Every SmackDown! Video Game Ranked From Worst To Best

The Good: This game featured incredible variety for player creations. From significantly improved create-a-wrestler, create a move-set, and storyline designer, to a more detailed ‘rivals system, players were actually encouraged to play multiple different match types. Furthermore, CAWs could grow by taking part in any kind of match, which actually encouraged players to keep playing no matter how many times they repeated the same match types.

WWE Rivals also added an interesting dimension to single player matches, as these settings could make matches more dramatic with the surprise appearances of the player’s chosen Superstar (this feature is particularly fun if one of your rivals is the Undertaker, who appears out of nowhere under dimmed lights)

The Bad: With the exception of ‘Strong grapple’ moves, the amount of moves available for wrestlers to use is limited. THQ and Yukes got rid of many wrestling moves, and so a lot of wrestlers were left with similar move-sets. This was especially true for ‘wear-down submissions’ which served no purpose, especially as signature or finishing moves. Worse yet, the entire reversal system became almost completely timing-based in this game, giving it a very steep learning curve for new players, which ends up discouraging serious competitive play.

However, for those who enjoy creating wrestlers, this game is one of the best in the entire series.