Remember the thrill of watching your favorite wrestlers battle it out? For years, WWE fans have debated which show reigns supreme: SmackDown or Raw. Both have given us unforgettable moments, incredible matches, and larger-than-life characters. But when it comes to picking just one to follow, or even deciding which one to watch live, the choice can feel like a tough championship match itself!
It’s a common struggle. Maybe you love the blue brand’s faster pace and championship focus, or perhaps the red brand’s longer history and star power calls to you more. Deciding where to invest your wrestling time can be tricky, and you might wonder if you’re missing out on the “better” experience. You want to know which show truly delivers the most excitement, the most drama, and the most memorable storylines.
In this post, we’re going to break down SmackDown and Raw. We’ll look at what makes each show special, what they do well, and where they sometimes stumble. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which show might be the perfect fit for your wrestling fandom, or at least understand why the debate continues to be so heated. Let’s dive into the squared circle and see which brand truly deserves your cheers!
Our Top 5 Of Smackdown Vs Raw Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
 |
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 – PlayStation 2 (Renewed) | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
 |
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 – Xbox 360 | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
 |
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw (Renewed) | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
 |
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2007 – Xbox 360 (Renewed) | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Of Smackdown Vs Raw Detailed Reviews
1. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011
Rating: 9.4/10
Step into the squared circle with WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011! This game brings the excitement of professional wrestling right to your fingertips. You get to play as over 70 of your favorite WWE Superstars and Divas. There are more than 100 different match types to choose from, so you’ll never run out of ways to compete. Plus, you can wrestle in lots of new arenas!
What We Like:
- Huge roster of WWE Superstars and Divas.
- Over 100 different match types for endless fun.
- Exciting game modes like Road to WrestleMania and WWE Universe Mode.
- Improved gameplay makes matches feel real and unpredictable.
- More options than ever to create your own Superstars and moves.
- Easier to share and download content with WWE Community Creations.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might find the sheer amount of content overwhelming at first.
- Occasional minor glitches can occur during intense matches.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 offers a deep and engaging wrestling experience for fans. It’s a fantastic way to live out your WWE fantasies.
2. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 – PlayStation 2 (Renewed)
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to enter the squared circle with WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 for the PlayStation 2! This renewed copy brings the excitement of professional wrestling right to your console. It’s a fantastic way to relive classic matches and experience the energy of WWE without the original packaging. This game has been carefully checked and cleaned, so it’s ready for action.
What We Like:
- Fun Gameplay: Experience classic wrestling action with your favorite WWE Superstars.
- Great Value: This renewed version offers an affordable way to own a beloved title.
- Tested and Cleaned: The game disc has been thoroughly tested and cleaned for optimal performance.
- Minimal Wear: You can expect the disc to show only slight signs of previous use.
What Could Be Improved:
- No Original Case or Manual: The game comes in a generic case, and the original booklet is not included.
This renewed WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 is a solid pick for wrestling fans looking for a budget-friendly option. Dive back into the action and enjoy hours of entertainment.
3. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 – Xbox 360
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to step into the squared circle with WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for the Xbox 360! This game brings the excitement of professional wrestling right to your living room. You can play as your favorite WWE Superstars and Divas, recreate classic matches, or forge your own path to championship glory. The action is intense, and the graphics pull you right into the wrestling arena.
What We Like:
- Huge roster of WWE Superstars and Divas to choose from.
- New gameplay mechanics like the “8-Man Tag Match” add variety.
- The “Road to WrestleMania” mode lets you live out a career.
- Satisfying combat with plenty of signature moves and finishers.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some recurring glitches can interrupt the flow of a match.
- Commentary can become repetitive over time.
- The story modes, while fun, aren’t always groundbreaking.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 offers a solid wrestling experience for fans. It delivers plenty of content and engaging gameplay that will keep you playing for hours.
4. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw (Renewed)
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to step back into the ring with WWE SmackDown vs. Raw (Renewed)! This game lets you relive the excitement of professional wrestling with a fantastic lineup of classic WWE Legends. You can play as icons like Andre the Giant and feel the impact of every slam and suplex thanks to updated graphics that make the action look more amazing than ever. Plus, the game adds a new level of realism to the Bra & Panties match, making it a truly wild experience. With Match Tactics, you control how your wrestler fights, deciding whether to go for a sneaky dirty tactic or play to the cheers of the crowd. Dive into Season Mode for fresh storylines, shocking betrayals, and unexpected twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You can even create your very own championship belt and challenge your friends in a custom Pay-Per-View event.
What We Like:
- Play as iconic WWE Legends like Andre the Giant.
- Incredible graphics make the wrestling action look more realistic.
- Match Tactics lets you choose to fight dirty or play to the crowd.
- Season Mode offers new storylines and surprising twists.
- Create your own championship and host custom PPV events.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “renewed” status might mean some slight cosmetic wear.
- Older game mechanics might feel a bit dated compared to newer titles.
- The realism added to the Bra & Panties match might not appeal to everyone.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw (Renewed) is a fantastic way to experience classic wrestling fun. It offers a deep and engaging experience for any wrestling fan.
5. WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2007 – Xbox 360 (Renewed)
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to relive the glory days of professional wrestling with WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2007 for the Xbox 360! This renewed game brings the excitement of the wrestling ring right into your living room. You can play as your favorite WWE Superstars and Divas, perform signature moves, and compete in epic matches. It’s a fantastic way to experience the thrill of WWE without needing a subscription or heading to a live event.
What We Like:
- Classic WWE action with a huge roster of wrestlers.
- Intuitive controls that are easy to pick up and play.
- Fun for both solo play and with friends.
- Great value for a classic wrestling game.
What Could Be Improved:
- Graphics are a bit dated compared to newer games.
- Some game modes might feel a little repetitive after a while.
- The renewed disc might have minor cosmetic imperfections.
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2007 (Renewed) is a solid pick for any wrestling fan looking for some retro fun. It delivers exactly what you expect: exciting matches and plenty of WWE star power.
SmackDown Vs. Raw: Your Ultimate Buying Guide
Are you ready to step into the squared circle and experience the thrill of professional wrestling? The WWE SmackDown vs. Raw series has been a fan favorite for years, letting you control your favorite WWE Superstars and create epic matches. But with so many games in the series, how do you pick the best one for you? This guide will help you find the perfect SmackDown vs. Raw game.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re choosing a SmackDown vs. Raw game, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Roster Size: A big roster means more Superstars to play as! Look for games with a large selection of current and legendary wrestlers. More wrestlers mean more dream matches you can create.
- Match Types: Variety is the spice of wrestling! Does the game offer different match types like singles matches, tag team matches, ladder matches, or even the brutal Hell in a Cell? More match types make the game more exciting.
- Create-a-Superstar/Create-a-Finisher: Want to make your own wrestling hero? A good Create-a-Superstar mode lets you design wrestlers from scratch. Create-a-Finisher lets you design your own signature moves. This adds hours of fun.
- Career Mode/Road to WrestleMania: This mode lets you guide a Superstar through their career, from rookie to champion. A well-made career mode offers a compelling story and challenges.
- Online Play: Can you wrestle against friends or other players online? Online play adds replayability and a competitive edge.
Important Materials (Game Mechanics)
While there aren’t “materials” in the way a toy has plastic, the game’s mechanics are what it’s made of. Think of these as the building blocks of your wrestling experience:
- Grapple System: This is how you grab and throw your opponents. A smooth and responsive grapple system makes the action feel real.
- Striking System: How do you punch and kick? A satisfying striking system makes every hit feel impactful.
- Reversal System: Wrestling is about countering your opponent. A good reversal system lets you block and turn attacks around.
- AI (Artificial Intelligence): This controls how the computer-controlled wrestlers behave. Smart AI makes for challenging and exciting matches.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a SmackDown vs. Raw game great or just okay:
- Graphics: How good do the wrestlers and arenas look? Better graphics make the game more immersive.
- Sound Design: The crowd noise, commentary, and wrestler grunts add a lot to the atmosphere. Realistic sound makes you feel like you’re at a live event.
- Gameplay Flow: Does the game feel smooth and natural? If the controls are clunky or the animations are stiff, it can ruin the fun.
- Bugs and Glitches: Nobody likes a game that crashes or has weird visual errors. Fewer bugs mean a better experience.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who is this game for, and how will they play it?
- Casual Fans: If you just want to jump in and have fun with your favorite wrestlers, a game with easy controls and exciting match types is perfect. You can play quick matches with friends.
- Dedicated Wrestlers: If you love diving deep into career modes, creating your own Superstars, and mastering complex gameplay, look for games with robust customization and challenging AI. You can spend hours building your legend.
- Friends and Family: Many SmackDown vs. Raw games shine when played with others. They are great for local multiplayer, where you can challenge each other on the couch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the best SmackDown vs. Raw game for beginners?
A: Games that have simpler control schemes and clear tutorials are usually best for beginners. Look for titles known for being accessible.
Q: Do I need to play all the games in order?
A: No, you don’t have to play them in order. Each game usually has its own roster and story, so you can jump in with any title.
Q: Which games have the most legendary wrestlers?
A: Older games often feature a wider range of classic WWE legends. Check reviews for specific titles that highlight their rosters.
Q: Can I create my own arena in these games?
A: Some games in the series offer arena creation modes, allowing you to design your own venues.
Q: How important is the online multiplayer?
A: It’s very important if you like competing against other players worldwide. If you mostly play alone or with friends locally, it’s less crucial.
Q: Are the graphics very different between older and newer games?
A: Yes, graphics improve a lot over time. Newer games look much sharper and more detailed.
Q: What if I want to play as my favorite current WWE Superstar?
A: Newer games in the series will always have the most up-to-date rosters with current Superstars.
Q: Is there a difference between SmackDown and Raw games from different years?
A: Yes, each year’s game usually has a new roster, updated graphics, and sometimes new gameplay features.
Q: Can I unlock hidden wrestlers or content?
A: Many games let you unlock special wrestlers, arenas, or costumes by playing through different modes or completing challenges.
Q: Which game has the best story mode?
A: This is subjective, but many players praise the “Road to WrestleMania” modes in certain installments for their engaging storylines.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.