WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2006 is a professional wrestling video game developed by Yuke's and published by THQ for various gaming consoles including PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and Xbox. The game was released on November 14, 2005, in North America, November 18 in Europe, and December 1 in Australia.
Gameplay:
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2006 features a roster of WWE wrestlers and includes various game modes such as Exhibition, Season, GM Mode, and Create-a-Superstar. In Exhibition mode, players can choose any wrestler from the game's roster and compete in a single match or a tournament. In Season mode, players can create their own storyline and compete in a series of matches to become the WWE champion. GM Mode allows players to run their own brand, hire wrestlers, book matches, and manage their finances. Create-a-Superstar mode allows players to create their own wrestler, customize their appearance and move set, and compete in matches against other wrestlers.
One of the major new features of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2006 was the introduction of the momentum system, which allowed wrestlers to build up momentum by performing successful moves and taunts. Once a wrestler had built up enough momentum, they could perform a finishing move to win the match. The game also featured an updated grappling system, improved AI, and more realistic animations.
Roster:
The game featured a large roster of WWE wrestlers, including legends such as Hulk Hogan and Stone Cold Steve Austin, as well as current superstars like John Cena, Randy Orton, and Batista.
Reception:
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2006 received positive reviews from critics and fans. The game was praised for its updated gameplay mechanics and improved graphics, as well as the new momentum system. IGN gave the game a score of 8.8 out of 10, stating that "SmackDown vs. Raw 2006 is the best wrestling game ever made." The game also received a nomination for Best Sports Game at the 2005 Spike Video Game Awards.
Overall, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2006 was a successful addition to the WWE video game franchise, and it remains a popular choice for wrestling game fans today. The game set a new standard for wrestling games with its innovative momentum system and helped to establish the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw brand as a major player in the gaming industry.
