DESCRIPTION

THQ continues its exclusive relationship with the WWE in this installment of the best-selling SmackDown! vs. Raw franchise. Making its first appearance on Xbox 360, the game features high-definition wrestlers with animated facial expressions, real-time "sweat," and signature moves. Dynamic 3D crowds make their presence known throughout each match with cheers and jeers, and they will even supply wrestlers with weapons outside the ring. A new analog-based control scheme simplifies the action by letting players flick the right stick in different directions to perform various situation-specific grappling moves. Each arena features 20 interactive hot spots, from turnbuckles to ropes to guard rails, allowing players to slam heads, rub faces, and perform other "friendly" maneuvers.

Players can lead their favorite star through multiple branching storylines over a full season, or take on a Vince McMahon-type role in the general manager mode. The latter has you hiring writers, choosing from multiple plot threads, managing a salary cap, and setting up matches for weekly television broadcasts. Schedules, e-mail, rosters, reports, and budgets are all accessed from the GM desk inside a 3D locker room, where you'll try to turn a profit and deliver big ratings to increase the popularity of your grappling group. More than 60 male and female wrestlers are available to play as or against, including such past and present stars as John Cena, Rey Mysterio, Trish Stratus, Triple H, Kurt Angle, Hulk Hogan, Chris Benoit, Big Show, and Torrie Wilson. Xbox Live support is also included for online multiplayer matches and custom tournaments. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide