Post by #HEEL Dark Lord on Oct 21, 2008 19:40:29 GMT -5
October 21, 2008 - We hear you out there in internet land. "Hey IGN, way to rock the awesome Smackdown vs. Raw coverage like only you know how, but where's my DS info?" Well, our fellow "internetians," we've got it right here for you.
Today THQ is blowing the lid off of SmackDown vs. Raw 2009's DS Season Mode, and it's looking to be a big one. During our first hands-on with the game at last year's Wrestlemania (yeah, THQ had it there, but we could only take quick peek at it back then) it was the RPG-like Season Mode that really caught our eye with this year's offering. THQ has teamed with Yukes to again push the DS hardware to the limit, offering some serious visuals, lots of scripted intro sequences, official music, recorded voiceover from the talent, and a huge slew of touch integration to the package, but it's in the Season Mode itself where that depth really shines.
Hey Big Show. I'm Triple H. Haven't we met before though?With this year's Season Mode, Yukes is pulling out all the stops, combining a full RPG-like element to the action, and giving players a much of a look into the backstage drama of the WWE as there is in-ring entertainment. In a familiar third-person isometric design, players can select their superstar, hop into Season Mode, and roam the WWE locker rooms and offices freely from the get-go. Everything from your stats, equipment, and current WWE schedule is all taken care of on the top screen, with either stylus or d-pad control allowing you to check out the world outside of the ring. As you progress through these sprawling 3D environments you'll cruise past various superstars in the halls and training areas, and eventually need to make your way to Mr. McMahon's offices for a little "welcome to the company" pep-talk. Of course he's got only one main message to deliver to you: "Welcome to the WWE. Win, or we're kicking your butt to the curb."
The goal in Season Mode on DS is a grand one, and something that'll take some serious time and character development to conquer. Not only do you need to juggle members of the locker room - if the boys in the back don't respect you, you're going to be all alone on your quest to the top - but you'll also need to win in the ring, and that means training. In between matches and story elements, three different mini-games in the WWE locker room can be used to pump up your character, add some stats, and give you an edge when heading into your next match. New equipment can be unlocked which will also add to your hurting power in the ring, and like any good RPG, the story will add twists and turns as you start rivalries and alliances within each of the three brands.
If you've got the skill though, you still need the respect, and that's where THQ's new Respect Points system comes into play. After every match, you'll be awarded a specific amount of Respect Points which in turn drive the story. Looking to partner with another superstar? You may not have the credibility. Want a title shot? That's going to take some serious time in the ring; they don't give just any schmuck a chance at the gold in the WWE. This year's Season Mode is all about respect, and in order to earn it, you're going to need to get your hands dirty.
In Season Mode, you won't be going for one main title based on your weight class, or following a story that leads you to Wrestlemania and then calling it quits, but instead are on a quest to grab five different belts spanning all three WWE brands. Each belt is going to take some serious work, as you'll be battling up against different tiers of wrestlers in each area, and taking out specific champs depending on what belt you're going for. That means you might need to go hardcore to gram the ECW belt, take out Cena or Batista while going for the gold, or face off against Triple H to eventually gain the gold in Season Mode. Get ready to brand jump on DS; you're out to become the only champ in town.
Today THQ is blowing the lid off of SmackDown vs. Raw 2009's DS Season Mode, and it's looking to be a big one. During our first hands-on with the game at last year's Wrestlemania (yeah, THQ had it there, but we could only take quick peek at it back then) it was the RPG-like Season Mode that really caught our eye with this year's offering. THQ has teamed with Yukes to again push the DS hardware to the limit, offering some serious visuals, lots of scripted intro sequences, official music, recorded voiceover from the talent, and a huge slew of touch integration to the package, but it's in the Season Mode itself where that depth really shines.
Hey Big Show. I'm Triple H. Haven't we met before though?With this year's Season Mode, Yukes is pulling out all the stops, combining a full RPG-like element to the action, and giving players a much of a look into the backstage drama of the WWE as there is in-ring entertainment. In a familiar third-person isometric design, players can select their superstar, hop into Season Mode, and roam the WWE locker rooms and offices freely from the get-go. Everything from your stats, equipment, and current WWE schedule is all taken care of on the top screen, with either stylus or d-pad control allowing you to check out the world outside of the ring. As you progress through these sprawling 3D environments you'll cruise past various superstars in the halls and training areas, and eventually need to make your way to Mr. McMahon's offices for a little "welcome to the company" pep-talk. Of course he's got only one main message to deliver to you: "Welcome to the WWE. Win, or we're kicking your butt to the curb."
The goal in Season Mode on DS is a grand one, and something that'll take some serious time and character development to conquer. Not only do you need to juggle members of the locker room - if the boys in the back don't respect you, you're going to be all alone on your quest to the top - but you'll also need to win in the ring, and that means training. In between matches and story elements, three different mini-games in the WWE locker room can be used to pump up your character, add some stats, and give you an edge when heading into your next match. New equipment can be unlocked which will also add to your hurting power in the ring, and like any good RPG, the story will add twists and turns as you start rivalries and alliances within each of the three brands.
If you've got the skill though, you still need the respect, and that's where THQ's new Respect Points system comes into play. After every match, you'll be awarded a specific amount of Respect Points which in turn drive the story. Looking to partner with another superstar? You may not have the credibility. Want a title shot? That's going to take some serious time in the ring; they don't give just any schmuck a chance at the gold in the WWE. This year's Season Mode is all about respect, and in order to earn it, you're going to need to get your hands dirty.
In Season Mode, you won't be going for one main title based on your weight class, or following a story that leads you to Wrestlemania and then calling it quits, but instead are on a quest to grab five different belts spanning all three WWE brands. Each belt is going to take some serious work, as you'll be battling up against different tiers of wrestlers in each area, and taking out specific champs depending on what belt you're going for. That means you might need to go hardcore to gram the ECW belt, take out Cena or Batista while going for the gold, or face off against Triple H to eventually gain the gold in Season Mode. Get ready to brand jump on DS; you're out to become the only champ in town.
