On Assignment: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010

3:59 AM on 09.03.2009   |   R3Y GUTI3RR3Z

41 comments

THQ officially announced WWE: SmackDown! vs. Raw 2010 and Destructoid was there to capture every moment of the amazing press event.  Watch as Ted DiBiase almost tosses me out the window, my tender momemt with Cody Rhodes, and Matt Hardy makes me his little borther. Don't worry, this isn't the first time I've crossed paths with WWE Superstars. Co-Starring in Brooke Knows Best has thought me the ancient art of taking a chair to the face from the Hulkster himself. 

After your're done watching our "On Assignment" feature, make sure to hit the jump for my full hands-on preview of SvsR 2010. There's plenty of pictures and tons of video (and writing too!), which highlight all the neat new features and upgrades to Create-A-Wrestler, Create-A-Finisher, and the all new Story mode.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 (PS3, 360, Wii, PS2, PSP, DS)
Developer: Yuke's
Publisher: THQ
To be released: October 20, 2009

Press release says: "It's Your World Now"

The best-selling fighting videogame franchise returns to the virtual ring with the most authentic, entertaining and compelling simulation of WWE programming to date. Featuring unparalleled creation tools, a robust Super roster, key franchise improvements and a few surprises, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 delivers the empowering freedom to create, customize, and share game play experiences.

R3Y says: Recycling is great for the environment

When pressed on the subject of recycling assets and just releasing a new piece of software with some new features, Senior Creative Manager Cory Ledesma explained, "We're always building on the last year. We have this great foundation; we want to build on top of that, expand that. That's why our game is so deep feature-wise -- each year we add new modes, new content; it never ends. We love to build [on] what we've done on the past."

So in other words, they're recycling assets, but they're also expanding on what works and tossing out what doesn't. Fair enough. Sounds like they grabbed a healthy amount of the development budget, and tossed that it into growth, instead of squeezing more polygons out of Triple H's nose. The graphics engine has received a slight spit-polish, and everything is prettier around the edges, but with 2010, their main focus is  obvious, it's all about the community and user customization.

Is it truly "your world now?" I can safely say it is.

Press release says: Create-a-superstar redesign

The franchise's renowned customization interface delivers a new look, improved graphical quality and a host of new parts, allowing players to create Superstars who are comparable in quality with their WWE counterparts. Take creation one further with a new Paint Tool to detail created Superstars with original tattoos, logos and other unique designs.

R3Y says: You don't look like ass anymore!

I could never dress up my Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers with different costumes and accessories. My Barbies always looked a lot cooler when they'd fight it out in her big pretty pink mansion. Kimberly, the Pink Ranger, never got over it. I had the same problem with my created wrestlers in SvR 2009. But from what I've seen so far from SvR 2010, you'll never have to be ashamed again when you're in the ring with a "high-polyed" WWE Superstar. Your muscles, abs, pecs (or lack thereof) will now flex and shine in all their glory.

The Create-A-Superstar mode has received a healthy face lift. Its new botox smile and forehead are very lovely, and I'm sure you'll enjoy all the new features and options like I did. THQ has balls, big ones. Giving their community and the WWE fans the ability to create their own tattoos and artwork for their custom wrestler, and then sharing it with the world, can only mean one thing: penis. Cory Ledesma promised they'd be able to moderate and flag inappropriate artwork. (long pause) We'll see.

Press release says:   Share the creativity

Share created content with the WWE Universe by uploading created Superstars, entrances, finishing moves, highlight reels, created storylines and more. Utilize the keyword search engine to view created content from around the world and download for use both office and online.

R3Y says: Look at me! LOOK!

All the different customization modes have returned. Like many things in 2010, a small spit-polish would be an understatement. Asides from expanding on the Create-A-Superstar mode, they've also upgraded Create-A-Finisher and the Highlight reel creator. But none of these improvements, along with creations, would matter if you couldn't share them with your friends, right? Creating, uploading and downloading looked so easy it was borderline scary. THQ has done a great job making the "Create & Share" process extremely simple and seamless. I'm curious to learn if the robust and solid system can hold together when it's hammered with global user content.

/p>

Press release says: Superstar threads

For the first time in franchise history, create alternate ring gear for Superstars by customizing the colors of shirts, logos, face paint, elbow pads, boots and much more. Save the alternate looks for use throughout the game and online to show off the Superstars in grand fashion.

R3Y says: This is unnecessarily awesome

I can't help but imagine game designer Dan Ryan and his team, sitting in a very cold and quiet conference room, hammering away at ideas and new game elements to keep things fresh. At one point, I'm sure they gave up; they have literally given the choice to us, the gamer. Almost every single strand of hair, latex and piece of cotton is customizable. Don't like Undertaker's dark undies? Maybe a nice shade of red can help with his whole "Rest. In. Peace." thing that he does so well.

Press release says:   WWE story designer

Embrace a directional role to create and customize unique storyline. A brand new cut scene creation interface includes talent and location selections, script writing, camera angles, Superstar emotions and much more. Construct each night's chow card with matches, unique match stipulations, interference events, and other story twists and turns.

R3Y says: Dude, did you watch District 9?

Here's another element that actually put me in a bad mood when I first got a chance to play with it. This is the perfect solution to bring out your inner filmmaker (or scary fanboy). Where the hell was this brilliant piece of customization when I was twelve?! Instead of slamming emotionless pieces of plastic together and doing horrible voice-over work, I could have spent hours upon hours playing with this. I'm looking at the machinima community to create some brilliant pieces of storytelling with these tools.

Final Thoughts

I have to be honest, my experience with WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 was a pleasant one. It looks like they've managed to wipe some of the excessive slobber running down grandma's mouth, and have cleaned up all the loose ends that have made past games in the series short of slobber-knockers.

(face-palm)

I just did that. If they can  squeeze in the Ambulance match mode that was confirmed for the Nintendo DS into next-gen titles, and give me the option to put Destructoid's helmet on my wrestler, then I'll be more then happy to "job" to any mid-carder on the WWE roster.

Tell me what you think! Follow me on Twitter! @r3yguti3rr3z