WWE '11: SmackDown Vs. Raw - A Retro Review

Hey wrestling fans, remember the days when you'd gather around with your friends, controllers in hand, ready to unleash a world of hurt in the squared circle? Well, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit WWE '11: SmackDown vs. Raw. This game, released back in 2010, was a major player in the wrestling video game world, and even today, it holds a special place in the hearts of many wrestling game enthusiasts. So, grab your virtual steel chairs and let's dive into what made this game a memorable experience, its features, and why it still matters.

Gameplay and Modes: Stepping into the Ring

Alright, let's get right into the heart of the matter: the gameplay. WWE '11 built upon the foundations laid by its predecessors, but with some crucial enhancements. The controls felt more intuitive, the animations were smoother, and the overall experience was significantly polished. They really stepped up their game compared to previous versions, and that was immediately apparent. The core gameplay loop revolved around grappling, striking, and stringing together devastating combos to wear down your opponent. Timing was critical – nailing those reversals and counters could turn the tide of a match in an instant, leading to those amazing comebacks we all love. The new physics engine also played a significant role, with the ability to perform insane moves and even break the ring.

One of the standout features of WWE '11 was the variety of match types available. From the classic one-on-one encounters to the chaotic Royal Rumbles, the game offered a mode for every wrestling fan. But here's where it really shines: the Road to WrestleMania mode. This single-player campaign allowed players to step into the shoes of their favorite WWE superstars and experience their journey to the grandest stage of them all. Each storyline was unique, filled with cutscenes, and rivalries that kept you hooked from start to finish. It wasn't just about winning matches; it was about the drama, the character development, and the overall spectacle that makes wrestling so captivating. What's even cooler is that this time around you could play in the perspective of the heels.

Another mode that added a lot of replayability was the Create-a-Universe mode. In this mode, players could create and manage their own WWE universe. You could book matches, create rivalries, and even control the roster. This kind of freedom really allowed players to create their own personalized wrestling experience, and is something that still sets this game apart from newer releases. You could really get lost in the details, booking pay-per-views, establishing title reigns, and just going wild with your imagination. If you wanted to see John Cena go head-to-head with the Undertaker, you could make it happen!

Overall, the gameplay in WWE '11 was a significant step forward, offering a well-rounded and engaging wrestling experience. From the intuitive controls to the variety of modes, this game had something for everyone. This is one of the main reasons why this game is held in such high regard even to this day. It really did set a standard in wrestling games, that is still unmatched by many newer releases. The gameplay was and still is a lot of fun.

The Roster: A Who's Who of Wrestling Legends

Now, let's talk about the roster, because, let's face it, that's a big part of what makes a wrestling game, right? WWE '11 boasted a massive roster of WWE superstars and divas, spanning across different eras and promotions. You had the modern-day legends like John Cena, Randy Orton, and Edge, as well as the older legends like The Undertaker and Bret Hart. It was a dream come true for fans of the WWE to be able to play as their favorite superstars. Each wrestler had their own unique move set, entrance, and signature taunts. Seeing the effort they put in to make each wrestler feel authentic was pretty remarkable. You could really tell they cared about capturing the essence of each wrestler. The roster was diverse, filled with fan favorites, and included a good mix of both veteran wrestlers and rising stars. The developers knew how to cater to different eras, which is an important aspect of their fan base.

The presence of the divas added another layer of excitement, with models like Michelle McCool and Kelly Kelly gracing the virtual ring. In fact, if you were a diva, you could enter in a variety of matches and even get a storyline for yourself. This was really cool for the time and showed that the developers were willing to give their all to their female roster. It was awesome to see them represented so well in the game.

WWE '11's roster was a major selling point and a major reason why the game was so beloved by wrestling fans. The variety of superstars, the inclusion of legends, and the attention to detail in each character's moveset made for a truly immersive experience. It's safe to say that the roster was one of the game's strongest assets, and it played a major role in its success. Because what's a wrestling game without a great roster? That's right, nothing! The great roster along with the fun gameplay helped make WWE '11: SmackDown vs. Raw a must-have for all wrestling fans.

Graphics and Presentation: A Visual Spectacle

Alright, let's get into the visual aspects of the game. Now, by today's standards, the graphics might not blow you away. But, considering the era and the platforms the game was released on, the graphics were pretty darn impressive. The character models were well-detailed, and the arenas looked great. They've improved in terms of character models and arenas as the series progressed, with a lot of detail. The animations were smooth, and the wrestlers moved with a fluidity that was a significant improvement over previous installments. The developers had clearly put a lot of effort into making the characters look as realistic as possible.

One of the most visually impressive aspects of WWE '11 was the presentation. The developers did a great job of capturing the atmosphere of a real WWE event. From the entrances to the cutscenes, everything felt authentic. The crowd reacted to the action in the ring, and the commentary team provided color commentary that enhanced the overall experience. The way they captured the entrances of wrestlers, with the lighting, the music, and the stage effects, was particularly impressive. You really felt like you were watching a WWE show, and that immersion was a major part of what made the game so enjoyable. They also paid close attention to the details such as lighting, the camera angles, and the crowd reactions, making it an experience that completely immersed you into the game.

Overall, the graphics and presentation of WWE '11 were top-notch for their time. The character models, the arenas, and the animations were all well-executed, and the presentation did an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere of a WWE event. The visual aspects of the game contributed greatly to the overall enjoyment of the game and helped make it a memorable experience. It's an important aspect of wrestling games, and this is something they really got right in this game.

Legacy and Impact: Why WWE '11 Still Matters

So, why does WWE '11: SmackDown vs. Raw still matter? Why does it have such a devoted following even today? Well, the answer is simple: because it was a great wrestling game. It had a well-rounded gameplay experience, a fantastic roster, and a presentation that immersed you in the world of professional wrestling. But there's more to it than that. This game came out at a time when wrestling games were really hitting their stride. The developers had refined the formula, and they were producing games that were both fun to play and faithful to the sport. The game holds a special place in many fans' hearts. WWE '11 offered a sense of nostalgia that can't be replicated. It was a game that you could play with your friends, sharing laughs and epic moments. It brought people together and created memories that would last a lifetime.

Furthermore, WWE '11 influenced many future wrestling games. The game's features, like the Road to WrestleMania mode, and the create-a-universe mode, have become staples in the genre, and they have been refined and improved upon in subsequent titles. This game set the bar for wrestling games in the years to come, and is something that should be admired. It paved the way for future titles, and also helped show that wrestling games could be more than just a quick cash grab.

In conclusion, WWE '11: SmackDown vs. Raw was and still is a must-play for wrestling fans. It's a game that deserves its place in the history books, and one that is still loved by many. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of wrestling games, WWE '11 is worth checking out. It is a true testament to the quality of the game. It is a product of its time, and the memories it created still remain. So, if you ever get the chance, go back and relive the glory days. You won't regret it!