WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006

AceGamez

With multiple single player aspects such as GM Mode, two storyline seasons, PPV creation and Exhibition title-defences, WWE SmackDown vs RAW 2006 is easily the most full-featured SmackDown ever made and the online mode is a simply phenomenal addition that is hard to resist if you're able to connect.

Detroit Free Press

The create-a-wrestler mode was always the strongest asset of this game in past years, but this year the mode is the deepest it has ever been.

netjak

Where "WWF No Mercy" on the Nintendo 64 ruled as the best wrestling game, but WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2006 is the new standard.

IC-Games

The greatest wrestling title so far, on any format. It’s not without its minor flaws, but the graphics are some of the best the PS2 has to offer, the gameplay is there in buckets, the realism is the best yet, and the game is just so damned fun.

GameZone

With solid controls, sharp visuals, a large number of grapplers and match types, you can’t go wrong with a game that packs quite a punch and will have you gladly begging for more.

Gaming Horizon

Without a doubt, WWE Smackdown! Vs. Raw 2006 is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, wrestling game ever made.

PGNx Media

The definitive wrestling game for the PS2. It includes a number of gameplay modes, solid gameplay, and a stellar presentation.

IGN

While I'll be the first to admit that the series could still work on its list of recurring problems, there's no other wrestling game since "No Mercy" that offers this much replay, value, or depth.

Computer and Video Games

Those who bought last year's game might find themselves disappointed by the lack of genuine innovation and new thrills. It's still a truly amazing game, but one that's in need of a freshening up and a different slant before they chuck out next year's version. [PSW]

Yahoo! Games

With GM mode, arguably the best season mode in wrestling, and expanded online play (four players in one match), it's basically impossible not to recommend Smackdown vs. Raw 2006 to any grappling gamers.

1UP

I've always been a hater of this series (far too arcadey for my tastes) but this time around, I'm completely sold. There are a few issues standing between it and true wrestling perfection (a better targeting system would be nice), but they're hardly anything to tarnish the experience.

Next Level Gaming

The best Smackdown game I've played.

GameSpy

With new features, including the killer GM mode and highly improved visuals, it's absolutely the best wrestling game to release on this generation of consoles.

Cheat Code Central

It's not the perfect wrestling game but it's damn close. You don't have to be a wrestling fan to appreciate the challenges put forth in this excellent title.

RewiredMind

You can customise your locker room, create your own title belts and compete for them in the much-improved online mode, connect the game to the upcoming PSP version, recreate classic matches – seemingly, whatever you want or need to do is right here. Absolutely superb.

GameBiz

While the A.I. may leave something to be desired, the positives far outweigh the negatives in this awesome title. The best wrestling game on the PS2 to date.

ZTGameDomain

It is easily the most complete, innovative, and accessible wrestling game since Aki’s incredible "No Mercy."

Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK

We expected a humbler roster update. Instead, we got a game so comprehensive it renders every previous wrestling title redundant. [Nov 2005, p.86]

Gaming Illustrated

It's arguably the best fighter/wrestling title out for any portable console, is the best ever in the long history of the title for PS2, and has a great gameplay experience that it's hard to imagine any wrestling fan not immediately falling in love with this game.

GameSpot

Without a doubt, this is the deepest that a SmackDown! game has ever been, and while not every single thing that this game tries works completely, the sheer breadth of content makes it an easy choice for any wrestling enthusiast, and quite possibly the best wrestling game available for the system.

Game Informer

Simply the most fully-loaded wrestling title yet. [Dec 2005, p.172]

Game Over Online

If you’re looking for the best wrestler out on the market, you need look no farther than Smackdown Versus Raw 2006. An expanded roster with storylines, added GM mode and deeper emphasis on ring psychology makes every match more dynamic and realistic.

eToychest

A wrestling fan’s wet dream crammed onto a disc. Almost every mode you could possibly want is present and well done. The roster is top notch, with nearly every wrestler imaginable available.

Worth Playing

If you like the WWE, this is pretty much the most complete package you can find. There are some glitches, but the tuning of the gameplay, combined with new wrestling features, expansion of staple game modes, and addition of some cool new ones ensures that there's plenty of substance to go with the style.

Loaded Inc

For wrestling fans this is an absolutely essential purchase, even if you do own a copy of a predecessor.

Console Gameworld

As wrestling games go it’s fairly solid and will be loved by fans and generally accepted by everyone else.

Game Chronicles

Combines classic elements of the best wrestling games to see the light of day, such as excellent animation/facial mapping, a wide assortment of events/wrestlers and a solid soundscape.

TotalGames.net

The only problem now is where THQ takes things from here; if it doesn't want to fall into the FIFA-trap, it'll have to come up with something pretty special next time.

Game Revolution

Let's hope they take the lessons they learned from this steroid-fueled installment and carry the tradition of tight content additions and smart gameplay tweaks into the next generation.

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

It's excellent, and if you're a wrestling die-hard, you'll want to get it. But if you're not, we can't honestly say that this is different enough to last year's outing - which itself was hardly radically different to the previous year's - to be a must-have. [PSM2]

Total Video Games

Taking the criticism thrown at it last year, Yukes has come up trumps with this year’s iteration rectifying the situation with a barrage of new wrestlers, features, and gameplay elements that wrapped together forms one of the most complete wrestling titles yet.

PSM Magazine

It may not be a perfect game, but it's still a lot of fun. [Holiday 2005, p.92]

GamerFeed

The fact that you can fight for belts in Exhibition alone makes it a must buy, but the wrestlers staying in the ring while their opponents come down the aisle tickles my funny bone and I love being tickled.

G4 TV

Looking at the list of options and features, WWE Smackdown Versus Raw 2006 seems to have everything. With a better wrestling engine, it would.

DailyGame

Wrestling fans now have a near-perfect simulation of their sport.

Games Radar (in-house)

All of this together makes for a wrestling game that could easily pin any other grappling contest released in the past few years.

Pelit (Finland)

Has a huge amount of interesting wrestlers and game modes. Too bad the clunky and buggy fighting system is so clearly outdated. [Jan 2006]

GamingTrend

I've been following the Smackdown series ever since the original game back on the Playstation, and the one thing I've noticed is that the randomness has gotten less with each successive game.

Stuff

If there's any current genre in need of a Fight Night–style makeover, it's THQ's rasslin' line. In the words of the Undertaker: R.I.P., grappling games...at least for a little while. If you must, then rent.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Finally, a SmackDown game that's paced like real wrestling and veers away from the usual arcadey button-mashathon.

Eurogamer

If the SmackDown! series doesn’t start making proper innovations instead of these minor cosmetic tweaks year after year, there’s every chance we’ll get a little bored of it. For now, though, SmackDown! is still as good as wrestling games can get.

PALGN

You really have to wonder how long Yuke’s continue to push out the exact same game with minor changes each year when there are so many issues – even EA’s games feature bigger alterations than what we’ve seen from Smackdown over the past few years.

Gaming Age

Mot without fault, but at the same time not without progress.

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

Matches are still way too slow most of the time. Aiming issues make your wrestlers look clownish when they attempt to start a throw and instead just swing at air. And worst of all, tag-team partners--the bane of any wrestling game--are still dumb as dirt and simply don't do what they're told.

GamePro

Hardcore wrestling fans will find the deepest reservoir of variety ever available, and may even forgive the feeble fighting system long enough to enjoy some theatrics.