TPWW Forums - View Single Post - The Official Smackdown vs Raw 2007 Thread

**Dark-Slicer Diago** · 10-02-2006, 10:26 AM

page 2

One area that still runs into problems, though, is the AI. Admittedly, we've played every SmackDown since time began, so maybe we're a little on the advanced side... but even so, the level of opposition that the CPU provides on all but Legend difficulty will be a pushover for series pros (and even then, it isn't the hardest challenge in the world by any means). Obviously, and as with past SmackDowns, the real fun here is playing with other people -- but since we haven't been able to give online head-to-head a go yet, the CPU and "Player #2" are the only folks we've been messing with so far.

The good news is that, even if you're playing alone, there's a great amount of content here. Most of the familiar match types have come back from last year and improved versions of tables, TLC, and the addition of Money in the Bank contests are all good fixes. However, fans of the diva specialty matches from earlier seasons might be disappointed to learn that there isn't such a match this year -- that means no Bran and Panties and no fulfill your fantasy -- or at least, it isn't anywhere that we've seen in the menus or unlockables section.

There are some slight alterations to other match types as well. Buried Alive, for example, has slightly-better collision on the dirt mound (you'll still get the mysterious floating wrestlers, but not as often), and the interactive areas add some spice to old favorites (particularly "Parking Lot Brawl" which now as a fire truck and a sewage tanker).

The "Locker Room" feature was a big hit with fans last year, and THQ has made a number of new changes to it for SVR 2007. The first and most noticeable amendment, of course, is that it's no longer setup with a static and lifeless display. Now the locker room is full 3D -- just like the old season navigation modes used to be in earlier PS2 SmackDowns. There are three rooms to explore in all, and they include an upstairs belt case and "Wall of Fame" area to a side area dedicated to character customization.

Pressing start at any time while in the locker room brings up the customization screen, and allows players to modify almost every area of their abode. Whether a user wants to change how their drink bar looks (which is where they can check their challenges) or alter the type of table they use to house WWE magazines (which provide Superstar bios that include everything from their height and weight to notable championships and more), the choice is entirely theirs.

And by choice, we mean it. There are 14 customizable hub aspects in total: Room Lighting, Wall Pattern, Floor Pattern, Stairs, Amusement Corner, Bar Corner, Shelves, Desk, Large Furniture, Rug, Corner Items, Wall Decorations, Banner, and Collectibles. Of course, each of these categories has further sub-groups within them, and that's where your creativity will really come in.

Speaking of which, the number of options within each customization set is huge. Take lighting for example -- not only can a user choose to change the main lighting scheme, its color, and what sort of fixtures are used to illustrate it, but they can also unlock a number of hidden items that expands their number of choices. This sort of choice bleeds into the other customizable areas as well; you can change your floor from concrete to metal, your walls from plaster to wood, or you can even change what kind of handrail your stairs have. Couches, coffee tables, and even your belt case can be manipulated in just about every way you'd hope.

10-02-2006, 10:26 AM	#33
Dark-Slicer Diago The Darkness Has Awoken Posts: 2,619	page 2 One area that still runs into problems, though, is the AI. Admittedly, we've played every SmackDown since time began, so maybe we're a little on the advanced side... but even so, the level of opposition that the CPU provides on all but Legend difficulty will be a pushover for series pros (and even then, it isn't the hardest challenge in the world by any means). Obviously, and as with past SmackDowns, the real fun here is playing with other people -- but since we haven't been able to give online head-to-head a go yet, the CPU and "Player #2" are the only folks we've been messing with so far. The good news is that, even if you're playing alone, there's a great amount of content here. Most of the familiar match types have come back from last year and improved versions of tables, TLC, and the addition of Money in the Bank contests are all good fixes. However, fans of the diva specialty matches from earlier seasons might be disappointed to learn that there isn't such a match this year -- that means no Bran and Panties and no fulfill your fantasy -- or at least, it isn't anywhere that we've seen in the menus or unlockables section. There are some slight alterations to other match types as well. Buried Alive, for example, has slightly-better collision on the dirt mound (you'll still get the mysterious floating wrestlers, but not as often), and the interactive areas add some spice to old favorites (particularly "Parking Lot Brawl" which now as a fire truck and a sewage tanker). The "Locker Room" feature was a big hit with fans last year, and THQ has made a number of new changes to it for SVR 2007. The first and most noticeable amendment, of course, is that it's no longer setup with a static and lifeless display. Now the locker room is full 3D -- just like the old season navigation modes used to be in earlier PS2 SmackDowns. There are three rooms to explore in all, and they include an upstairs belt case and "Wall of Fame" area to a side area dedicated to character customization. Pressing start at any time while in the locker room brings up the customization screen, and allows players to modify almost every area of their abode. Whether a user wants to change how their drink bar looks (which is where they can check their challenges) or alter the type of table they use to house WWE magazines (which provide Superstar bios that include everything from their height and weight to notable championships and more), the choice is entirely theirs. And by choice, we mean it. There are 14 customizable hub aspects in total: Room Lighting, Wall Pattern, Floor Pattern, Stairs, Amusement Corner, Bar Corner, Shelves, Desk, Large Furniture, Rug, Corner Items, Wall Decorations, Banner, and Collectibles. Of course, each of these categories has further sub-groups within them, and that's where your creativity will really come in. Speaking of which, the number of options within each customization set is huge. Take lighting for example -- not only can a user choose to change the main lighting scheme, its color, and what sort of fixtures are used to illustrate it, but they can also unlock a number of hidden items that expands their number of choices. This sort of choice bleeds into the other customizable areas as well; you can change your floor from concrete to metal, your walls from plaster to wood, or you can even change what kind of handrail your stairs have. Couches, coffee tables, and even your belt case can be manipulated in just about every way you'd hope.