Q&A about WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007

• Manager
• Friday, November 10, 2006 | 8:37 PM
• 13 comments

Xbox 360 PS3

Thanks to the Xbox Community Network (XCN), we got our hands on an interesting Q&A session with Dan Ryan, the Game designer on WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007. The game will be released next week in the US, so here is your chance to read up about the game before that day - and to see some exclusive screenshots.

How deep is the Create-a-Wrestler feature on Xbox 360 and are there any new customisation options?
The Create A Superstar feature expands even further on Xbox 360 as we’ve added over 200 parts that take full advantage of the 360’s next generation graphic capabilities. In addition, we’ve thrown in a new Stylize option, where players can actually adjust everything from the fit of a pair of pants to rolling up one of the pant legs to tilting a baseball cap to add even more personal flair to their creations.

Does the game support the Xbox Live Vision Camera, and if so what additional features will this provide?
Live Vision is not supported. However, trash-talking players are more than welcome to verbally attack their opponents via Voice Chat or can take advantage of Team Chat to strategize their way to victory.

Will the control system remain as in past games or have any changes been made to further improve it?
This year we’ve made some radical improvements to the control scheme, as the Right Stick now controls all of the grappling and gives WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 the most intuitive game play experience to date. On top of that, we’ve pushed the boundaries even further with the addition of Ultimate Control Moves, as players now execute entire maneuvers from Repeating Powerbombs to Airplane Spins with the Right Stick and right along with their SuperStars on screen. Just wait until you see how this sense of complete control is utilized with objects in and around the ring via our brand new Environmental Grapples.

Do you have any plans for downloadable content via Xbox Live Marketplace? i.e. new wrestlers(ECW?), attires, arenas, new moves and clothes for CAW?
As WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 explodes onto Xbox Live for the first time ever, I’ve got two words for you: you’ll see.

Can we expect to see custom soundtracks in the game, similar to that of WWE Raw 2 and WWE WrestleMania 21 on the original Xbox?
Unfortunately no. However, players can sleep easy knowing that we have all the most up-to-date entrance themes, 12 custom themes for Create A Superstars as well as hits from such artists as Academy Award winners Three 6 Mafia.

What is it about WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 that you are most excited about?
As a rabid wrestling fan, I am personally most excited about our Money In The Bank Ladder Match. For the first time ever, six players can battle it out at once for that coveted briefcase, and the way the match plays has been completely overhauled in order to replicate the drama and death-defying maneuvers that have made Money In The Bank a staple at WrestleMania.

Will the Roadwarriors appear (Legends Road Warrior Hawk and Road Warrior Animal)?
I hate to break it to you, but your boys from LOD will not appear this year. We have 15 brand new Legends, including the greatest tag team ever, in my humble opinion.

What improvements have you made to the sound effects and how does it affect the playing experience?
The sound effects have received a complete overhaul this year as all the punches, kicks, and bone-crushing slams sound better than they have in any other game in the series.

Will there be backstage areas the players can use for fighting? Can they use things lying around and will there be interaction with different kind of items?
Players can not only assault each other in our Bar Room and Parking Lot Brawls, but they can also take it to their unlucky opponents in our brand new Fighting In The Crowd Area. But whether it’s driving a SuperStar’s head into a pinball machine or grabbing foreign objects from the fans, it’s only funny until someone gets hurt … and then it’s just hilarious!

Can we play every match-type online, e.g. Elimination Chamber or a Battle Royale? Will there be Xbox Live ladders, maybe for each country or worldwide? If yes, will the ladders be only for single-mode or also for tag-teams (interesting for clans)?
Members of Xbox Live will be able to go toe-to-toe in over 50 match types - everything except for the Elimination Chamber and Royal Rumble match. Players can also select a Player Match if they want some practice or put their money where their mouth is in a Ranked Match, where every win and every loss counts.

A big thanks to Dan and the XCN for making this interview possible!