Man holding a video game controller.
World Wrestling Entertainment, the largest and most watched professional wrestling organization in the United States, has marketed numerous toys based on its wrestling personalities and various television programs. Perhaps the most successful brand of tie-ins is WWE's long-running line of video games, many of which remain top sellers among Playstation 2 titles.
WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It
WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It, released November 18, 2001, is the third game in the SmackDown! game series, and the last released for the Playstation 2 still carrying the wrestling franchise's previous name.
WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth
New features in 2002's update to the SmackDown! series include elimination and cage matches, six-player gaming mode and extensive customization features to let players fully control all aspects of character design.
WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain
October 27, 2003 brought the release of WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain. This version contains more new match types such as "First Blood," "Bra & Panty," and the newly developed "Elimination Chamber." In addition, this is the first SmackDown! game to include original storylines written by WWE writers exclusively for the game. It also has the distinction of being the last game specifically designed solely for the SmackDown! line, as in the following years it would be represented in the SmackDown vs. Raw series.
WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw
The first entry into the new Smackdown! vs. Raw series, released November 4, 2004, brought many new features to the existing game engine, such as online play, "WWE Legends" from the past, and the ability for players to create their own championship belts and pay-per-view events.
WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006
The second installment in the SmackDown! vs. Raw series, released November 14, 2005, improves upon the gameplay of its predecessor and adds new match types like "Buried Alive" and "Bar Brawl." Another addition is the "GM" mode, in which the player acts as the general manager of either SmackDown! or Raw and is responsible for acquiring and maintaining a roster, as well as ultimately making one program more popular than the other.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007
Released exactly one year after the 2006 model, this year's entry, though generally well-received, was not quite as successful as its previous incarnations. It did, however, add environmental interaction points that allow players to use nearby objects to inflict damage on opponents, a feature which evidently proved popular among fans as it was expanded in the 2007 followup.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008
The 2008 edition of SmackDown vs. Raw, released November 13, 2007, saw little by way of new content, but did improve on individual wrestlers' fighting styles, online interaction and new environmental hot spots.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009
2009's game includes the "Create-a-Finisher" feature, which allows players to design their own finishing moves or customize those already used by in-game characters. A co-op storyline is added for the first time, and downloadable content increases the interactive opportunities for online play.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010
New features in the 2010 edition, released October 20, 2009, include enhanced customization which gives players complete control over a character's wardrobe. Players can also script their own storylines for use in the game, including everything from camera angles to what emotions characters should display.
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