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Story

Exciting Pro Wrestling 7: SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006JP, developed by Yuke’s and published by THQ, takes players deep into the electrifying and often dramatic world of WWE. Although primarily a sports simulation game, it does offer a narrative experience through its career and storyline modes, allowing players to engage with the rich tapestry of WWE’s dramatic universe.

The game features a robust Season Mode where players can take their favorite WWE Superstars through an entire year of WWE programming. This mode includes engaging storylines scripted by WWE writers, which add authenticity and depth to the player’s experience. Players navigate through various feuds, alliances, and rivalries, making choices that impact story outcomes. This dynamic element keeps the narrative fresh, offering multiple pathways and different endings based on the decisions made throughout the season.

Additionally, the General Manager Mode allows players to step into the shoes of a WWE GM, managing a brand, creating storylines, booking matches, and competing against the opposing brand for ratings supremacy. This mode provides a different narrative angle, focusing on the strategic and business side of WWE, enhancing the storytelling depth by allowing players to craft their own WWE universe.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Exciting Pro Wrestling 7: SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006JP is marked by its realistic mechanics and strategic depth, setting it apart from its predecessors. The developers have focused on delivering a more authentic wrestling experience by refining the controls and adding new mechanics that enhance the overall gameplay.

A notable addition in this iteration is the Stamina System, which requires players to manage their wrestler’s energy levels throughout a match. This system introduces a layer of strategy, as players must balance offensive maneuvers with rest periods to maintain their stamina and avoid fatigue. This change encourages a more tactical approach to matches, contrasting with the purely arcade style of earlier entries.

The game also introduces improved grappling mechanics, allowing for a more intuitive control scheme that provides players with a variety of moves and counter-attacks. This, combined with the interactive environments, where players can use objects and ring surroundings to their advantage, adds depth and excitement to each match.

Furthermore, the Create-A-Wrestler mode is more detailed than ever, offering extensive customization options for creating unique characters. Players can adjust every aspect of their wrestler, from appearance to move sets and entrance styles, offering a personalized wrestling experience.

Game Modes

• Season Mode: Follow a year-long storyline with branching narratives based on player decisions.
• General Manager Mode: Manage a brand, creating matches and storylines to compete for ratings.
• Exhibition Mode: Quick matches with customizable rules, perfect for casual play.
• Create-A-Wrestler: Design your own wrestler with an extensive suite of customization tools.
• Online Multiplayer: Compete against other players in various match types over the PlayStation Network.

Graphics and Sound

Exciting Pro Wrestling 7: SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006JP pushes the PlayStation 2 hardware to its limits, delivering impressive graphics for its time. The character models of WWE Superstars are meticulously detailed, capturing the likenesses of real-life wrestlers with remarkable accuracy. The animations are fluid, with each move and slam rendered with precision, contributing to the game’s realistic feel.

The arenas are vibrant and dynamic, filled with cheering crowds and authentic WWE set designs. The attention to detail extends to the interactive environments, where players can use various elements like chairs and tables during matches, enhancing the visual spectacle.

Sound design in the game is equally noteworthy. The commentary, featuring WWE announcers, is dynamic and responsive, adding to the immersion by reacting to in-ring action in real-time. The soundtrack includes a mix of high-energy tracks that complement the intense atmosphere of WWE matches, while the entrance themes for WWE Superstars enhance the authenticity of the wrestling experience.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, Exciting Pro Wrestling 7: SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006JP was met with critical acclaim, praised for its depth and innovation in gameplay. The introduction of the Stamina System was highlighted as a significant improvement, bringing a new layer of strategy to the game that was appreciated by both fans and critics.

The game’s graphics and presentation were also commended, with reviewers noting the impressive character models and realistic animations. The sound design, particularly the engaging commentary and authentic WWE themes, was another aspect that garnered praise.

The General Manager Mode was a standout feature that added a new dimension to the series, offering a strategic experience that appealed to players interested in the managerial aspects of WWE. This mode was considered a major success and has influenced subsequent wrestling games, becoming a staple feature in the genre.

The legacy of Exciting Pro Wrestling 7: SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006JP is evident in its lasting impact on wrestling games, setting a benchmark for realism and depth that future titles strive to match. It is often regarded as one of the best wrestling games of its generation, remembered fondly by fans for its innovative features and engaging gameplay.

Conclusion

Exciting Pro Wrestling 7: SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006JP stands as a landmark title in the wrestling game genre, combining realistic mechanics, strategic depth, and engaging storylines to deliver an unparalleled WWE experience. Its impact on the series and subsequent wrestling games is undeniable, with many of its innovations becoming standard features in future titles.

The game’s blend of compelling narratives, detailed customization, and strategic gameplay has left a lasting impression on players and critics alike. Its legacy continues to influence the design and development of modern wrestling games, making it a classic that remains beloved by fans of the genre.

As a testament to its enduring appeal, Exciting Pro Wrestling 7: SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006JP remains a shining example of how a sports simulation game can capture the excitement and drama of professional wrestling, providing an immersive experience that keeps players coming back for more.