They’re getting there, wrestling fans. While THQ and Yuke’s haven’t quite got the SmackDown formula perfect yet, Shut Your Mouth represents a definite step forward. The SmackDown series has always brought a little something extra to the table, and this year’s model is no exception. More than 50 of the most realistic-looking wrestlers on a console fight in 17 arenas and 14 backstage areas. Of all of THQ’s latest wrestling games, the SmackDown series’ controls have always had the best balance of complexity and ease. Even so, SmackDown’s claim to fame is as “the game that brought us the Season mode,” and that will still be what sticks out in players’ minds with SYM. Yes, folks, the Season mode is back and much better than ever. Based on the actual WWE story line, this year’s Season is actually satisfying to play, but it suffers from repetition (you have to visit every room every week in order not to miss something) and a certain lack of realism. Even so, it beats the Season modes of every other wrestling game by a mile. Yuke’s spent its time on Shut Your Mouth tuning the controls and inserting new features to make the matches that much more fun. Reversals and counters are easier and more important than before, and you’ll find that you need to master them quickly in order to win consistently. Tag team matches are a lot more enjoyable, too, because you can call your partner in for assistance if you’re getting into trouble, and referees react to interfering teammates realistically. There’s been a lot more attention paid to small details this time that only help the overall wrestling feel. Of course, not everything’s perfect, and the things that need work are some of the same things that needed help in Just Bring It. The timing on the controls feels better but not perfect, and pins sometimes seem random and unfair. Granted, half of “real” wrestling is getting angry at the ref, but in a wrestling game it’s nice to have more consistency. Overall, the SmackDown series is getting better but in small leaps and crawls. This is the best SmackDown for sure, but it’s not as much better as it could have been.
