The list of best console video games I’ve ever played goes something like this:
- Red Dead Redemption
- Mario Kart
- MLB 13: The Show
- WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010
- NBA 2K13…
Wait… WWE? Yes, WWE.
The storyline modes in that game are expertly crafted and can match just about anything Rockstar Games has done in recent years for creativity. More important, the game’s structure indicates that its producers completely understand that modern pro wrestling fans care about narrative at least as much as they care about action.
Specifically, whereas the vast majority of pro wrestling games put the focus on in-ring action, “fighting”, and “winning” in a competitive sense, WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 puts the focus primarily on achieving the predetermined narrative objective — which is what pro wrestling actually is!
It’s not perfect; in large part because of online and multi-player mode play, the game maintains its “fighting game” form when it could very easily go all-in on its RPG elements. And, as the Kotaku review of WWE 2K14, linked above, alluded to, it will make your head hurt if you think too long about the concept of agency in a pro wrestling video game.
However, as far as games that guide a player through a story, with choices that affect the next steps, WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 is a delightful blend of traditional sports game and RPG that adheres to the loony spirit of pro wrestling.
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