The gain of the lucrative Smackdown series was a major coup for Microsoft, as the original Xbox had to make do with the lesser regarded Raw games, both of which didn't exactly set the console alight. Smackdown, however, was always the premier WWE series and after having a blast with the demo it's easy to understand why.While the series was always in danger of becoming staler than an EA yearly update, Yuke's have always managed to bring something fresh and original to the table, and this years iteration is no different. Using a new analogue grappling system, the game is far deeper than ever before, almost as if it's being transformed more into a simulation (think of the N64 classic WWF No Mercy). Use the right stick to perform easy grapples that cause little damage and for a more spectacular move set hold the right trigger while flicking the right stick in any direction. It's a change that takes some getting used too, but according to Nelo Lucich vice president of interactive at JAKKS Pacific it will "enhance the WWE video game experience".Smackdown Vs Raw 2007 is also graphically no slouch with well recreated arenas and solid looking character models. Also, the staple for most sports games nowadays is present: real time sweating. Yes, after lengthy bouts your character will start to perspire quite heavily and during close up grapple shots it does add realism to the game by making your chosen wrestler look less like a waxwork model.Although the demo only featured a standard exhibition bout with only two wrestlers and one arena the other game modes which will feature in the final game have our interest piqued. The general manager mode from the previous game has reportedly been improved and the season mode is always a good laugh, lets just hope it has enough multi-branching storylines to keep players hooked.One problem we encountered were the loading times, a common complaint with the Smackdown series. For a console that can apparently create acres of beautifully sculpted land with little or no loading times, to have the word "loading" pop up before, after bouts and sometimes in-between menus is a little worrying. Still, if these can be shortened before the November release then we'd be happy, but if not then we doubt it will become a game ruining bug. After all, from what we've played this could be one of the premier games for the Xbox 360 this Christmas. We certainly had more fun with this X06 related demo than we did with a certain blue hedgehog.
You might also like to check out RAGE for the Microsoft Xbox 360.
or alternatively Sonic Generations for the Microsoft Xbox 360.