why not just post it here, its faster
As passionate as the teams at THQ and Yuke's are about their WWE Smackdown franchise, getting them to talk about
the next iteration of the series hasn't exactly been easy. Originally announced last month exclusively through
IGN prior to the Electronic Entertainment Expo, the sixth installment known as Smackdown! vs. RAW has been
quickly transformed into one of the most talked about forthcoming PS2 titles this year. And with speculation
and rumors about the game already running rampant, we felt it our duty to get to the bottom of it all so that
we could set the record straight.
Sadly that's easier said than done. As our buddies at THQ are keeping tight-lipped regarding the implementation
of this year's roster and feature set. "Honestly, we're just not ready to reveal too much about the game yet,"
said the THQ representatives we spoke with. "In fact, you guys [IGN] will probably be doing most of the roster
revelations yourselves when you kick off your Smackdown Countdown later this year. We like secrets. Secrets are
good."
Apparently the roster isn't the only thing remaining covert, though; as THQ has an absolutely massive undisclosed
gameplay option that will be announced sometime over the next couple of weeks. And while we can't get official
confirmation as to just what that secret may end up being just yet, the word on the street is that it's that
it's the one extra that everyone has been waiting for since the advent of PS2 Network Adapter: Online
connectivity. And from what we understand, that's not so far off from the truth.
Speculation aside, we were at least able to confirm several of Smackdown vs. RAW's specifics in relation to
what's been left over from last year's effort Here Comes the Pain. Six-person simultaneous play, for instance,
has once again been brought back so that players can make the most of a pair of Multi-tap peripherals. And
every single one of 2003's game modes have returned to action too; with match types like Hell in the Cell,
Slobber Knocker, Table Matches, and First Blood back and bigger than ever. Much to our chagrin, THQ would not
confirm any of its new modes or gameplay features in time for us to meet our deadline; though the company
representatives did assure us that Smackdown vs. RAW would boast several of them before all is said and done.
Visually the game has been given a boost too. Character models and attire in particular have a lot more detail
than they did before, with a continued emphasis on facial recreation and animation. "You're going to freak out
when you see this new one in motion," whispered a THQ employee that wished to remain anonymous. "It's easily
the best looking game in the series."
Old-school fans should also be pleased to know that legends have been reinstated for the roster as well, with a
stronger focus on big name stars and classic personalities. And while there will definitely be a few historical
grapplers from last year's version to make the rounds all over again, THQ has also included some new
representatives to bolster the ranks. We're told that the updated roster will be comprised of some of the
biggest classic names in the industry too; but because of ongoing contractual negotiations, can't be named.
But that doesn't mean that we didn't get the names of some of the planned Smackdown vs. RAW active superstars.
As we finally managed to get the THQ guys to spill the beans regarding the lineup. "It will definitely have all
the champions in there, how could it not?" remarked aTHQ rep. "Of course, we'll have several surprises and divas
on the list too, but for now, you can bet that the champions and their top contenders will be in there."
Specifically, players can expect to see Randy Orton, John Cena, Triple H, Chris Benoit, Shawn Michaels, and
Eddie Guerrero. Unforunately we couldn't confirm whether or not Tag Team champ Edge or the oft-wanted La
Resistance would be in there.
But secrecy seems to be Smackdown vs. RAWs theme this year. As THQ have plans to reveal details more
meticulously than in the years before it. The company did confirm one final tidbit about the game, though,
which is its release date: November 2004. And with almost half a year left, the time should give anxious
WWE gamers plenty of time to digest exactly what lies before them.
The good news is that your buddies at IGN will be with you every step of the way. As we plan on continuing
our popular Smackdown Countdown features from seasons previous with the most information, media, and news
regarding the game than anywhere else in the world. In fact, on our media page below we've included the first
handful of screenshots taken from an early build. And you can expect us to return again next week
(and rather soon at that) with the first official trailer that you won't be able to find anywhere else.
So saddle up WWE fans -- today's tidbits was only the beginning. We'll be back again with more next week.
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