Video Game Vintage Title: WWE SmackDown Vs. Raw 2011

WWE SmackDown Vs. Raw 2011

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 is a professional wrestling video game developed by Yuke's and published by THQ for the PlayStation 2 , PlayStation 3 , PlayStation Portable , Wii, and Xbox 360 systems. It is the seventh game in the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw series and the final game under the SmackDown vs. Raw name, with future installments simply being named WWE, hence, it is the final installation of the SmackDown vs. Raw series. It is the sequel to WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 and succeeded by WWE '12. It is also the last installment for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable platforms. It was released on October 26, 2010 in North America, October 28, 2010 in Australia and October 29, 2010 in Europe. The game is based on the two brands of WWE, Raw and SmackDown.

WWE SmackDown Vs. Raw 2011 Gameplay

One of the main changes in the game is the incorporation of a new physics system that allows objects to be used more realistically, such as objects involved in the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match. Tables now break differently depending on the impact placed upon them. Inside and outside the ring, ladders can now be rested onto the ring ropes and be broken in half. For the first time since the original WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw game, chairs can be thrown at the player's opponents.

The Hell in a Cell match was revamped with expanded cell walls, weapons underneath the ring, steel steps near the poles, and the removal of the cell door. In addition, new ways to exit the cell were introduced, such as barreling through the cage wall. This game was also the last to feature Batista, Matt Hardy and Shawn Michaels as non-legends or unlockables until the release later installments of the game.

Reception
Greg Miller of IGN gave the PS3 and Xbox 360 version of the game an eight out of ten. He praised the game's Universe Mode and the wrestler animations, but criticized the limitations of Road to WrestleMania mode and the inaccurate commentary. In addition, he stated that the grappling system could be "frustrating at times." Miller gave the Wii version of the game a 7.5 out of ten, however. He mentioned the same criticisms from the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, but also criticized the graphics. GameSpot's Chris Watters rated the Xbox 360 version a seven out of ten, lauding the game's customization options, while finding fault with the game's collision detection and the lag during online multiplayer games. He also claimed that the series was starting to "show its age."

GameZone's William Haley criticized the game for not progressing much beyond its predecessors, claiming that the game targeted the "lowest common denominator." He called the WWE Universe feature, online multiplayer mode and creation tools "compelling", but also wrote that "the foundation upon which they are built is so decrepit that it completely invalidates the meager value this game has to offer."