WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2011 Videogame Preview Reported By Staff

[W-OLF]

WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2011 Videogame Preview Reported By Staff
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THQ sent out a press release this week announcing several new features for this year’s installment of the WWE SmackDown vs. RAW video game franchise.

SmackDown vs. RAW 2011, which will be released on October 26, is set to deliver a stacked roster including 70+ Superstars and Divas, "Destiny-Defining Moments," "Best-in-Class Creation Tools" and "Ultimate Virtual Control of WWE."

THQ has released the cover art featuring John Cena, Big Show and The Miz as well as the first batch of screenshots from the game, which you can see here.

From the press release:

THQ Announces Additional Key Features and Franchise Updates for WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2011

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Aug 18, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — THQ Inc. today announced new gameplay details surrounding WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2011, the renowned simulation-based experience in the company’s World Wrestling Entertainment(R) videogame portfolio. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will return to action with destiny-defining moments, best-in-class creation tools and the ability for players to have ultimate virtual control of WWE. The game is currently in development for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system and the Wii(TM) system from Nintendo, with a scheduled release date of October 26, 2010.

“WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 is on track to deliver the most incredible WWE simulation experience to date in our storied franchise,” said Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President, Core Games, THQ. “This year’s game will offer players a variety of intuitive new gameplay features, impactful upgrades, industry-leading creation and customization tools, as well as unparalleled freedom to experience their own virtual WWE moments in line with those seen weekly in WWE.”

More About WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011

Having shipped more than 50 million units worldwide, the renowned WWE simulation experience and annual centerpiece in THQ’s expanding WWE videogame portfolio returns to define players’ ultimate WWE moments and give players even greater creative and decision-making freedom throughout their storied journeys within WWE.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will empower players more than ever to define their gameplay experiences in a dynamic and ever-changing WWE. In WWE Universe Mode, a new addition to the franchise, gameplay scenarios will change based on player decisions, allowing for new rivalries, alliances, championship matches and more spontaneous WWE action in and out of the ring. Additionally, the popular, story-driven Road to WrestleMania(R) mode will return with significant updates and new storylines, including the ability to freely roam through locker room areas, select opponents, break into impromptu matches and fulfill destinies based on player choices.

A hallmark of the franchise, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will deliver its largest offering to date of best-in-class creation and customization features. Players will have more creative tools than ever to customize their created Superstars, finishing moves, story designs, paint tool creations and more. Searching and sharing content will be greatly simplified through improvements to the highly regarded WWE Community Creations feature, which generated nearly 10 million downloads in its franchise debut.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will also boast one of the largest rosters in franchise history with more than 70 of today’s prominent WWE Superstars and WWE Divas. Each in-game model will feature new skin textures and movement technology, delivering the most authentic looking and moving WWE Superstars and WWE Divas ever seen in a WWE videogame. In addition, players will round out their virtual WWE experience with more than 100 match types, including Tables, Ladders & Chairs (TLC), Hell in a Cell and Money in the Bank, as well as an extensive number of new playable arenas. A brand new physics system will ensure all matches and object interactions look and feel unique, dynamic and unpredictable to capture the full essence and authenticity of WWE.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will also boast the franchise’s largest online feature set to date, including a robust downloadable content (DLC) plan slated to include playable WWE Superstars, WWE Divas, alternate ring gear and new arenas. Online access and the game’s first DLC package, which is scheduled to include WWE Superstar Chris Masters(R) (playable character), WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio(R) (“Dia de los Muertos” Halloween-themed attire) and WWE Diva Kelly Kelly(R) (“Devil” Halloween-themed attire), will be free of charge with the videogame through a back of manual code for first-time purchasers. Second-time buyers can also purchase the content via Xbox LIVE(R) Marketplace for Xbox 360 at an anticipated cost of 800 Microsoft Points, as well as on PlayStation(R)Network for an anticipated cost of $9.99. Additional DLC packages, as well as their suggested price points, will be revealed later this year.

For more information on WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, please visit wwe.thq.com, facebook.com/WWEgames and twitter.com/WWEgames.

[Smartmark]

Thanx for posting W-OLF!

[A Blissful Ass]

Heres More:

I write about the SmackDown vs. Raw franchise a lot, and when I do, I usually start with some anecdote about the life I've spent with wrestling games. After playing WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, I can tell you that there's no time for that – there's simply too much to discuss.

Need an overview of what you're about to get into? Free-roaming backstage environments are back, you no longer have to earn your Create-A-Superstars attributes, Hell in a Cell has been revamped and includes weapons under the ring, and pretty much anything you're doing outside of the Road to WrestleMania storylines or online matches is taking place in "WWE Universe," a mode that wraps storylines, feuds and a programming schedule into one package that's always evolving and changing.

SmackDown vs. Raw fans are a hardcore lot, but if you're just jumping on the wrestling game wagon, the basics are that WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 is coming to a videogame system near you this October and packing the action and presentation you expect from WWE programming. It'll pack a more current roster of Superstars than SVR 2010 (of the 70-plus wrestlers, the Undertaker, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, The Miz, John Cena, Sheamus, Rey Mysterio, Jack Swagger, Triple H, Big Show, Evan Bourne, Christian, Edge, Bret Hart, Michelle McCool, and Eve are confirmed), gameplay improvements, and a whole bunch more.

With the noobs satisfied, let's get to brass tacks and geek out over what THQ is adding this time around. The biggest change -- at least in my eyes – is WWE Universe. Basically, this shoves everything you do in exhibition, all of the championships, all of the stables and rivalries system, and whatever else into one mode that's always active. When WWE Universe is on, it's going to give you an event – Raw, Superstars, SmackDown or a pay-per-view – and an event card. This isn't generated at random. This is a card based on the feuds and friendships that exist on your system as well as rankings. Now, if you don't like the matches, you're free to change them however you like – different people, different stipulations, etc. – and the game will react, remember, and craft the story around it.

It's career mode without having a career mode. It's a constant WWE at your fingertips where you can pull the strings (you still get to choose who are champs as well as who are friends and who are rivals if you want). If you don't like the look of a particular card, you can change it or sim past it to the next show, which leads into the next event, which leads into the PPV, and so on. When this is happening, the folks in the federation are building friendships and creating enemies. The game notices this and modifies the WWE relationships, and this then leads to one of 100 random cutscenes before, during and after your matches. This is stuff like your foe attacking you during your entrance, a match changing on the fly, and so on.

All of this actually matters, as well. There's a ranking system in WWE Universe that shows where certain Superstars stand in the federation. As you play – and keep in mind, you can play as whomever you want or as many people as you want – your character or characters start to move in the rankings and vie for number one contender spots and championships. You need to earn your ticket to the top… or at least jump in and edit it so that you're the champ.

WWE Universe is the career mode of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011. If you don't like it and you just want the traditional exhibition matches without the suggestions and presentation, you can turn the mode off by clicking the thumbstick at the main menu.



The cell is bigger than ever.


Personally, I can't see why you'd want to turn the damn thing off – it looks awesome. Back in high school when I was salivating over the create-a-PPV options in the SmackDown series on the PSone, I had a notebook filled with matches and rivalries I wanted to play out. WWE Universe seems like it's going to let you do this, but it'll take care of the heavy lifting and make events and relationships happen as they need to. Instead of me commentating my own matches and making up stories for why things are going on in the squared circle, the game will do it for me. Plus, there's a layer presentation gloss that's top notch as it themes the menu screens around whatever the next show is and uses loading screens to promote the next PPV.

In the past, exhibition has been something I've passed up for the stories of Road to Wrestlemania and the thrill of online competition. With WWE SVR 11, I think I'm going to spend a lot of time in this federation that never ends and reacts around me. That sounds awesome.

That's not to say Road to WrestleMania is dead to me – quite the contrary. If you're just joining us, Road to WrestleMania is SVR's set-story portion of the series. Here, you choose one from a handful of Superstars, and live the lead-up to WrestleMania as that wrestler. In the past, this was a very linear experience where you'd get a cutscene, play a match, get a cutscene, play a match and so on.

That changes this year.

In WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, you set out on a Superstar's life, but you live it like never before. Now, you wander the backstage area and interact with other Superstars. Mini-quests pop up, fights break out, you talk to the commissioner, and so on. If that kind of exploring isn't your thing, you can just walk to the story objective on your mini-map and keep the tale rolling – it's your choice. You need to make decisions about whom you align yourself with, too, and that will lead to different endings and story segments.

[Kage]

Wwe Universe sounds a lot like GM Mode

[W-OLF]

Definitely does shaping up nicely.
I know noone knows but who wants to guess at the confirmed roster ?
As theres over 70 this time around.

[DA]

It looks... nice... WWE Universe doesn't really seem like a GM Mode but rather like something tracking you in-game, that in my eyes is wrong, I match completely random people together (I once teamed up Kane & Santino, also I do mixed handicaps ) but anyways people do that for laughs, WWE Universe will probs be taken out next year as for the roster... meh... 100 match types? Two years ago it was 75 matches so not really impressive... I would rather have a 'Create a Match Feature' and rather on simply being based on wins contenderships being set on performance... and UFC's engine would rather suit this better

[W-OLF]

Create a match would kick ass , Id love to see 4 vs 4 LOW Showdown had it .
And edit a existing wrestler moves and clothes not just color ( it was a step in the right direction though.)

More......................
Thanks to Komend, this is what he wrote:



Hi guys,

today I had the chance to play the Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 Demo at the GamesCom in Köln (Cologne) Germany for about 1,5 hours.

I have to say the game looks amazing, and it will propablly be the best Smackdown game ever.

I know you guys know a lot of things, but I will give you some information that was new to me.

I talked with one of the THQ guys, one of the game designers. I also played against him and won.
He told me, he always loses against Bryan Williams and they're working close togehter.




So here are the things i noticed, or asked the THQ guy that were new to me:

- you can turn on blood if you want, it's off from default
- sometimes glitches, when you fall off ladders, for example you land on the ropes, when someone kicks you off the ladder, and you land on the outside, but not on the floor, but at the hight of the ring in the air (i hope it's gonna be fixed)
- the briefcase/titel belt catchingsystem is very cool, best ever
- wwe title belt is too small, world titel belt looks great
- you pin with the circle Button (B on X-Box)
- to pick up an opponent, you flick the right stick up
- the tree of woe position is very cool, you can do a lot of different moves
- you can also perform moves in the normal turnbuckle position and from the toprope as well
- the create a finisher is from the turnbuckle, tryed it out, but you can start from about only 10 starting-moves
- there were clipping bugs (like every year)
- some realy bad slow downs, when you play a six man money in the bank, also when lots of ladders and tables are involved (watch the video with the sunset flip)
- when the game loads you get some cool facts about wrestlemania, or some of the superstars
- training mode is a empty arena, but not the fcw
- entrances look all fantastic (those that a saw)
- finishers can be performed from different positions, for example the walls of jericho can be pulled of with a standig opponent and a lying (though it is only a signature for jericho)
- hair doesn't look updated
- i got a bit confused with the movesets, i did often the same moves, even though i flicked the sticks in different directions
- some superstars seem to have only one finisher, and others have 2 (i found it confusing)
- the THQ guy told me that there will definetly be more DLC than last year, Superstars and other stuff
- when you buy the game you will get a code for the first DLC pack for free, if you have no code it'll be 10 Dollars (Euro and Pound he didn't know)
- ladder finishers look gread, codebreaker for example, rey mysterio does a neckbreaker...
- in the new hell in a cell you can break through the cell on the side, where the announcetables are; the one on the upper side and the one down like seen in the video from IGN
- you can break through 2 cellparts on the ceilling too (like always)
- sheamus does a powerbomb off the cell, and others do other moves
- more hairstyles in CAW mode, about 70 just for men and some for females (didn't check that out)
- new coloring system in caw mode
- physiks work great, but throwing charis at the opponent didn't work really good for me...always missed...
- staking to tables is very easy, and throwing someone through it also
- sometimes you get a little tie-up minigame, you have to hit the X button (or A on x-box) repetedly
- michelle mccools finisher faith breaker hasn't a pin option at the end :-(
- some animations are from former games, like the counter lowblow
- wwe univers mode has a ranking system and creates fueds and rivalrys by how you're playing the game
- wwe univers gives you always matchcards, 4 matches on raw and smackdown, 3 on superstars and 5 on a ppv (that will be taking place every month)
- there will be 20 different arenas,
- 6 superstars are maximum, (maybe it will be changed, that was only a demo)
- you can hit only one opponent at a time with a ladder, no swinging it on 2 or more
- cool moves will be recorded automaticly for the highlight reel
- contolls are slightly different (i mentioned that pinning is now done with circle button)
- the thq guy didn't know the exact release date, and didn't know if its coming out on different days in the usa and europe
- jerry lawler has a crown tattoo on the arme (nerver seen that bevore)
- a crushed ladder lied in the corner for about 25 minutes, until i endet the match (never disappeared)
- tables also stay a very long time broken in the ring
- finishers: miz - skull crashing finale, undertaker - tombstone and last ride, jericho codebreaker (walls of jericho is signature) couldn't pull off a lionsault (thq guy didn't know how to do it either,
michell mccool signature spear and finsher faith breaker, rey has 2 different 619s, orton has an rko and a punt kick as finishers and the orton stomp as signature, his backbreaker is a normal move,
cena does a five knuckle shuffel as signature and the stf and the attitude adjustment as finisher, but the AA looks weired, it has a you can't see me taunt in it... didn't find out more...
- didn't find out how to do a different finishers from same positions
- everyone is now weapon speciallist, the ability is removed
- comunity creations can be edited (you know that already) but you can choose if you want others to edit your creations



sorry, i forgot to ask about the nexus, daniel bryan, cm punk attire (mask, long hair, short hair) and if we can edit entrance attire in superstar threads


- the demo featured exibition mode with TLC, Hell in a Cell and Money in the Bank
- you could choose Cena, orton, sheamus, swagger, mysterio, jericho, the miz, undertaker, mccool and eve (see the pics)
- caw mode and caf mode (just turnbuckle position)


- (by the way, WWE All Stars will have a Roster about 40 Superstars, 20 Legends and 20 of todays Superstars)



i hope you like the new stuff i told you and excuse if I did some mistakes in grammar and writing (I'm from germany)

[DA]

lol that typing was shit... anyways the THQ guy fails massively...

I think some areas are REALLY fucked up like finishers and stuff (Wall of Jericho signature? GTFO) anyways I think you could always edit current wrestlers' movesets W-OLF... like on '08 & '09

[Travicity]

Seems interesting so far.