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WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006 ps2 Game Reviews
WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006
Critic Score
Metascore: 84 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
8.5 out of 10
based on 45 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 55 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game

An amazing 100 different match types to challenge your wrestling skill and from the halls of immortality, a new roster of celebrated WWE Legends. Lace up your boots for the definitive wrestling experience that is WWE SmackDown! vs RAW 2006. New high-resolution textures and integrated motion-capture technology brings WWE programming to life like never before. Revolutionary momentum system adds increased depth with less complexity, while the all-new stamina system brings a new level of realism and strategy to matches. Challenge players online to gain prestige in a virtual WWE Championship Improved cut-scenes and 2 full seasons to play without story repetition. Buried-Alive Match, Bar Brawl backstage area, a special surprise for the WWE divas and others. Fully customizable 3D locker room (first time ever in 3D), 3 levels of blood and other "fan favorite" first time additions. A new roster of some of your favorite legends of all time. [THQ]

PUBLISHER: THQ
DEVELOPER: Yuke's
GENRE(S): Wrestling
PLAYERS: 6
ESRB RATING: T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE: November 14, 2005

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100
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.
Read Full Review
100
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.
Read Full Review
95
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.
Read Full Review
94
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.
Read Full Review
93
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.
Read Full Review
92
Gaming Horizon
Without a doubt, WWE Smackdown! Vs. Raw 2006 is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, wrestling game ever made.
Read Full Review
92
PGNx Media
The definitive wrestling game for the PS2. It includes a number of gameplay modes, solid gameplay, and a stellar presentation.
Read Full Review
92
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.
Read Full Review
90
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]
Read Full Review
90
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.
Read Full Review
90
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.
Read Full Review
90
Next Level Gaming
The best Smackdown game I've played.
Read Full Review
90
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.
Read Full Review
90
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.
Read Full Review
90
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.
Read Full Review
90
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.
Read Full Review
90
ZTGameDomain
It is easily the most complete, innovative, and accessible wrestling game since Aki’s incredible "No Mercy."
Read Full Review
90
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]
90
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.
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89
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.
Read Full Review
88
Game Informer
Simply the most fully-loaded wrestling title yet. [Dec 2005, p.172]
88
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.
Read Full Review
86
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.
Read Full Review
85
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.
Read Full Review
85
Loaded Inc
For wrestling fans this is an absolutely essential purchase, even if you do own a copy of a predecessor.
Read Full Review
85
Console Gameworld
As wrestling games go it’s fairly solid and will be loved by fans and generally accepted by everyone else.
Read Full Review
84
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.
Read Full Review
84
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.
Read Full Review
83
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.
Read Full Review
83
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]
Read Full Review
80
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.
Read Full Review
80
PSM Magazine
It may not be a perfect game, but it's still a lot of fun. [Holiday 2005, p.92]
80
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.
Read Full Review
80
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.
Read Full Review
80
DailyGame
Wrestling fans now have a near-perfect simulation of their sport.
Read Full Review
80
Games Radar
All of this together makes for a wrestling game that could easily pin any other grappling contest released in the past few years.
Read Full Review
77
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]
77
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.
Read Full Review
75
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.
Read Full Review
72
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Finally, a SmackDown game that's paced like real wrestling and veers away from the usual arcadey button-mashathon.
Read Full Review
70
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.
Read Full Review
70
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.
Read Full Review
67
Gaming Age
Mot without fault, but at the same time not without progress.
Read Full Review
60
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.
Read Full Review
50
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.
Read Full Review

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 8.5 (out of 10) based on 55 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

John C. gave it an8:
not bad at all. the 2nd best WWE game for the ps2 next to here comes the pain. the new GM mode is just so cool. and with the spinning belt and every thing alse it is just that good. this is what a wwe should be. and you can actually go for the tag team titles unlike in SvsRaw. so yea that is way cool the champ is here!

Jevanie M. gave it a10:
I gave it a 10 because this game is very addicting.some people may not like this game because it's a complecated game and they may not know what to do in some of the matches but non of them is impossible.the general mode is awesome because you could feel like a real general manager by putting people together in matches.and you also get stars in general manager mode.

Jonny T. gave it a5:
Great graphics, tons of matches & moves. but seriously, after playing day of reckoning 2 on the gamecube, i found that the gameplay in this just isnt nearly as good. reversals are too hard (or maybe thats just me), you always fall off the friggin cell!, and in general i find the whole game is way too focused on presentation over real in-game delivery. but thats just me.

Chris M. gave it an8:
Overall I think they did fairly well on this game. One major flaw i saw was in the fight clean/dirty feature. It's a good concept, but doesn't always work. For example, a clean(fan favorite) superstar loses momentum for doing things such as removing a turnbuckle pad or using a weapon. But what about fan favorites such as Sabu or Rob Van Dam who are hardcore wrestlers who constantly use weapons?

[Anonymous] gave it an8:
it is a good game over all, the creation mode i hard to get the right numbers because it moves to quick. The season mode got a bit boring after a while. GM mode is great. the new matches are great the best is the buried alive match.graphics is excellent and the new create a entrance is excellent.

[Anonymous] gave it a5:
The story mode keeps repeating itself and you cant even defend the title its really retarded. However the graphics and real life stamina is really good. This was a really good game dont get me wrong. But peace out.

Tony B. gave it an8:
this is a good wrestling title, still not as good as the n64 wrestling games but good. I havent been watching wrestling for a while so i had no idea who the majority of the wrestler were which sucked the only other draw back about this game is for some reason i could not tip the ladder over during ladder matches is there a possible way or what.

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