Official WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 Thread

[Dark-Slicer Diago]

Thanks Vito, I'll idle that page till it's done.

[What Would Kevin Do?]

Looks like Kennedy was not removed.

[Jannettyzilla]

The Raw roster is pretty much up to date, minus Hornswoggle and plus Kennedy.

The others should be announced momentarily.

[Dark-Slicer Diago]

RAW
The Big Show
Evan Bourne
Carlito
JBL
John Cena
The Miz
MVP
Mark Henry
Primo
Ted DiBiase
Kofi Kingston
Festus
Cody Rhodes
Mr. Kennedy
Jack Swagger
Chavo Guerrero
Santino Marella
Shawn Michaels
Randy Orton
Triple H

[Jannettyzilla]

Interesting to see Batista is on the SD roster already.

No Hart Dynasty?

[What Would Kevin Do?]

No Hart Dynasty yet, and no Kendrick yet oddly enough.

Mike Knox and Ziggler are confirmed

[What Would Kevin Do?]

Okay, Umaga and Kendrick were on the bottom ticker....

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>No Zack Ryder...

BOOOOOOOOOOOO</font>

[Lord-Of-Darkness]

Kendrick is in. The full roster is scrolling along the bottom. They just aren't announcing released superstars.

Kozlov, Zeke, and Goldust are in

[Jannettyzilla]

Yeah, Kendrick, Umaga, Jeff, and JBL are on the bottom roster.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Dolph and Goldust are the only two inclusions I've missed from my original predicted roster</font>

[What Would Kevin Do?]

No Ryder? :(

[Dark-Slicer Diago]

Smackdown
Batista
The Brian Kendrick
Edge
Dolph Ziggler
Mike Knox
Matt Hardy
The Great Khali
JTG
Shad
Umaga
Undertaker
Jesse
Jeff Hardy
Chris Jericho
Finlay
CM Punk
R-Truth
John Morrison
Kane

[What Would Kevin Do?]

I'm guessing Ryder, Yoshi, and Sheamus for DLC.

[Triple Naitch]

Their feed is fucking up horribly.

[Triple Naitch]

Run-ins look pretty sweet.

[What Would Kevin Do?]

Holy shit, they actually added run-ins.

[Dark-Slicer Diago]

shitty feed

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol Natalya gets in but not Kidd or Smith</font>

[Triple Naitch]

There's like 6 ECW guys. :wtf:

[Dark-Slicer Diago]

ECW
Shelton Benjamin
Christain
Tommy Dreamer
Vladimir Kozlov
Goldust
Ezekiel Jackson
William Regal

[What Would Kevin Do?]

Gail Kim is in too.

Yay.

I'm guessing Kidd will show up, along with Smith, at some point.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Zack Ryder, Tyson Kidd, and David Hart Smith are all probably locks for the first DLC pack</font>

[Dark-Slicer Diago]

Divas
The Bellas
Eve Torres
Mickie James
Kelly Kelly
Gail Kim
Maria
Maryse
Michelle McCool
Natalya
Beth Phoenix
Melina

[D Mac]

Remember, DOWNLOADABLE CAWs. Some people will surely make some good wrestlers that aren't in.

[Dark-Slicer Diago]

Thats a given.

[Triple Naitch]

These questions are so fucking stupid.

[D Mac]

LOL "John Morrison is the Marty Janetty of this tag team".

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>So looking back at my WM-time roster prediction on the first page. I guessed 60 current superstars.

In but I didn't guess: Dolph Ziggler, Eve, Goldust, Natalya

Out but I guessed: Hurricane Helms, Jimmy Wang Yang, Mr. McMahon, Shane McMahon

Damn close guess.....I even got Jesse and Festus</font>

[D Mac]

I think Miz just jumped up on my favorite wrestlers list. :lol:

[D Mac]

So who was the first guy to ever pin Mr. Perfect?

[D Mac]

Bret Hart?

[Triple Naitch]

How much does the host look like Jimmy Kimmel?

[Triple Naitch]

So who was the first guy to ever pin Mr. Perfect?

Brutus Beefcake

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I just tried counting again and only got 59, we were promised over 60.

So either they are counting Rock and Austin to make it to over 60...or there are still unlockable characters we don't know about</font>

[Lord-Of-Darkness]

I'm sure there will be unlockables. I don't think Austin/Rock will be the only legends

[CSL]

Brutus Beefcake

Specifically to be a pedantic fucker, Hogan pinned him on house shows months before then

[What Would Kevin Do?]

I'm sure there will be unlockables. I don't think Austin/Rock will be the only legends

Or they might be counting DLC too.

More likely than not, We'll see Ryder, Hart Dynasty, Yoshi, Sheamus, and maybe Tyler Rekks as DLC.

I am really perplexed by Jesse and Festus still being in though.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'm not. The cutoff is traditionally no later than the week after WrestleMania. I had Jesse and Festus penciled into the game because I figured they'd want another tag team in and they seemed more likely than Hawkins and Ryder.</font>

[DAMN iNATOR]

No Zack Ryder...

BOOOOOOOOOOOO

Fuckin' bastards. Now I'll just have to make him as some half-assed CAW.:(

[LuigiD]

Not really impressed with the roster but what ever.
I didn't want Hart Foundation in. oh well..

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Just was looking through the Achievements list again:

Nothing More to Collect 100
Unlock all the playable characters and bonus items.

---

So either some of the guys we learned about today are locked from the start, or there are still more people. Keeping in mind that the unlockables weren't announced last year, people only found out about them when THQ accidentally leaked the images of the roster.

My guess is if there are more, they are probably legends...but you never know, totally random people like Hawkins & Ryder, Snitsky, and Layla were locked last year.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Here's the full roster, combined, for anyone still looking for it.

1. BATISTA
2. BETH PHOENIX
3. THE BIG SHOW
4. THE BRIAN KENDRICK
5. BRIE BELLA
6. CARLITO
7. CHAVO GUERRERO
8. CHRIS JERICHO
9. CHRISTIAN
10. CM PUNK
11. CODY RHODES
12. DOLPH ZIGGLER
13. EDGE
14. EVAN BOURNE
15. EVE TORRES
16. EZEKIEL JACKSON
17. FESTUS
18. FINLAY
19. GAIL KIM
20. GOLDUST
21. THE GREAT KHALI
22. JACK SWAGGER
23. JBL
24. JEFF HARDY
25. JESSE
26. JOHN CENA
27. JOHN MORRISON
28. JTG
29. KANE
30. KELLY KELLY
31. KOFI KINGSTON
32. MARIA
33. MARK HENRY
34. MARYSE
35. MATT HARDY
36. MELINA
37. MICHELLE MCCOOL
38. MICKIE JAMES
39. MIKE KNOX
40. THE MIZ
41. MR. KENNEDY
42. MVP
43. NATALYA
44. NIKKI BELLA
45. PRIMO
46. RANDY ORTON
47. REY MYSTERIO
48. R-TRUTH
49. SANTINO MARELLA
50. SHAD
51. SHAWN MICHAELS
52. SHELTON BENJAMIN
53. TED DIBIASE
54. TOMMY DREAMER
55. TRIPLE H
56. UMAGA
57. THE UNDERTAKER
58. VLADIMIR KOZLOV
59. WILLIAM REGAL</font>

[Heros Welcome]

http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/sdvsraw2010/roster/

Character Models are up

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Being reported in several places that renders were posted (and quickly taken down) on the official site of Vince, Cowboy Bob, Dusty, and Ted Sr.

So looks like we'll be able to do Legacy vs. their dads afterall</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Wait nvm, here they are...somebody uploaded them before they went down:

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp290/BurgundySVR/Smackdown%20vs%20Raw%202010/mcmahon.png

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp290/BurgundySVR/Smackdown%20vs%20Raw%202010/cowboy.png

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp290/BurgundySVR/Smackdown%20vs%20Raw%202010/dusty.png

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp290/BurgundySVR/Smackdown%20vs%20Raw%202010/million.png

I hope Dusty and Ted don't actually wrestle in their normal clothes...would make no sense to have them in normal clothes but not Cowboy Bob. I dunno.</font>

[Funky Fly]

I gotta say, the renders look ridiculously cartoony. Hopefully the in game shits look better.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, the renders usually look pretty silly and look better in-game. The renders are basically only good to see what their attire will look like.

On the official website, if you go to the roster page you can click on most of the roster and see their in-game character moving around a bit.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Hopefully all three play into Orton's RTWM.

[LuigiD]

bah..I was hoping for steamboat. But those are cool too.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Why is Dusty current day and noone else is?

[Xero]

Vince is.

[Lord-Of-Darkness]

Well the official site shows that Jeff has the facepaint. Answers that question at least

[Anybody Thrilla]

Vince is.

Not really. Current day Vince would be more grey in a suit.

[Verbose Minch]

I believe The Hart Dynasty was said to be DLC, so don't worry.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>That was only in the fake roster posted last week.</font>

[Anybody Thrilla]

I think it's pretty lame to announce any DLC before the game is even released.

[Shaggy]

Wasnt DLC announced last year before the game was released....and the content wasnt even released till like 7 months later.

[Evil Vito]

Wasnt DLC announced last year before the game was released....and the content wasnt even released till like 7 months later.

<font color=goldenrod>I don't think they announced the initial DLC pack until a few months after release.</font>

[Xero]

Pretty sure they announced it like RIGHT when it was released.

[Sixx]

The only good thing about SvR series is graphics. I was really dissapointed with previous parts. I'm gonna stick with my WM2k.

[DAMN iNATOR]

The only good thing about SvR series is graphics. I was really dissapointed with previous parts. I'm gonna stick with my WM2k.

You should give HCTP or SvR '06 a shot if you haven't played either of them already. HCTP has a pretty awesome Season mode, and SvR '06 has one of the best rosters in the series as well as really solid controls and gameplay mechanics.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Full-blown review of the game:</font>

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/6318/svr2010004.jpg

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/2639/svr2010005.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/8587/svr2010006.jpg

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/7291/svr2010007.jpg

[D Mac]

90% not bad

[CSL]

"The new Royal Rumble match is a massive improvement" is good to see/read

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>So apparently in a Q&A it was said that THQ might have to pull real-wrestler CAWs from online if they represent non-contracted WWE talent and there end up being complaints of copyright infringement.

Seems weird since they are getting absolutely no extra profit or loss from it...but ugh. I hope that is just a generalized statement and they aren't going to be hunting down unauthorized CAWs like the Gestapo. Like if they are ordered to pull down all TNA CAWs that will be hella upsetting because I bet a ton of people planned on doing an Invasion storyline (myself included possibly).</font>

[Anybody Thrilla]

I'd mostly only be interested in WWE CAWs anyway, but that's pretty shitty. Could they really get in trouble for copyright infrigement if the character was created by some random PS3 owner who wasn't even associated with the title?

[FourFifty]

So apparently in a Q&A it was said that THQ might have to pull real-wrestler CAWs from online if they represent non-contracted WWE talent and there end up being complaints of copyright infringement.

Seems weird since they are getting absolutely no extra profit or loss from it...but ugh. I hope that is just a generalized statement and they aren't going to be hunting down unauthorized CAWs like the Gestapo. Like if they are ordered to pull down all TNA CAWs that will be hella upsetting because I bet a ton of people planned on doing an Invasion storyline (myself included possibly).

I wasn't thinking of doing an Invasion storyline with TNA CAWs, but I'm currently scripting out an Invasion storyline with CAW's I've been making since the first SmackDown game.

[Kami Raki]

<font color=goldenrod>So apparently in a Q&A it was said that THQ might have to pull real-wrestler CAWs from online if they represent non-contracted WWE talent and there end up being complaints of copyright infringement.

Seems weird since they are getting absolutely no extra profit or loss from it...but ugh. I hope that is just a generalized statement and they aren't going to be hunting down unauthorized CAWs like the Gestapo. Like if they are ordered to pull down all TNA CAWs that will be hella upsetting because I bet a ton of people planned on doing an Invasion storyline (myself included possibly).</font>
That's like the whole point of CAW. To create wrestlers that aren't in the game or aren't a part of WWE. But there is a way around that honestly.

[Anybody Thrilla]

I wasn't thinking of doing an Invasion storyline with TNA CAWs, but I'm currently scripting out an Invasion storyline with CAW's I've been making since the first SmackDown game.

I can't wait to download this one.

[Mike the Metal Ed]

So apparently in a Q&A it was said that THQ might have to pull real-wrestler CAWs from online if they represent non-contracted WWE talent and there end up being complaints of copyright infringement.

Seems weird since they are getting absolutely no extra profit or loss from it...but ugh. I hope that is just a generalized statement and they aren't going to be hunting down unauthorized CAWs like the Gestapo. Like if they are ordered to pull down all TNA CAWs that will be hella upsetting because I bet a ton of people planned on doing an Invasion storyline (myself included possibly).

See also: Guitar Hero: World Tour and LittleBigPlanet. Nothing new here, I expected it.

[Lord-Of-Darkness]

In what way was LBP restricted?

[Mike the Metal Ed]

Rip offs of Mario levels or anything that used anyone's intellectual property at all was quickly taken down from the servers, they were particularly vigilant when it was first released, they might have eased off now.

I've never had any problems downloading copyrighted songs off the GH service in GH Metallica, however.

[Evil Vito]

That's like the whole point of CAW. To create wrestlers that aren't in the game or aren't a part of WWE. But there is a way around that honestly.

<font color=goldenrod>Depending on how strict they are. It's already been confirmed that you can't edit CAWs you download from online, so you can't say...set up a Sting CAW with the figures, moves, etc. and just discolor the attire and give him a fake name.

But, only way to find out is to see what happens when the game comes out. If I can't do a TNA Invasion I might just stick with a current WWE game...or download some non-TNA alumni from WCW and ECW and do a non-botched Invasion. No idea yet.</font>

[Verbose Minch]

I'm sure once you download the CAW, they won't be able to do anything from there. You'll just have to be faster than them.

[Lord-Of-Darkness]

You can't edit CAW's you download? That kinda sucks

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, it's pretty unfortunate. No idea if that means just appearance or if it includes movesets as well.</font>

[Mike the Metal Ed]

None of this is a huge disaster, really... removing all non-WWE CAWs from the servers will be like stopping Niagra Falls with a kitchen chair, and if you want a specific guy but you can't download a good one, there's still www.caws.ws, just means a good feature will go to waste.

[Lord-Of-Darkness]

Yeah thats true, but I never had the time to sit down and re-create a really good one from there. Thats why this feature would have been awesome, just cutting out the middle man.

But I'm sure there will be some cool legends etc in there

[D Mac]

What about the Create an Entrance for the downloaded wrestlers? If you can't edit their entrance and put custom music for them that would really fucking suck.

[Gerard]

I dunno why they seem so restrictive in these games, wwe raw 2 for the xbox was shite but there was virtually nothing you couldn't fuck around with (not suprising as many claimed it was released incomplete). Dunno why thq and yukes seem so nazi about people altering stuff.

[Kalyx triaD]

It's the WWE most likely.

[Lord-Of-Darkness]

There is a live chat on WWE Universe right now about the game. So far the only new thing said is that there will be no demo at all this year.

[DAMN iNATOR]

I dunno why they seem so restrictive in these games, wwe raw 2 for the xbox was shite but there was virtually nothing you couldn't fuck around with (not suprising as many claimed it was released incomplete). Dunno why thq and yukes seem so nazi about people altering stuff.

And yet, somehow, sadly it was far better than both WWE RAW 1 and WWE WrestleMania 21 on the XBox.

[Xero]

There is a live chat on WWE Universe right now about the game. So far the only new thing said is that there will be no demo at all this year.

That's a bad sign.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Was there a demo for last year's game? It was one of the first games I originally bought with my PS3 last year, so I wouldn't know.

[Xero]

I think so.

[DAMN iNATOR]

That's a bad sign.

I dunno. I kinda like how it gives more of a feeling of suspense, and this game has tremendous potential over any of the recent SvR. We just have to hope that it lives up to the initial review, and recieves high marks for being possibly the best entry ever to the series.

High hopes, I know, but one can dream, no?

[Lord-Of-Darkness]

The dem came out a couple weeks after release last year.

And I don't mind there being no demo because of that, I've never needed it. Plus the game is early this year.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Yeah, you'll get no bitching from me, especially when the launch for this year is something like 3 weeks ahead of when they usually release them.:y:

And even though I'll only be picking up the PS2 version, (because that's what I have that's why!, to anyone who may ask...) there will be more than enough for me to do between RTWM, the new expanded C-A-F (create a finisher), and the cool new feature where you can set up like up to 2 years worth of matches, and plots, and interview segments and whatnot...I personally expect it to be a blast, and maybe the first SvR game ever to score at least a 9¹ or above out of 10 (or 4.5/5 "stars" or w/e), it just looks [Triple H] THAT...DAMN...GOOD![/HHH]

¹--Aside from SD!: HCTP, and SvR '06 which got 9.1, and 9.2 out of 10 from IGN.

[The Mackem]

Why are you picking up the PS2 version DAMN iNATOR?

[D Mac]

LOL PS2

[Fignuts]

That is so damninator

[Disturbed316]

PEE-ESS-TOOO? :?:

[DAMN iNATOR]

Why are you picking up the PS2 version DAMN iNATOR?

Uh, maybe because I'm not a rich bastard like the rest of you all in here, and thus do not own an XBox 360, PS3, or Wii...ever thought of that, genius?!:roll:

(And you fucktards call me stupid...:nono:)

[D Mac]

Get one at Rent A Center. :roll:

[PorkSoda]

I was overdue at getting a 360 and having a PS2 for a while....spent all my money I got back from taxes on a 360 this year...

But come on Damn...damnit...upgrade! Up the fucking grade FFS! :mad:

[D Mac]

Ebay!

[D Mac]

Sooner or later they will stop making games for PS2. Then what DAMNinator

[DAMN iNATOR]

Sooner or later they will stop making games for PS2. Then what DAMNinator

When I manage to find a job, and I actually save enough to go out and purchase a 360 or PS3, then I will do so.

[Funky Fly]

No demo is usually a bad sign. It usually means a developer knows the game is crap and if they release a demo (which will undoubtedly also be crap) everyone will know ahead of time and forgo purchase of the game in question.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Uh, maybe because I'm not a rich bastard like the rest of you all in here, and thus do not own an XBox 360, PS3, or Wii...ever thought of that, genius?!:roll:

(And you fucktards call me stupid...:nono:)

Don't get mad at people for being able to obtain better video game consoles than you, spazmatic.

[Skippord]

I've bought two Xbox 360's with my own money and I'm 18 years old :)

[Fignuts]

lol current gen consoles aren't expensive, come on.

[Disturbed316]

A PS2?! COME THE FUCK ON!!!!

[D Mac]

He's poor. Living in the Ghetto, IN THE GHETTO

[DAMN iNATOR]

He's poor. Living in the Ghetto, IN THE GHETTO

Glad to see someone gets it.:y:

[The Mackem]

Uh, maybe because I'm not a rich bastard like the rest of you all in here, and thus do not own an XBox 360, PS3, or Wii...ever thought of that, genius?!:roll:

(And you fucktards call me stupid...:nono:)

Sorry, thought it was a typo. Drama Queen

[Fignuts]

Glad to see someone gets it.:y:

Well if you live in the ghetto, you should at least know how to steal one.

[Anybody Thrilla]

You could afford a computer, DAMN iNATOR. I wish you would have gotten a console instead. You don't live in a fucking ghetto, either.

[The Mackem]

He does live in a ghetto, just they provided it with high speed internet access and enough electricity to power a computer before they installed running hot and cold water and other mod cons.

[PorkSoda]

So whens this game come out?

[D Mac]

October 20something

[Lord-Of-Darkness]

Gamespot has articles and videos up regarding:

Scramble match and Royal Rumble

http://uk.gamespot.com/sports/blogs/sports-blog/909097139/27056342/smackdown-vs-raw-2010-championship-scramble-and-royal-rumble.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=picks&tag=picks;title;3



Diva Matches

http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/wwesmackdownvsraw2010/video/6230758/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2010--lady-fight-gameplay-movie


And IGN has an article about 'WWE Rivals'

http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/103/1030142p1.html

[PorkSoda]

I've only seen like 2 vids so far, and they looked good. I don't really remember them. I just have a feeling that this one is gonna be good. I think I'ma like it better than 07 for some reason....

[Lord-Of-Darkness]

Rumble looks awesome, and apparently with 3 different 'mini games' for elimination, and wrestler specific entrances during the rumble.

Scramble is what was expected, so will be a nice touch.

The 'Rivals' thing looks neat too, and I like that some of the bigger stars don't just rump the rail. Like Kane has his pyro, for Taker the lights go out and he's in the ring, and for HHH he runs out with the sledgehammer.

All sounding very cool

[D Mac]

Rumble looks good. Crowd counts down, although they seem to be a second behind. Eliminated wrestlers throw a fit then actually walk to the back, and entering wrestlers pose and interact with the fans while coming down. They might have finally done it right.

[DAMN iNATOR]

You could afford a computer, DAMN iNATOR. I wish you would have gotten a console instead. You don't live in a fucking ghetto, either.

The computer I use is actually my brother's laptop. Although sometimes, I do log on for a bit some days if I'm out at the public library or something.:-\

Anyway, now that we got that cleared up, quit worrying about debating me and talk about the fucking game...:nono:

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>So, apparently a vid was leaked scrolling through the character select screen. Here are the overalls for the male wrestlers:

Undertaker 96

John Cena 95

Triple H 94

Jericho 93

Orton 93

Jeff Hardy 93

Edge 93

Shawn Michaels 93

Christian 90

CM Punk 90

Jack Swagger 89

Big Show 89

Mysterio 88

Kane 88

Matt Hardy 87

Finlay 87

John Morrison 86

MVP 85

Shelton Benjamin 85

Ziggler 85

JBL 85

Kennedy 84

Evan Bourne 84

Kofi Kingston 84

Ted Debiase 83

R-Truth 83

Carlito 83

Cody Rhodes 82

Koslov 82

William Regal 82

Primo 81

Dreamer 81

Knox 80

Kendrick 80

Mark Henry 80

Khali 79

JTG 79

Miz 78

Festus 78

Shad 77

Chavo 77

Goldust 75

Santino 73

---

Some absolutely retarded rating system they have going in some instances. Also this seems to suggest guys like Zeke and Jesse (but not Festus?) are locked at the start. I guess it makes sense since random guys were locked last year.</font>

[Disturbed316]

Rumble looks interesting, at least its an improvement from previous editions.

[Xero]

Fucking Madden syndrome. It's been the same fucking game for the past 4 or so installments with a few improvements and a different roster.

[DAMN iNATOR]

So, apparently a vid was leaked scrolling through the character select screen. Here are the overalls for the male wrestlers:

Undertaker 96

John Cena 95

Triple H 94

Jericho 93

Orton 93

Jeff Hardy 93

Edge 93

Shawn Michaels 93

Christian 90

CM Punk 90

Jack Swagger 89

Big Show 89

Mysterio 88

Kane 88

Matt Hardy 87

Finlay 87

John Morrison 86

MVP 85

Shelton Benjamin 85

Ziggler 85

JBL 85

Kennedy 84

Evan Bourne 84

Kofi Kingston 84

Ted Debiase 83

R-Truth 83

Carlito 83

Cody Rhodes 82

Koslov 82

William Regal 82

Primo 81

Dreamer 81

Knox 80

Kendrick 80

Mark Henry 80

Khali 79

JTG 79

Miz 78

Festus 78

Shad 77

Chavo 77

Goldust 75

Santino 73

---

Some absolutely retarded rating system they have going in some instances. Also this seems to suggest guys like Zeke and Jesse (but not Festus?) are locked at the start. I guess it makes sense since random guys were locked last year.

Of course it makes sense that certain guys will end up being locked to begin with. That way, if you want to have them available, you'll probably have to do more than just play through Exhibition matches. Personally, I don't have any problem completing an objective in RtWM or doing whatever else it takes to unlock all the locked superstars (and even divas, if any of them are locked to begin with in this year's edition)...it gives me something to do, something to shoot for, and when I finally have everything unlocked I can feel a sense of pride and accomplishment or whatever.

I realize not everyone shares my point of view on this, and that's perfectly fine by me. I can see where some people don't give two shits less about stuff like RtWM or doing whatever else it might take just to unlock a few guys. I'm certain there's more than a few people who'd just like to play the exhibition matches, and have everyone unlocked from the start. Unfortunately that's not the way THQ does things when it comes to character selection at the outset of each new SvR game.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I have no problem at all with locked superstars...it just seems that they always pick the most random people to lock, like they are afraid of getting backlash if they were to lock Cena or something. In SD2 you needed to unlock Austin and HBK...it was awesome.</font>

[James Steele]

In SD!2, you also had to unlock Billy Gunn.

[The Mackem]

I refused, the useless bastard.

[DAMN iNATOR]

I refused, the useless bastard.

Feel free to share your real feelings anytime...:shifty:

[The Mackem]

I'm not talking to you DAMN iNATOR, you hurt my feelings.

[PorkSoda]

I hurt myself today....

[Shaggy]

I would laugh if they just kinda gave up one year and instead of putting in people as the unlockables as people we dont wanna play....have people from like 5 years ago or more that we really dont wanna play...

Would laugh is you won the royal rumble or something and suddenly a message popped up...."You have unlocked the Shockmaster!"

[Kami Raki]

I would laugh if they just kinda gave up one year and instead of putting in people as the unlockables as people we dont wanna play....have people from like 5 years ago or more that we really dont wanna play...

Would laugh is you won the royal rumble or something and suddenly a message popped up...."You have unlocked the Shockmaster!"
I'd mark to my core if that happened.

[Anybody Thrilla]

I thought last year's unlockables were pretty solid. I liked when the characters would randomly pop up in a storyline.

[Shaggy]

I thought last year's unlockables were pretty solid. I liked when the characters would randomly pop up in a storyline.

I agree but wouldnt it be better if the unlockables were actual wrestlers and not "The Army Guy" or "The attacker" or "Zombie" Finley and Santino. Those were the only Unlockables last year that really threw me off.

Did anyone honestly play as these guys after you unlocked them?

[Lord-Of-Darkness]

No, I didn't. But as for ABT's original point, the whole unlocking for the Boogeyman and Tazz was pretty cool. How they just popped up in the story. It made sense.

[DAMN iNATOR]

I'm probably going to go through the Brand Warfare and C-A-W RtWM storylines first, just because they seem to be the most intriguing.

[Anybody Thrilla]

I agree but wouldnt it be better if the unlockables were actual wrestlers and not "The Army Guy" or "The attacker" or "Zombie" Finley and Santino. Those were the only Unlockables last year that really threw me off.

Did anyone honestly play as these guys after you unlocked them?

No, but I used Hawkins and Ryder quite a bit.

[Dark-Slicer Diago]

I remember using Hawkins and Ryder, but I never used Tony, Masked Man or the Zombies as it was pretty pointless to have them in the game instead of someone who should've been in in the first place.

CM Punk vs. Matt Hardy with Undertaker interfering
<OBJECT height=350 width=425>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fwWnSCfT0zs"type="application/x-shockwave-flash"wmode="transparent"width="425"height="350"></embed></OBJECT>

Christian vs. William Regal
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Izp-uWfHdqY"type="application/x-shockwave-flash"wmode="transparent"width="425"height="350"></embed></OBJECT>

Evan Bourne vs. MVP with Kane and Rey Mysterio interfering
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hGno_FtgXvo"type="application/x-shockwave-flash"wmode="transparent"width="425"height="350"></embed></OBJECT>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Taker interfering looks awesome.</font>

[Kalyx triaD]

Taker and Kane's interference is fucking awesome. Hope more people have their own way, though I understand that most guys simply run in there.

[Triple Naitch]

I think only Kane, Taker, and HHH have unique entrances. HHH comes out with a sledgehammer.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>So here is a scroll through of the mystery spots, where they are slotted. Keep in mind this is male wrestlers only:

Big Show
??? (Bob Orton)
The Brian Kendrick

Dolph Ziggler
???(Dusty Rhodes)
Evan Bourne
??? (Ezekiel Jackson)
Festus

The Great Khali
???
Jack Swagger

Jeff Hardy
??? (Jesse)
John Cena

Mike Knox
??? (Million Dollar Man? Since there is already a Ted DiBiase in game it makes sense to name him that)
The Miz

Mr. Kennedy
??? (Mr. McMahon)
MVP

Randy Orton
???
Rey Mysterio
???
R-Truth

Any guesses as to the other spots? Between the Legacy's dads, and Austin and Rock as special downloadables...it's clear there are legends this year. So my guesses for the other spots are Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage (markout), and Ric Flair.</font>

[LuigiD]

I would guess that the second empty R spot is possibly for Roddy Piper? I mean, he appears all the time on TV and he was in WM 25. We have to remember that JBL is in the game so he is taking up one spot.

[Jannettyzilla]

One's gotta be Steamboat, right?

[PorkSoda]

Not the slow motion effect for the finishers....it should be an option, like if you hit L1. If it's automatically in then :nono:

but OMG at the interferences. That's just awesome.

[Kalyx triaD]

Dude... you can turn them off. We've been turning off camera effects and angles for years, literally since they gave us the option. Takes me out of the game, IMO.

[D Mac]

I like them.

[XL]

I would have liked to have seen an optional pin utilised. For example, with Taker's Tombstone, HBK's SCM, Batista's Bomb, etc (presuming they all use the same/similar annimations as years gone by) where rather than pinning automatically you have the option to press say 'X' or hold one of the shoulder buttons to go for the pin straight off the finisher.

Also, is there a video showing all 3 of the Rumble elimination variants?

[PorkSoda]

Dude... you can turn them off. We've been turning off camera effects and angles for years, literally since they gave us the option. Takes me out of the game, IMO.

I remember on year, I think it was 06 or 07 where it had the black and white slow motion effect and you couldn't turn it off. Or maybe you could and I just didn't know about it.

[Kalyx triaD]

Pretty sure you could. It's the first thing I do with each game, really.

[DAMN iNATOR]

#20. Jeff Hardy
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091002012009040.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091002020807870.jpg

Whoa, whoa, whoa -- pump your brakes, kids. I know that Jeff Hardy has been in a billion SmackDown games at this point and that each time he pops up, he's packing better moves, a better entrance, and a better model than the original Jeff Hardy from WWF SmackDown!, but this was the FIRST time Jeff popped up on the PlayStation and it was the only place you could play as the Hardy boy in a ladder match.

Let's put this in context: this game came out just a few months after Jeff and Matt's breakout performance in the unforgettable ladder match against Edge and Christian at No Mercy. Sure, you could've been playing as Jeff in WWF WrestleMania 2000 over on the Nintendo64, but this was your first shot to play as a more realistic looking version of the guy, move as fast as the real Jeff, and rock the house with a ladder match.

Do you remember pulling off the "senton bomb" finisher when it was still called the "senton bomb?" Do you remember the thrill of the SmackDown logo flashing across the screen as Jeff leapt from the top turnbuckle?

Those, my friends, are the memories that put this simple version of Jeff Hardy in the IGN SmackDown vs. Raw Hall of Fame.

[DAMN iNATOR]

#19. C.M. Punk
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091002012011197.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091002030926143.jpg

Even through my darkest days, my fire for CM Punk burns always.

Although the Straight Edge Superstar made his videogame debut in the title before this one, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 would be CM Punk's coming out party. From his entrance -- packing better hair, his trademark T-shirt, and better animations/camera angles -- to the fact hat he was the game's default World Heavyweight Champion to his awesome Road to WrestleMania story, SVR 09 was CM Punk's game.

What got him a spot on our roster isn't just how he was packaged, though -- how he plays is also a pretty big deal. Punk's packed with submissions, that awesome kick where he slips behind the guy and then clocks him in the head, and the crippling G2S.

For me, the biggest pro for CM Punk getting on here is that I feel like the Punk in the game; he moves just like the Punk you see on TV. He's solid and realistic on just about every front, and that's why he's in IGN's WWE SmackDown vs. Raw Hall of Fame.

[DAMN iNATOR]

#18. Randy Orton
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091005003136464.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091005003134214.jpg

The Randy Orton in SmackDown 2009 and the upcoming 2010 might have haircuts more on par with the Randy we see on TV each week, but Orton from SVR '08 will always be the first version of the Legend Killer that bundled all of his current trademarks. The kicks to the head, the arguing with the referee, the ton of tattoos, the shoulder block to the knee, the ability to remove the turnbuckle cover -- this was the version that felt like the Orton you were seeing on up-to-date programming.

As an added bonus, THQ tossed in the RKO from the corner, and I'll be damned if that wasn't one of the sickest finishers I've ever seen. You'd select to fire off the finisher, the opponent would kick you in the face as part of the move, and then Randy would catch the guy mid-leap and deliver a devastating RKO. Simply amazing -- as was the fact that I thought my foe was reversing the move every time I did it.

Welcome to the IGN WWE SmackDown vs. Raw Hall of Fame, Mr. Orton.

[DAMN iNATOR]

#17. Sabu
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091005003131198.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091005003134808.jpg

That's right; we're putting Sabu in here -- deal with it. The nephew of the Sheik only had a year-long run in the WWE proper, but he will forever be synonymous with all that is ECW. The scars covering his body, the broken bones he wrestled with, and his refusal to miss a match because of a torn open bicep speak directly to the dedication of the ECW of old.

Sabu from WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 makes our hall of fame because all of that was included in the game -- at least more than it ever was before. Here, we had our first-ever realized version of what Sabu was supposed to be in a game. He pointed at the sky during his entrance, he could leap off of a steel chair so he could moonsault off of the top rope, and he could participate in the first-ever ECW Extreme Rules Match. This match meant there were flaming tables, barbed-wire 2x4s to grind your opponent's head against, and brawling through the crowd.

Sabu came home in SVR '08. Welcome to the hall of fame, friend.

[DAMN iNATOR]

#16. Chris Jericho
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091006052010032.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091006052011532.jpg

August 9, 1999 changed my life and still stands as the single greatest live event I've ever been to. Sure, Chyna became the No. 1 contender, Jesse Ventura was on hand, and a bunch of other stuff happened on that Raw in Chicago, but the real news was that Chris Jericho had arrived in the WWE.
Jericho from WWF SmackDown! is getting the nod because he captured that debut excitement -- the buzz of being a Jerichoholic. Sure, this game came out a good half a year after that August night, but when your TV started counting down for Jericho's entrance and you were greeted with the sight of Y2J with his arms outstretched, you transported back to that moment where he interrupted the Rock.

In the ring, this version of Jericho delivered with kicks from his black boots, a double powerbomb finisher, and plenty of moves to make you feel like the Ayatollah of Rock 'n' Rolla. Welcome to the hall of fame, Y2J.

[DAMN iNATOR]

#15. Eddie Guerrero
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091006052012188.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091006052011860.jpg

If you wanted an extremely good, all around wrestler, you needn't look further than Eddie Guerrero -- both in real life and in the SmackDown series -- so we'd be a bunch of fools to leave him out of our hall of fame.

Eddie from WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 gets the induction because it was Latino Heat's first year as a Legend and because it's one of the most complete looks at the Superstar. The frog splash, the tights, the build -- it's all here and it's all Eddie. On the way to the ring, he's got that hideous car and spring in his step, and in the squared circle, he's got the moves to back up his legacy.

We'd give anything to have Eddie Guerrero back, but for now, an induction into the IGN WWE SmackDown vs. Raw Hall of Fame will have to suffice.
---------------
The next two inductees will be announced tomorrow. Stay tuned.

[redoneja]

Have all of the "extreme rules" mechanics from 08 been retained? Or was that just a one time thing? I haven't played this since the 06 or 07 version so I'm really unfamiliar with the series now.

[The Jayman]

I know the last couple of SvR games had the "Featuring ECW" on them but I though maybe this year would be different. I just feel like ECW is more than just a bonus feature. oh well that is my $.02. Still getting the game cause it's gonna be awesome

[LuigiD]

Have all of the "extreme rules" mechanics from 08 been retained? Or was that just a one time thing? I haven't played this since the 06 or 07 version so I'm really unfamiliar with the series now.

I think they have been.
But that is the only way to play SVR and not feel ripped off. I buy SVR every 2 years or so since so little changes in between each game that I just feel..well..ripped off.

[Evil Vito]

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<font color=goldenrod>Opening to CAS RTWM</font>

[Dark-Slicer Diago]

That wasn't too bad.

[Kalyx triaD]

These journalist put together the ugliest CAWs.

[Dark-Slicer Diago]

I agree, my creation actually looks like a real person.

[FourFifty]

Can someone refresh my memory and tell me when this title drops?

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>October 20th</font>

[Fignuts]

Still trying to decide between this and borderlands.

[Kalyx triaD]

I agree, my creation actually looks like a real person.

THANK YOU

You're on the shit we're on.

[DAMN iNATOR]

#14. John Cena
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091007022135216.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091007022137794.jpg

Love him or hate him, there's no denying that John Cena gets one hell of a reaction when he comes down the entrance ramp. Sure, a lot of people are booing him, but there's a healthy contingent cheering, too. That's the kind of passion our hall of fame roster needs to elicit.

We're going with Cena from SVR '09 because it's the most polished version of the jean shorts-rockin' kid. His entrance is full of the signature flair and mugging to the crowd, he's got all of his goofy salute taunts, and his signature move and special are spot-on. Even if you don't dig the guy, you have to admit the FU looks cool as Cena grimaces, pulls the opponent up, and then slams him down.

Welcome to the hall, John.

[DAMN iNATOR]

#13. Mankind
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091007022136404.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091007022132044.jpg

Maybe it's just me, but Mankind was at his SmackDown videogame prime in WWF SmackDown! You figure that this was in 2000 -- about a year and a half after he went huge with that Undertaker/Hell in a Cell match. From here on out, Mankind continued to pack on the pounds and wear worse and worse sweatpants. I realize there were versions of Mankind with better graphics and movesets, but they all looked rather ridiculous and Mankind got to be more and more of a jellybean.

Here, we're inducting the Mankind we remember and love. A goofy leather mask, a opponent-scaring mandible claw, and a somewhat normal-sized frame of a man. His moveset might have been a bit generic, but Mr. Foley was never known for his wide array of holds. Here, you've got the ability to take the hardcore icon into I Quit matches, and that's good enough for us.

Welcome to the IGN WWE SmackDown vs. Raw Hall of Fame, Mick.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
2 more coming tomorrow night before we get to the Top 10...

[The Mackem]

So this storyline creator is technically GM mode in a way but along a differnent line?

[Dark-Slicer Diago]

Thats how it looks.

[Triple Naitch]

SmackDown vs. Raw 2010: Road to WrestleMania Mode Spotlight

http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2009/279/960291_20091007_790screen004.jpg
My created wrestler in WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2010 (http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/wwesmackdownvsraw2010/index.html) is named Rich "Bill" Barnhardt; he's a highflyer with a purple Mohawk and purple back hair to match. He also wears oven mittens--the left hand bears the Mexican flag; the right hand proudly displays the Canadian flag. In the middle of his torso, he has a tattoo that states simply, "Hi!!" Clearly, Rich Barnhardt is going places in the WWE. But, midway through his story in Road to WrestleMania mode--one of the many game features in the upcoming WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2010--Mr. McMahaon decides to completely change his gimmick. Instead of rocking the cool eMo-hawk, my boy Barnhardt is forced to don neon green tights, as well as affect a disgusting-looking moustache and mullet. Now, he basically looks like a cross between Eastbound & Down's Kenny Powers and Shawn Michaels from their day with The Rockers.
I guess you do what you have to do to make it to the biggest show of all: WrestleMania.
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Road to WrestleMania mode isn't new to SVR 2010--but the mode has been expanded this year to be more full featured than ever before. There are more storylines that feature some of the biggest stars in the WWE, including a Diva storyline, a story for your created wrestler, and a two-person storyline that can either be played solo or with a friend in a mix of cooperative and competitive gameplay. Here's a quick look at the WWE superstars and their storylines:
Edge
When the SmackDown general manager position is opened up by Mr. McMahon, Edge manipulates things so that his girlfriend, WWE Diva Maria, is installed at the position. With the GM in his pocket, the ultimate opportunist begins wreaking havoc in the ring and backstage, much to the chagrin of Mr. Kennedy.
Randy Orton
The Legend Killer forms an early alliance with his familiar posse--Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes--and begins a feud with two of the biggest, baddest superstars around: The Undertaker and Kane. At one point, Orton battles it out with The Undertaker in a hell-in-a-cell match at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view.
Mickie James
The first Road to WrestleMania Diva storyline features Mickie refusing to take part in a bikini contest (boo!). When Maryse steps into the ring and threatens her, Mickie gives her a slap (yay!), and it's on. With appearances by such WWE Divas as Kelly Kelly, Beth Phoenix, and Natalya, as well as a Diva Rumble during the Royal Rumble, this one is the best-looking storylines (at least in terms of competitors) of them all.
Triple H/John Cena
Mr. McMahon is looking to set up a cross-brand rivalry between Raw and SmackDown! by pitting its two champions against one another. You can play this storyline solo or try it with a friend. One person will play as The Game and the other as John Cena with the pair looking to take on the combined forces of Chris Jericho and MVP. The Miz and John Morrison also make an appearance in this storyline, offering their unique analysis on Cena and Triple H via The Dirt Sheet.
Shawn Michaels
The Heartbreak Kid forms an early alliance with CM Punk, while JBL and Randy Orton look to test the wrestler known as Mr. WrestleMania. If you think "Sweet Chin Music" will be played multiple times, you're absolutely right.
Created Wrestler
As with all the other Road to WrestleMania storylines, the story featuring your created wrestler is fully voice acted (you'll choose a voice for your wrestler when you create him). Early on in the CAW storyline, you'll face off against the one and only Santino, who calls you out as you're watching one of his matches in the audience. After teaching Santino a lesson in the ring, your goal becomes not just to keep the Intercontinental belt you won, but also to earn an actual legitimate contract in the WWE. But Mr. McMahon will have a thing or two to say about that...
Regardless of which storyline you play, you'll occasionally run into mandatory and optional goals in the matches you play. With a mandatory goal, you must complete that objective in order to move forward in a particular storyline; completing optional goals will earn you cool unlockables, such as new characters to play as or alternate costumes. These goals run the gamut from simply beating an opponent within an allotted period of time to slightly more elaborate objectives, such as making sure each of your opponents in a tag match receives your wrestler's finishing move twice.
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2009/279/960291_20091007_790screen005.jpg
Most of the goals and matches take place in the ring, naturally, but there are a couple of backstage encounters. During one scene in Vince's office, Vladimir Kozlov and Ezekiel Jackson look to teach you a lesson, and while you fight them off, the goal is to create as much damage as possible to Vince's office. You'll do this mainly by bouncing Vlad and Zeke off any of 10 hotspots in the room, including a Mr. McMahon-shaped bust, a couple of bookshelves, and a television set.
Every once in a while, you'll encounter a sequence in which you have a choice to make (such as whether to respond to one character or another) but, for the most part, the storylines in Road to WrestleMania mode are pretty linear and straightforward. That said, there are some great moments, including at least one jab at videogame fans that had me chuckling. Naturally, there's a backstage hub for the mode where you can do things like save your game, grab voicemails from other WWE Superstars and, in the case of your created wrestler, alter his outfit slightly.
When playing Road to WrestleMania with your created wrestler, you'll be earning attribute points as you go. The better you perform in a match, the more points you'll have to put toward such attributes as strength, speed, grappling, charisma, and more. In fact, whenever you play with your created wrestler in SVR 2010, you'll have an opportunity to earn these attribute points, which is a great way to quickly get him or her up to speed with the biggest and best in the business.
WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2010 is due for release on October 20.

By: BrianEk (http://www.gamespot.com/users/BrianEk/) Posted Oct 7, 2009 4:05 pm PT

Story from GameSpot:
Copyright ©2009 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved.

[Triple Naitch]

Good to see that it will be easier to add points to you CAW this year.

[DAMN iNATOR]

#12. Tazz
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091008041835191.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091008053154997.jpg

You might only know him as a suit behind an announce table nowadays, but there are few who could match Tazz when he was in his prime. The way he'd toss people around with suplexes, the way he'd beat on people with forearms, and the way he'd choke people out in the center of the ring -- it was a thing of beauty.

Although he entered the WWE with a bang and was the first person to ever defeat Kurt Angle, Tazz's Sports Entertainment career never reached the heights it did in Philly -- and that's OK, because the version of him in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is pretty much exactly how he should be remembered.

Here, we've got the trademark march to the ring and cross-armed pose, the wealth of suplexes from grapples and the corner, and plenty of vicious clotheslines and submission holds. The thing about Tazz's character in this game is that his moves all target specific parts of the body. Just by playing the game naturally, you're going to see the opponent's torso go red. This makes Tazz seem all the more Tazz-like as he hones in on a body part and starts setting up the Tazzmission. Yes, it sucks that the Tazzmission isn't a true submission hold in the game, but this version of Tazz is still awesome.

Welcome to the hall, buddy.

[DAMN iNATOR]

#11. Triple H
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091008041833816.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091008053155388.jpg

You, my mom, and everyone else knew that Triple H was going to show up in our Hall of Fame. I mean, the Game's been at this WWE thing for nearly 15 years and in countless SmackDown videogames.

The reason we're going with Triple H from WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is because this is the most TV-accurate one out there. THQ and Yuke's have had plenty of shots at the King of Kings, and every year things get better. In SVR '09, the lighting for Hunter's entrance is better than ever, he's got his bowing to the fans from the corner, the spinebuster Signature Move looks like it would legitimately take the wind out of you, and the Pedigree has the opponent struggle before tasting the mat.

Triple H is usually one of the most solid characters in a given SmackDown title with his leaping knee to the face and crotch-chop taunt, but SVR '09's version is the one we're inducting into the IGN WWE SmackDown vs. Raw Hall of Fame.

[Drakul]

My brother will be picking this up so I'll give it a shot. I've not enjoyed the last few years enough to play them, really. Everything looks better this year though. Except this back stage segmant:

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Seems a bit subpar to me. Still, over all, the game looks interesting.

[The Jayman]

11 days

[DAMN iNATOR]

Thanks for the update Mr. Math...

[The Jayman]

you're welcome Mr. Ass

[DAMN iNATOR]

#10. Shawn Michaels
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091008101612970.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091009005607753.jpg

The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels has had an illustrious WWE career. He's been a grand slam champion, a founder of one of the most successful stables of all time, and he's been beloved for about two decades in the WWE. It was a no-brainer that he was going to make our hall of fame.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Shawn Michaels gets our nod because it's the best iteration of what Shawn Michaels is. There's the long, drawn out entrance that you have no choice but to like as he thanks the fans; the kip-up; and one of the sickest Sweet Chin Musics we've ever seen followed by the traditional Shawn Michaels pin.

If you wanted to make a case for a younger version of HBK, you'd be justified, but this Shawn looks spot on and moves like he should. If you wanted to make a case for the DX version of Shawn, you can make him and Triple H enter to the DX theme.

Welcome to the hall, HBK.

[DAMN iNATOR]

#9. Kurt Angle
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091008101611517.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091009005607081.jpg

Admit it, you miss Kurt Angle on WWE programming. It's understandable; the Olympic gold medalist was an awesome display of power and skill in the ring. With that in mind, we're choosing Kurt from WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 for IGN's WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 Hall of Fame.

The Angle found in this game is the powerhouse you remember from the squared circle. He's packed with vicious looking vertical suplexes, German suplexes, double-leg takedowns, and so much more. He's got the ability to hone in on legs as he gets ready for the ankle lock, to lay people out with the Olympic Slam, and more. Never mind the fact that his entrance is ripped from TV with appropriate fireworks and the crowd chanting "You suck" in time with his music.

Accuracy like that is what the hall of fame is made of.
---------------------------------------------------------
2 more coming Monday.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Apparently Trish Stratus has been indirectly confirmed as a locked "legendary diva"...I'd have to assume you unlock her in Mickie's storyline</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>LOL holy shit. Mike from GamingRing confirmed 2 more unlockables on Twitter. The guys in these spots:

The Great Khali
???
Jack Swagger

Randy Orton
???
Rey Mysterio

---

Green Guy and Red Guy......the guys you test your moves against in CAW Mode. Ladies and gentlemen, your NEW version of THQ Man/AKI Man.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Oh yeah and prepare for a serious damper on Storyline Mode. In videos leaked it showed "CAW Instance 0/10".

Most thought that meant you could have 10 CAWs "entered" into the mode. Nope. If you are using a CAW in the mode you can only have them in a match/segment on 10 occasions, even if offline. Meaning anybody wanting to use CAWs for drawn out invasion storylines or anything are shit out of luck.

Looks like I'll be running any potential sim storyline in exhibition.</font>

[LuigiD]

Well wow..aren't the last 2 posts big ass disappointments? 2 lame ass unlockables and a crappy caw limit? damn..

[Jannettyzilla]

Couldn't you just make copies of the CAW and use different versions of it?

[DAMN iNATOR]

Couldn't you just make copies of the CAW and use different versions of it?

If I'm reading it right, the simple answer to your question is no. This would be due to the fact that it presumably keeps track of all CAW's you use in storyline creation, and once it reaches 10, you're outta luck.

[What Would Kevin Do?]

That restriction really makes no sense. I'm curious to see if maybe it's been misinterpreted somehow (like, per scene, per week, or something.)

The only other thing I could think of is if it's like a download thing.... Like, you can only put them in 10 times, because if someone downloads your story and it has CAW's in it, they'll be part of the story, but not downloaded to the other person's system, if that makes sense...

So, maybe after you get over 10, you can't share it? That's the only thing I can think of.

[Drakul]

That restriction really makes no sense. I'm curious to see if maybe it's been misinterpreted somehow (like, per scene, per week, or something.)

The only other thing I could think of is if it's like a download thing.... Like, you can only put them in 10 times, because if someone downloads your story and it has CAW's in it, they'll be part of the story, but not downloaded to the other person's system, if that makes sense...

So, maybe after you get over 10, you can't share it? That's the only thing I can think of.

That makes more sense.

Limiting it to 10 scenes would make the ability to add CAWs pointless so I think/hope it's a misinterpretation.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I have no idea. I hope they don't fuck it up though. Hell, I'd be happy with 10 CAW appearances per show or even 10 CAWs allowed in any one mode (I could run Raw, SD, and ECW as separate games if that happened). But only 10 matches or scenes in the entire mode is unbelievably bad.</font>

[LuigiD]

I feel like this game has the potential to be good..I really hope they don't fuck it up. I mean..so far it's little things..but we don't have any concrete details just yet.

[Kane Knight]

So any word on pre-order bonuses? I saw one for a Steve Austin exclusive with Gamestop, and I heard about some backstage deal, but didn't find that easily online.

[DaveWadding]

the backstage deal is WalMart.

$10 video game credit at Amazon.

Some place has The Rock as a special character.

[Kane Knight]

Is the Walmart deal in-store only? Online I only saw a 10 dollar egift card.

[Funky Fly]

Still getting this used. Anyway, I really hope they fix Bourne's music before the game is out.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Who the fuck wants to use Red Guy or Green Guy? Why the fuck are they two separate slots? BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[Funky Fly]

Who the fuck wants to use Red Guy or Green Guy? Why the fuck are they two separate slots? BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Good fucking question. Get to scanning people and put real guys in, damnit. Fucking just saving up for DLC probably.

[Skippord]

Red Guy will be world champion

[Verbose Minch]

Still getting this used. Anyway, I really hope they fix Bourne's music before the game is out.

Couldn't you just upload his theme and change it yourself?

[Evil Vito]

<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oDjZQg_Rkic&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oDjZQg_Rkic&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>

<font color=goldenrod>Pretty awesome commercial</font>

[DAMN iNATOR]

#8. The Hurricane
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091012115111604.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091012115048229.jpg

Fact: the Hurricane was amazing. Go ahead and start arguing in the comment thread below, but the fact that the Hurricane isn't a WWE Legend in every SVR videogame is one of the biggest tragedies in the history of man.

Most wrestlers in the WWE are big ol' tough guys, but the Hurricane was a fast little man who wasn't afraid to stand up for truth, justice, and the Sports Entertainment way. He brought comedy (Remember when he tried to Chokeslam Austin and Triple H at the same time in the Royal Rumble?), fun sidekicks (Mighty Molly!), and more.

The version of Gregory Helms' alter ego from WWE SmackDown: Here Comes the Pain makes the cut because he captures all that made the Hurricane great. He's got the goofy costume, the awesome entrance, the superhero pose, and he gives the thumbs up before hitting his chokeslam. Just like the real Hurricane, this videogame version takes a beating well and has a mess of top rope moves.

We will never forget you, hero. Welcome to the hall.

[DAMN iNATOR]

#7. The Undertaker
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091012115049932.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091012115048761.jpg

With his years and years of experience, it was a forgone conclusion that the Undertaker would make our hall of fame, but there was a bit of debate as to which version to induct. I mean, he's been in just about every version of the game, so do you induct one of the first versions or one of the newer versions? Everyone loves the short-hair Taker from Here Comes the Pain, but he had that awful entrance music that detracted from the coolness of riding a motorcycle to the ring.

Like a fine wine, the Undertaker only seems to get better with age -- at least in terms of presentation -- and that's why the Deadman from WWE SVR '09 is getting the nod for the hall. Here, you're getting the classic Undertaker music with an eerie entrance that changes for WrestleMania. There's the raising of the house lights, too, but once you get behind the controls for Taker you find his classic staple of moves. Sure, there's the chokeslam and Tombstone Piledriver, but you're also going to see that huge boot, old school rope walk, and gogoplata.

In short, this version just exudes what you'd expect from the Undertaker -- the posing after the win, the Tombstone into a pin, and so much more.

Thanks for the years of service, Taker. Welcome to the hall.
-----------------------------------------------------------
2 more tomorrow...

[jcmoorehead]

IGN posted their impressions of the create a story mode.

http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/103/1034343p1.html

Now, these stories can go on for ten years -- yes, you could have a decade of Mickie James feuding with the Bella Twins -- but there are some restrictions. One story can only use 50 scenes. This means that if you're trying to tell a massive, multi-part story, you should think ahead as to how many backstage arguments and in-ring contract signings you are going to have. Beyond that, your match count is "limited" to 450 bouts and you can only put ten of your created Superstars into any tale.

So you can only put ten of your created wrestlers into any one story.

[D Mac]

Well thats OK I guess.

[D Mac]

Just make a Part 1 story if you want a really long one and do a new one and name it Part 2 and shit.

[Triple Naitch]

Not too bad of a commercial. Much better than the old WCW one with Sting.

[Evil Vito]

IGN posted their impressions of the create a story mode.

http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/103/1034343p1.html



So you can only put ten of your created wrestlers into any one story.

<font color=goldenrod>Nope, he added this in, unfortunately:


If we can stop for a quick second, I need to correct something since this article was first published. There's a limit of 10 Created Superstar appearances in any story. At first, I thought this meant you could only have 10 Created Superstars in a story, but what this really means is that you can only have 10 uses of a CAS in a story. If you have Created Superstar A in one match and one scene, that counts at two of your 10 uses. Basically, Superstar A can appear in a total of 10 matches and scenes combined. Toss in another CAS, and the number keeps dropping. That's incredibly lame, and I apologize for the confusion.

---

CAS mode is pretty much ruined for me now tbh. Oh well, gonna have to use my sim fed anyway.</font>

[Evil Vito]

http://boards.ign.com/wwe_smackdown/b6546/185959753/r185960200

[LuigiD]

I was hoping it was a misunderstanding..but wow..
Total deal breaker for me to be honest. I was thinking of getting this on day one but now..I will just wait until the price drops.

[PorkSoda]

Seriously: What the fuck? Why the fuck only 10?

Next year it will be unlimited....why can't they get it right the first time?

[Triple Naitch]

<embed src='http://videomedia.ign.com/ev/ev.swf' flashvars='object_ID=14347664&downloadURL=http://ps3movies.ign.com/ps3/video/article/103/1034206/svr2010_gmp_cookiefight_101209_flvlowwide.flv&allownetworking="all%"' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' width='433' height='360'></embed><div style='width:433;'><a href='http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/143/14347664.html'>More WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 Info</a></div>

[PorkSoda]

I like cookies.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I'm willing to bet it has something to do with online limitations.

Then why the fuck not make it unlimited for people who don't want to upload it online?</font>

[Triple Naitch]

Typing out the script seems like a real pain in the ass if you don't have a keyboard.

[LuigiD]

Since the Wii/PS2 versions do not have online I wonder if they will have caw limitations assuming the online theory is correct. If so, I was wanting to get this for Xbox but if the wii does not have the caw limit..I am getting that.

[D Mac]

Just make a Part 1 story if you want a really long one and do a new one and name it Part 2 and shit.

AHEM

[D Mac]

Hopefully you can do a search by user, like if they make a story that's to be continued, you can search for them to find the next one. Or if they're really good at making stories.

[DAMN iNATOR]

<EMBED height=360 type=application/x-shockwave-flash width=433 src=http://videomedia.ign.com/ev/ev.swf flashvars='object_ID=14347664&downloadURL=http://ps3movies.ign.com/ps3/video/article/103/1034206/svr2010_gmp_cookiefight_101209_flvlowwide.flv&allownetworking="all%"'></EMBED>
More WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 Info (http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/143/14347664.html)


I lol'd...:shifty:

[D Mac]

Ugh, the load times.

[DAMN iNATOR]

I kept track, it's only like 5-6 secs. tops of loading...now if it was something ridiculous, like 10-15 secs. (or more), then I would understand why you'd complain, but 5 or 6 seconds isn't really all that slow. I mean, yeah it's not split-second speed either, but I for one, won't bitch.

[Drakul]

I kept track, it's only like 5-6 secs. tops of loading...now if it was something ridiculous, like 10-15 secs. (or more), then I would understand why you'd complain, but 5 or 6 seconds isn't really all that slow. I mean, yeah it's not split-second speed either, but I for one, won't bitch.

I counted it as about 10 or 11 seconds. Although I only counted one of the loadinf screens so I may have picked the longest load of the video. It's fine if that is the loading time for a match but considering it's a case of 10 sec load, 7 sec long scene, 10 sec load, etc. It's not so good. I wonder how long it would be if a CAW was involved. The load time does explain why we only get 10, I guess.

Making stories for CAWs was what I was most looking forward to. Besides that, I wasn't that into this. Now I find CAW story maker is pretty much useless and more hassle than it'll be worth making part 1, 2, 3. I don't really care about the game. I'll still give it a shot though, to be fair.

[Fignuts]

lol yeah.

Definitely picking up borderlands. Knew CAS was too good to be true.

[jcmoorehead]

Well that's pretty retarded about CAS, I don't really understand the reason for the restriction at all. I mean I don't know how the engine works or the programming behind it but from what I know of programming it doesn't really make sense to have it there at all.

I guess I can just do the parts 1/2/3/4 thing as mentioned but it is quite odd.

[Drakul]

This is unlikey but what if the ability to use CAWs in CAS unlimitedly ends up being a DLC? Think they'd charge us for it?
Maybe if they get a big enough backlash over it, they'll fix the CAW/CAS limitation for free as an update.

[jcmoorehead]

If they were going to add it as DLC then they're most likely charge it. As for the backlash I have no idea whatsoever, some developers have been known to do things like that but I'm not sure of THQs track record.

[Drakul]

I've always thought THQ was a "Screw you and your complaints!" kind of publisher.
I admit I can't see them respondsing to backlash at all and if they do it'll be something like "Sorry but we can't fix it...not until next year anyway."

[Boondock Saint]

I think I'm the only one who never uses CAW mode.

[What Would Kevin Do?]

The reason for the restriction is because you can download CAS without downloading CAWs. Basically, if someone puts his CAW in his CAS, you can play as them in there CAW without actually downloading their wrestlers. It's basically memory issues, from what I can tell.

[D Mac]

We'll still have some funny stories featuring the regular roster.

[DAMN iNATOR]

#6. Rey Mysterio
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091013024511169.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091013024508622.jpg

Everyone loves Rey Mysterio. It's impossible not to think he's awesome. So why does the Rey from WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 win out over all of the other versions? Because he's scary as all hell. First, he's still got the entrance where he shoots out of the stage with an explosion of pyro. Second, he's dressed in all black and rocking that spiked mask for his ringwalk. Third, he's got the "EG" armband on, and Eddie deserves to be remembered. Four, this 619 defies gravity and ends in an amazing pin. Five, this list could go on forever.

Seriously, every Rey's got a great entrance and kick ass finisher, but this one has the best of everything. This is Rey uninjured and ready to rock a stadium full of fans. That's why he's getting into the IGN WWE SmackDown vs. Raw Hall of Fame.

[DAMN iNATOR]

#5. Hulk Hogan
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091013024512028.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091013024359108.jpg

Say whatever you want, but Hulk Hogan is and forever will be "the man." His popularity carried the WWE in the '80s, he kept WCW relevant with the NWO, and his return to the WWE in the early 2000s gave fans one last chance (for now) to relive Hulkamania.

Hogan from WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2006 is making our hall of fame because he captures all the glitter that makes the Hulkster gold. The boas for the entrance, the shirt tearing, the lazy punches in the ring, the finger waving when he stops the opponent's punches, and the Atomic Legdrop are all there. If we needed to stick a version of Hulk Hogan into a time capsule so that future generations knew to say their prayers and eat their vitamins, this would be the one up for the job.

Welcome home, Hulk.
---------------------
2 more tomorrow...

[Kalyx triaD]

This list Greg's doing is fucking stupid.

[Anybody Thrilla]

I think I'm the only one who never uses CAW mode.

I don't either. It's such a hassle. Also, it's hard to make your guy look realistic or good at all. Plus, it's a bitch to build the stats. I hate looking for some formula online of a guy and having to spend 18 steps for a trunk design. I know some would say to just do it without the intricate designs, but then I get annoyed while using the wrestler.

I wouldn't mind downloading CAWs though.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Yeah. Fuck that list, DAMN iNATOR. Stop posting it.

[Boondock Saint]

I don't either. It's such a hassle. Also, it's hard to make your guy look realistic or good at all. Plus, it's a bitch to build the stats. I hate looking for some formula online of a guy and having to spend 18 steps for a trunk design. I know some would say to just do it without the intricate designs, but then I get annoyed while using the wrestler.

I wouldn't mind downloading CAWs though.


Pretty much my reasons as well. I haven't a SD game since HCTP so I've yet to download any CAWS. I'd prolly give that a shot with this one.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Yeah. Fuck that list, DAMN iNATOR. Stop posting it.

If it were ongoing, for like another month, or some shit, I would. But there's only two more days: Tomorrow (#4 & #3) and <strike>Friday</strike> Thursday (#2 & #1), and then no more list. I will not stop now.

[Drakul]

The reason for the restriction is because you can download CAS without downloading CAWs. Basically, if someone puts his CAW in his CAS, you can play as them in there CAW without actually downloading their wrestlers. It's basically memory issues, from what I can tell.

If that's the reason, why not give people the chance to have unlimited CAW use in CAS if they don't plan on uploading it? All they have to do is disable the upload option for a story that exceeds the 10 CAW limit.

[Anybody Thrilla]

If it were ongoing, for like another month, or some shit, I would. But there's only two more days: Tomorrow (#4 & #3) and <strike>Friday</strike> Thursday (#2 & #1), and then no more list. I will not stop now.

Whatever you say, Shelton Benjamin.

[What Would Kevin Do?]

If that's the reason, why not give people the chance to have unlimited CAW use in CAS if they don't plan on uploading it? All they have to do is disable the upload option for a story that exceeds the 10 CAW limit.

Because that'd be too obvious, duh.

[Disturbed316]

I only ever use CAW once and thats to create myself.

[D Mac]

I usually create Goldberg and SID.

[Kalyx triaD]

I create up to 6 or seven characters, mostly my legacy CAWs I've been making and updating since... well since CAW Mode was introduced in Raw is War for N64! And every year I introduce one or two new guys. Some become mainstays others don't return the next game.

[redoneja]

Yea I never create wrestlers in the Smackdown games. They just feel so out of place compared to the other characters already in the game.

I do, however, create an extensive amount of wrestlers in Fire Pro Returns. It's just such a better feature in FP:R. The characters look and feel like they "belong".

[Kane Knight]

I create up to 6 or seven characters, mostly my legacy CAWs I've been making and updating since... well since CAW Mode was introduced in Raw is War for N64! And every year I introduce one or two new guys. Some become mainstays others don't return the next game.

[D Mac]

IGN said their review will be up 9:00 am PST.

[DAMN iNATOR]

Wait, DM, surely you don't mean TODAY, as 99% of games don't get reviewed by IGN until the day before US release, so I would imagine the review isn't coming until Monday at the stated time.

[DAMN iNATOR]

#4. Rob Van Dam
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091014032009934.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091014032009059.jpg

When ECW began imploding, the federation's former stars began showing up in the WWE. Of all the guys who came over, I think most fans hoped Rob Van Dam would be given the biggest push. Known for his high-flying antics, RVD was packed with charisma and left it all in the ring on a nightly basis.

Luckily, Vince and company did RVD right and let him shine in the WWE, and that's just what he does in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw. Here, we're getting a Rob Van Dam who is not afraid to take to the sky and dish out the punishment. RVD looked great in one of his ying/yang unitards, he came packing all sorts of suplexes, he knew how to kick, and he was fast as all hell. He doesn't point at himself during his entrance like RVD is SVR '07, but this version has the better song.

Welcome to the hall, Rob.

[DAMN iNATOR]

#3. The Rock
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091014032010793.jpg
http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/103/1030601/igns-wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-hall-of-fame-20091014032009590.jpg

When SmackDown made its jump from the PSone to the PlayStation 2, my heart about stopped. WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It brought spot-on entrances, slick moves, and the best version of the Rock we had ever seen and would ever see.

Here, the Brahma Bull shined. He'd dish out a Rock Bottom, set up the People's Elbow, and toss his elbow pad into the crowd. Then -- hold on to your hat – the elbow pad would stay off the entire match. If you hit another People's Elbow, he'd reach for the missing elbow pad, realize it was gone, and take off the other arm's pad. Are you reading this? This is the kind of info that blew our minds in 2001. The excitement, entrance, and moves of the Rock were so groundbreaking for the time that no other version of the character would suffice.

We smell what you're cooking, Rock, and we love you for it. Welcome home.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't worry, all, the final 2 will be revealed soon. Also, WTF? The Rock at #3?:wtf: Why not #1, FFS!

[D Mac]

Wait, DM, surely you don't mean TODAY, as 99% of games don't get reviewed by IGN until the day before US release, so I would imagine the review isn't coming until Monday at the stated time.

October 14, 2009 - The cold sweats, the inability to sleep, the frantic checking of message boards – yes, it's the week before the release of the next wrestling game. Luckily, IGN is ready to ease the pain of waiting for WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010.

Tomorrow at 9 a.m. PST, we're posting our reviews of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

That's right; you're just hours away from knowing how this year's installment of the franchise stacks up against all the other renditions that have come before it. We'll break down the modes, the matches, and how the whole package comes together. We'll have new screens, more than a dozen videos, and a video review. Even better is the fact that this is the URL for the review. All you have to do is refresh this page tomorrow morning, and you'll have your brand spankin' new review. Pretty cool, eh?

Yep, TODAY

[LuigiD]

What pisses me off is that the next year installment will probably have unlimited caws in the create a storyline..

[Dark-Slicer Diago]

Knowing THQ, they'll probably only boost it by about 5-10.

[D Mac]

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/103/1035121p1.html

9.0 Presentation
Most load times are practically nonexistent and the use of WWE standbys –- the WWE live logo, the end of show copyright, etc. -- make this feel like you’re watching actual programming.
8.0 Graphics
The characters look as good as ever, but everything seems to move more fluidly. The blood is awesome.
7.5 Sound
The announcers are still stiff at times, but the Road to WrestleMania voices are good.
8.0 Gameplay
It’ll feel similar for sure, but there are plenty of new additions in terms of strong grapples, apron moves, and Royal Rumble changes to keep you entertained and keep it feeling fresh.
9.0 Lasting Appeal
The ability to share stories, created characters, and more means that there is always going to be new content available. That’s amazing. More CAS integration in story designer would’ve been good.

8.5 Great OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)