Introduction
Wrestling, that polarizing sport, is either a thrilling spectacle or a complete turn-off. As someone firmly in the latter camp, I can approach this game with an unbiased perspective. Recently, I’ve found myself drawn into the dramatic world of wrestling, addicted to its soap opera-like storylines, good fun, and endless entertainment value. Yes, it’s all scripted, but the choreography is so masterful that it’s hard to believe they manage to pull off such intense and seemingly bone-crushing moves without injury!
There’s an undeniable allure that keeps fans hooked, eager to see how The Rock seeks revenge against Triple H and his allies, or to witness Steve Blackman’s elusive smile. With a plethora of WWE PlayStation games available, some have managed to capture the essence of the brand, while others have fallen short.
Can WWF Smackdown rise to the top of the pack?
On With The Show
Upon launching the game, you’re greeted with an intro video from the actual Smackdown TV show, setting the stage for a dynamic gaming experience. The main menu offers a range of options: Exhibition matches, creating your wrestler, tournaments, viewing belt holders, and even starting a full season of wrestling events.
Choosing Exhibition mode opens up a variety of customizable match setups, from straightforward 1v1 fights to intricate tag-team tournaments. The array of wrestling match types is impressive, allowing players to tailor their gaming experience to their preferences. From practicing special moves to engaging in hardcore brawls, the Single Match option is a great place to start.
Raw is War
The core single-player experience lies within the Season mode, where you take control of a wrestler over the course of an entire wrestling season. Starting with 36 wrestlers, you’ll unlock additional characters like Prince Albert as you progress, enhancing the depth and variety of your roster.
Season mode unfolds with recognizable events, such as Raw is War and Smackdown, providing a realistic storyline. As you advance, you’ll encounter cutscenes that influence your wrestler’s performance, setting the stage for intense matches. The dynamic nature of the game ensures that belts change hands frequently, adding excitement and unpredictability.
Rock Bottom!
Visually, WWF Smackdown shines, boasting highly detailed graphics that accurately represent the arenas and wrestlers. Each wrestler receives a personalized introduction, complete with music and close-up footage, showcasing the attention to detail in their body and facial animations. The moves performed by each wrestler are rendered with precision, making iconic maneuvers like The Rock’s “People’s Elbow” and Triple H’s “Pedigree” look as impactful as they do on TV.
Graphically, the game is a visual treat, complemented by an excellent engine that ensures smooth gameplay with minimal lag. The immersive experience is further enhanced by the variety of moves and finishing techniques unique to each wrestler, encouraging players to explore and master different styles.
Speak Up!
While the visuals are outstanding, the sound department leaves much to be desired. Accurate intro tunes for each wrestler get you hyped for the fight, but the game falls short in delivering a fully immersive auditory experience. Fights are accompanied by generic rock tracks, with the occasional slap or thud, and the crowd cheering. The absence of commentary and wrestler banter is a significant letdown, diminishing the overall atmosphere and engagement.
Season mode’s cutscenes suffer from the same issue, with wrestlers mouthing words without any speech, relying solely on text prompts to convey the narrative. This oversight takes away from the immersion and emotional connection that comes with hearing the wrestlers’ voices and commentary.
Conclusion
WWF Smackdown delivers a visually stunning and fast-paced gaming experience, offering hours of thrilling two-player fun and a captivating single-player mode. The AI of the computer-controlled wrestlers is well-implemented, with only occasional moments of static behavior, particularly in cage matches. While the Create a Wrestler feature is somewhat limited, it still provides a fun way to personalize your character.
The lack of commentary and wrestler banter is a major disappointment, considering the game’s other high-quality aspects. The omission of certain superstars and inactive wrestlers is puzzling, despite the game’s otherwise polished presentation. Despite these shortcomings, WWF Smackdown stands as an extremely polished product that oozes quality and speed, making it a highly recommended title for wrestling enthusiasts and gamers alike.
If you smell what DNM is cookin’!
