The WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw games are often cited as the golden age of wrestling video games, placed right between the WWE Smackdown series and the 2k games. Fans loved the rosters, gameplay, match types and unique GM Mode, and many fans point towards these seven games as what modern wrestling games need to become.
With AEW entering the wrestling video game market and publisher 2k aiming to make up for the shortcomings of WWE 2k20, let's look back at the critical reception of the seven Smackdown Vs. Raw games and see how they rank, from worst to best.
Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 (69)
Fans who criticize 2k for not adding fan-favorite features might not remember when Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 was making the same mistakes. Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 is cited by critics as being more of the same from the previous titles and really only for hardcore wrestling fans. Critics did commend the games for including new fighting styles for the wrestlers, like Brawler or Hardcore, that provide unique abilities to change up the gameplay.
Smackdown Vs. Raw 2011 ( 72)
Smackdown Vs. Raw 2011 is criticized for a lack of innovation and its lackluster story mode. However, critics do note that the game's new Universe mode is a great addition, the creation features continue to improve and the multiplayer is some of the best in the series. Smackdown Vs. Raw 2011 sees the series cement many features as being staples of wrestling games, such as customization features and a simulation-focused Universe mode.
Smackdown Vs. Raw 2009 (72)
If there was ever proof that competition inspires improvement, Smackdown Vs. Raw 2009 is just that. With TNA Impact releasing before Smackdown Vs. Raw 2009 and being hailed as a superior game to Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008, SvR 2009, THQ and Yukes bring several improvements to the series to beat their competitors. Critics recognized this, citing SvR 2009's new Road to WrestleMania and Create-A-Finisher modes as huge improvements for the series. The main criticism against the game is that some felt that already existing features were not given the attention they needed.
Smackdown Vs. Raw 2010 (73)
The creation suite in Smackdown Vs. Raw 2010 may give it its extra point over 2009 and 2011, as many critics loved the user-generated content. This is about when people noticed that the games were getting repetitive and lacking innovation, but critics were still willing to forgive this shortcoming at the time. Revamped controls and a new Story-Designer are the highlights for this entry.
Smackdown Vs. Raw 2007 (79)
Smackdown Vs. Raw 2007 is one of the fan-favorite entries in the series, and even though critics may not rank this game at the top, they still recognize just how many improvements this game brings. New controls and a wide selection of moves are cited as to why critics find this title as fun as it is, despite some larger flaws, such as iffy animations and poor AI.
Smackdown Vs. Raw (80)
The first in the Smackdown Vs. Raw series is very close to being the best. Technical gameplay and an impressive story mode are high points for the debut game. Critics did point out that the online feature was somewhat behind the times and that the depth on offer may seem shallow to hardcore wrestling fans. However, with solid graphics for the time and an impressive creation suite, most critics seem to agree that Smackdown Vs. Raw was a great first step for the series.
Smackdown Vs. Raw 2006 (82)
SvR 2006 is the game many modern wrestling fans wish the games would return to. The biggest highlight of this entry is the Season Mode, with many reviewers stressing that the game is worth playing for this alone. SvR 2006 is often compared to WWF: No Mercy in terms of the game's depth and gameplay, with even frequent critics of the series admitting just how solid a wrestling game Smackdown Vs. Raw 2006 really is. Even with certain wrestlers lacking voice acting and a decent serving of glitches, it's easy to see why Smackdown Vs. Raw 2006 is hailed as a classic.