allows almost anything to be in play during gameplay. When you pick up an opponent, you can now control where you will drop him simply with the left analog stick. So if there is a table in the ring or you’re outside the ring next to the cage, you can aim your opponent mid-move to send him into an object.



The game mode that really stood out was the new WWE Universe mode. This mode tracks everything that you do in Exhibition mode and then creates your own "universe" for you. This gives way more meaning to your exhibition matches now. Based on the outcomes of the matches you play, the game will create rivalries and even generate pay-per-view match cards to play.

The mode will bring a kind of dynasty mode feel to the game, which should really add longevity to the title. You can virtually play the mode forever and with created superstars as well, making a WWE world of your own in the process. However, I was unable to actually play this mode myself, so I can’t explain what it’s like to play the mode at this time.

Road to WrestleMania has also been improved. It’s more story-based than WWE Universe and there’s more of a Road to Glory (NCAA Football) feel to it. You can now walk around backstage before matches, challenge other wrestlers and even find a TV to watch the matches that are currently going on.

As for the match types, I got a chance to play Hell in a Cell, TLC and Money in the Bank.

Hell in a Cell was improved the most. Unlike last year where there was very little room to walk around outside the ring inside of the cage, there is now more room and there are weapons beneath the ring as well. Also, there is no longer a door to leave the cage and climb on top. Now you will have to bust through the cage to get on top. Once you are on top of the cage, you can toss your opponent off the top or bust back through the cage and back onto the mat.

TLC and Money in the Bank are still both enjoyable matches that take a long time to complete. Now with everything in the match liable to be affected or damaged -- especially with the new physics and gameplay mechanics now in play -- the number of outcomes and results are higher than ever before.



SvR 2011 also has one of the best "create" engines I have ever used. You can literally set out to create a character from Avatar like I did, and it can turn out pretty much as planned. But if you want to just create yourself, you should have no problems -- assuming you don’t look weirder than an Avatar character.

You can create up to 130 finishers now as well. You now can create finishers from the turnbuckle, too. And with the WWE Community Creations feature in effect, you can share all of your creations online. You will also be able to edit anything you download online.

In addition to the game you buy, THQ is promising a lot of downloadable content this year. Bret Hart will definitely be one of those characters, but he will be exclusive to Best Buy pre-orders for the first couple months of the game’s release.

For me, SvR was always a game I rented and did not buy. I got it and played it for a week or so and then was done with it. This year, THQ is giving you a game that can be replayed forever if you want. It appeals to the hardcore fans as always but will also reel in those who don’t follow wrestling on a weekly basis. And if you’re not careful, you can easily get turned into a hardcore fan just a few hours after playing this game like I did.


Full disclosure: THQ paid for the hotel and airfare during this trip. While it did not influence what was written here, it is important to be upfront with the visitors of this site about elements of this kind whenever possible.