WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw is a professional wrestling video game that was developed by Yuke’s and published by THQ for the PlayStation 2 on November 2, 2004, in North America. The game series was rebranded after the introduction of the brand extension which divided WWE’s roster into two brands, the latter brand in the game’s title being named after WWE’s weekly Monday Night Raw program.WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 was succeeded in 2005 by WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2009.
The game is largely similar to its predecessor but adds some key features.
Several new gameplay features are introduced, including pre-match and in-match minigames. These games are randomly chosen before every singles match and there are a variety of in-game mini-games as well. The meter mechanic from the chop battle game is used in newly implemented pre-match minigames. Here, the player must press a button three times in a row to win, but if they do so, one of two women will kiss at the end.
With the ability to sustain submissions, the WWE game now has eight different arenas to choose from that were used by WWE in 2003-2004 before they were exclusive to television. The game also features custom arenas based on each of the WWE shows currently on TV.
Also new to the game was the Clean/Dirty system. This influenced each wrestler‘s style and tactics. Players can choose if the wrestler is clean, dirty, or neutral. A clean or dirty wrestler has a meter that can be filled up by performing special clean/dirty actions such as moves.
In this WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw video game, the player is capable of playing a sample PPV from 2004, or creating their own PPV for their enjoyment by planning matches, choosing match types, and deciding not just one superstar but also legends or creating superstars that have been in the game before. In the constructor’s PPV mode, created championships could be wagered on in the circuit.
The game features an all-new Create-a-Championship mode where players can create and defend the title in their created PPV. The game is also more customizable as the Create-A-Wrestler mode offers more functions that include more options. creating superstars with move sets, attributes, and entrances.
With challenging difficulty levels and alternate costumes, there is new content in this update. You can test your skills against these tougher foes or get rewards for beating them.