WWE vs ECW (My thoughts on the next WWE wrestling game franchise)

[thekingofkings]

I am a VERY big fan of the THQ Smackdown videogame series and after playing the 2007 version I felt that somethings need to be addressed and fixed. Also I felt now with the WWE expansion of the ECW brand it was time for some other changes as well.


WWE Vs. ECW

The game will feature 22 Superstars from each brand.
Here is a complete roster (Current as of 12/4) for each brand.

Raw brand

Male wrestlers
· Shelton Benjamin
· Lance Cade
· Carlito
· John Cena
· Edge
· Eugene
· Jeff Hardy
· Kryme Time
· Kenny (Spirit Squad)
· Chris Masters
· The Highlanders
· Shawn Michaels
· Mikey (Spirit Squad)
· Trevor Murdoch
· Johnny Nitro
· Randy Orton
· Snitsky
· Triple H
· Umaga
· Viscera

Female wrestlers

· Mickie James
· Maria
· Melina
· Victoria
· Torrie Wilson
· Candice Michelle

Referees
· Mike Chioda


Other talent

· Jonathan Coachman - Executive Assistant for Vince McMahon
· Armando Alejandro Estrada (Hazem Ali) - Manager for Umaga
· Lilian Garcia - Ring announcer
· Todd Grisham - Backstage interviewer and ring announcer
· Jerry "The King" Lawler - Color commentator for Raw
· Vince McMahon - WWE Chairman, Interim General Manager for Raw
· Jim Ross - Play-by-play commentator for Raw


SmackDown! brand

Male wrestlers

· Batista
· The Boogeyman
· Chris Benoit
· Finlay
· Chavo Guerrero
· Matt Hardy
· Gregory Helms
· Idol Stevens
· K.C. James
· Kane
· Brian Kendrick
· Mr. Kennedy
· King Booker
· Paul London
· Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
· MVP
· William Regal
· Scotty 2 Hotty
· Sylvan
· Tatanka
· The Undertaker
· Vito

Female wrestlers

· Layla El
· Jillian Hall
· Kristal Marshall
· Ashley Massaro
· Michelle McCool

Referees

Nick Patrick (Nick Hamilton)

Other on-air talent

· Tony Chimel - Ring announcer
· Michael Cole - Play-by-play commentator for SmackDown!
· Vickie Guerrero - Manager of Chavo Guerrero
· John "Bradshaw" Layfield - Color commentator for SmackDown!
· Theodore Long - General Manager
· Queen Sharmell - Valet and wife of King Booker


ECW brand

Male wrestlers

· Elijah Burke
· CM Punk
· Daivari
· Tommy Dreamer
· René Duprée
· The Great Khali
· Hardcore Holly
· Mike Knox
· Bobby Lashley
· Little Guido Maritato (James Maritato)
· Balls Mahoney
· Joey Mercury
· Shannon Moore
· Stevie Richards
· Sabu
· The Sandman
· Matt Striker
· Sylvester Terkay
· Test
· Kevin Thorn
· Rob Van Dam

Referees

· Scott Armstrong

Other on-air talent

· Ariel - Valet and on-screen girlfriend of Kevin Thorn
· Doug Basham - Heyman's security
· Rebecca DiPietro - Backstage interviewer
· Kelly Kelly - Valet of Mike Knox
· Derek Neikirk - Heyman's security
· Justin Roberts - Ring announcer
· Joey Styles - Play-by-play commentator
· Tazz - Color commentator
· Trinity

New and improved features:

The new HOT SPOT additions from Smackdown Vs Raw would be included as well as the reintroduction of the before match mini-games (ie. Stare Downs, Test of Strength.)
Total control moves will also be included with improved mechanics.

CAW will now have the option of winning animations and how they hold the title belts (Around the waist, Across the shoulder. ETC ETC).

Improved A.I and ring introductions. (Something HAS to be done with the piss poor version in the current games.)

Blood will not vanish when dripped onto the canvas rather slowly smear into it, but blood will not drip as much onto the canvas as in previous installements.

New improved submission meters. Rather then rabidly pressing a button in order to gain momentum on the hold a series of button sequences will come up for each side. The more accurate and timing of the press the more pressure or ability to escape and withhold the move will increase. Example: If the player who is on the receiving end of the hold is more accurate and timely the character will move towards the ropes more quickly or cut down on the submission holds time limit.

Each brand will have a specific CAW season mode as well as specific storylines for select Superstars written by actual WWE storyline writers.

Title matches will have more TV style presentation. Title graphics will scroll the screen before the start. Annoucers will announce the type and title. Challengers introduced first. Champions second. Ref will present the title before the bell and award after match with celebrations.

Weapon improvements. No longer are there a limitless supply of chairs and sledge hammers under the ring. Instead there are two under each side of the aprons. Each weapon will take much longer to dent or break (Approx. 6 to 8 hits per weapon as opposed to 4) After that the item will break or bend and remain on the floor or mat they will NOT disappear as in previous games thus bringing more realisim and balanced control of weapon usage.

Diva season mode will be introduced.

Custom entrance themes for Xbox 360 and PS3 versions from your own personal music library on your harddrive.

CAW will go through pre season training to increase stats proportinatly rather then a points based system to max out all attributes. This new system will test all the limits of the CAW from strength to speed and divide a set amount of statistic points to each attribute based on your weight class thus eliminating unrealistic CAW's. (Think Fight Night Round Three training modes, but more robust and rounded out)

These are just sme of my ideas for improvements. Please feel free to add other improvements I may have overlooked. I think if we can get this to THQ and Yukes we could start to see a better product. I'm starting to see another case of the EA syndrom here with the lack of competition.



EDIT: Removed Big Show and Paul Heyman from ECW since they are both no longer with the company.

[CM Punk]

Sounds great man, good ideas! :)

[Midnight's Creed]

That's a very good list there guy. But I think they should just add every single superstar on the roster by the time they decide to make the roster.

But the question is, is THQ and Yuke's up for the challenge? :)

Just to point out (tell me if you meant to do this), you missed:

RAW:

- Super Crazy
- Charlie Haas
- Rob Conway
- Val Venis
- Johnny
- Mitch
- Nicky

SmackDown!:

- Mark Henry (He'll be back by next year)
- Jimmy Wang Yang
- Sylvan
- Funaki

[Stevie Carnage]

That would be nice, however the fate of the ECW brand is still up to question. Anyone who has been keeping up to date on wrestling the past few weeks saw that December To Dismember totally tanked. Although when you realize that only two matches were announced before the event began, it's no wonder.

I'm sure THQ and Yukes will say something about storage space. "There isn't possibly enough room to accomadate all the superstars on the roster." Well in that case, get rid of the Divas. I can say I have ever used a Diva, and many of the girls I know who play the game don't either.

They need to eliminate the superstar points as well. If they were baised on actual facts it wouldn't be so bad, but you can't tell me that Hulk Hogan is more skilled than Chris Benoit, The Rock, or Shelton Benjamen.

The limitations placed on Crusierweights are stupid too. The games should be realistic, but I still think it's funny watching a really small guy pick up the big show.

Something has to be done about the new control style as well. I've been playing it since the game came out, and I still don't like it. The counters are overly difficult, sometimes it can take forever to get someone to tap out, and I can't stand the fact that my wrestler is sometimes on the ground for upwards of 30 seconds. This is a VIDEO GAME. I can watch people milk things on TV, I want fast-paced action when I'm controlling the match.

[qito]

the smackdown vs raw series is really nice. the only thing i would love to have in these games is more control. they added some manual controls in 2007,like picking the guy up over your head and being able to throw him anytime, but we need more of that.

im also personally looking forward to the new TNA game coming out next year. Let's see how it fairs up to the s vs r series.

[Carsonal]

Yeah you pretty much nailed it.
I especially think that season mode is one of, if not the most important part of a wrestling game.
And god knows how many games have had **** season modes.

[thekingofkings]

They need to eliminate the superstar points as well. If they were baised on actual facts it wouldn't be so bad, but you can't tell me that Hulk Hogan is more skilled than Chris Benoit, The Rock, or Shelton Benjamen.

The limitations placed on Crusierweights are stupid too. The games should be realistic, but I still think it's funny watching a really small guy pick up the big show.

.

Well I know as far as the Hulk Hogan being better then The Rock or Benoit it's because they are now comparing the current Superstars to old school Hulk Hogan from the 80's in his PRIME so I can defeinetly see Hogan being better then these guys. Excpet Benoit he can ACTUALLY REALLY wrestle.

Well I know in the 360 version cruiserweights could not pick up Big Show AT ALL and actually got hurt punching or kicking him.

[Stevie Carnage]

Hogan in his PRIME was even garbage. The guy moved around the ring like he had a rod up his arse.

You can't honestly say that Hogan ever had more skill than The Rock. The Rock even wasn't that good, but compared to Hogan, dear lord.

[thekingofkings]

Hogan in his PRIME was even garbage. The guy moved around the ring like he had a rod up his arse.

You can't honestly say that Hogan ever had more skill than The Rock. The Rock even wasn't that good, but compared to Hogan, dear lord.

No you're right. It is just that having skill dosen't mean to much to the WWE. Example: John Cena no in ring talent at all yet has the biggest push because that's what the magority wants to see. So Hogan being rated higher then the Rock is because he is WWE. People who don't even like wrestling know of Hulk Hogan.

[Stevie Carnage]

See, I always thought that The Rock was far more entertaining (both in and out of the ring, come on, he did the best work on the microphone) than Hogan ever was.

I take offense to some bald dude telling me to say myi prayers and take those crappy vitamins.

[PsychoMantis]

The Rock is a major sell out IMO. He was over hyped and liked by many he is pure acting talent not inring. No wonder why he left the WWE to make movies.

[dice]

I think the changes for the game should be the roster, they need ecw superstars and I think on the general manager mode they should be able to have more than 20 superstars on the roster.Also I think when you create a superstar, that your picture that you take, there should be like posing options, and the picture should be as big as the other superstars. And the name of the superstar should be said in the entrance instead of the nick name. Also with the entrance, there should be a movie create thing so instead of the wwe logo you can create your own movie to be on the entrance. And with the stable entrances you should be able to create them like you create the regular entrances.

[thekingofkings]

Also I think when you create a superstar, that your picture that yous big as the other superstars.

I totally agree with this idea. In some form or another your CAW pic should be a half body shot like the actual WWE Superstars. Perhaps they could offer a set number of poses you can chose for your CAW.


And the name of the superstar should be said in the entrance instead of the nick name.

Well they DO have first names. My name's Tim and they have Timothy so they do announce Timothy for my CAW. They should take this to the next step by adding at least commona last name options. I know they had this available in Legends of Wrestling 2. I played it awhile back and while the game did stink it had a GREAT ring announcing option. You got to pick from a HUGE list of first names or nicknames AND last names. My last name wasn't in it, but still it was a great feature.

[AJJets107]

What actually be a good idea for the next one. Is that you can use the Xbox Live Camera to make a face for your wrestler.

[Carsonal]

Has anyone actually watched ECW lately?
Oh my god it is such rubbish.
WWE absolutely mangled it.
I can remember the original ECW which had some of the most hardcore mathces with blood, glass and it was actually extreme.
Now its slower with less weapons and outside pins and not to mention that Big Show vs. Lashley match for the ECW title was the most boring thing i had ever seen.

[Stevie Carnage]

ECW = Sunday Night Heat

WWE really did muff up that ECW show. Wrestling fans have two other WWE shows to see "normal" wrestling. We all wanted ECW because we miss the hardcore matches from the Attitude Era. Just because Vince doesn't like them doesn't give him the right to deprive fans. Hasn't he ever heard of "the customer is always right?" If he isn't careful, he's going to have another Wrestling War on his hands.

[Carsonal]

ECW = Sunday Night Heat

WWE really did muff up that ECW show. Wrestling fans have two other WWE shows to see "normal" wrestling. We all wanted ECW because we miss the hardcore matches from the Attitude Era. Just because Vince doesn't like them doesn't give him the right to deprive fans. Hasn't he ever heard of "the customer is always right?" If he isn't careful, he's going to have another Wrestling War on his hands.

I really hope he does have another war on his hands.
Remember how good the WWE matches and story was before he took WCW?
I think the pinacle of WWF history was around 2000 with Austin, HHH, Angle, Undertaker, Rikishi and The Rock in the 6 man hell in a cell.

And the hardcore matches in the attitude days were awesome.
I remember seeing my first one when Raven took on Tazz and dunked his head in an unflushed toilet. It was gross but cool at the same time.

[Stevie Carnage]

No doubt that 1997-early 2001 WWF was the absolute highlight of professional wrestling. So many good matches.

Big Show VS The Rock VS Triple H VS Mick Foley at Wrestlemania 16 = Awesome
The Rock VS Triple H VS Kurt Angle at Summerslam 2000 = Awesome
TLC 1 & 2 = Really Awesome
JBL VS John Cena at Wrestlemania 21 = wtf?

[Simon]

Smackdown Just Bring It was the only wrestling game I liked. The season mode was pure class.

[DeadlyFire]

I hope they do a good job on the next game, hopefully it should have everything in the right place and some lights for a tag team entrance or CAE for Tag team and all the stuff you said minus the gay spirt squad. I think the CAWs should get some improvment in popularity as well during season or pre-season modes for GM mode cuz starting with 20 pop. is annoying at times when you are very creative making lots of wrestlers and want them all on the show. Popularity should reflect the Charisma and crowd response as well.

Bah WWEECW is crap, just look at the next level of extreme wreslting in Pennslyvania. Combat Zone Wrestling(CZW) is 100 times more extreme than ECW EVER was including the old ECW. CZW is amazing. I just discovered some of their videos last week on You Tube so far I havn't stopped looking for em and watching em. They have every thing as a weapon there including everything the WWE and ECW has used in the past and more. Glass is also in there. CZW is amazing lots of Indy moves that really look great and lots of weapons.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb9QTWPsT5Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnROuCid81Q

[dice]

I agree with the popularity thing for GM mode. You have to work so hard to get it up, it takes to long, it should be based on how the crowd acts to the superstar or something like that. Speaking of GM mode that would be cool if we can borrow superstars from other shows for a match, but they have to approve or something like a trade.And with the titles they should let us put more than 1 title on the line in a match.And since the mony in the bank is new they should have it in season mode and GM mode like twice a year.Also with the General Manager mode if they have ecw superstars they should have December to Dismember, and one night stand, and November to Remember and all there other ones as there ppv and as well they should be able to be in at least 1 or 2 matches in Raws or Smackdows ppv.Also another idea I had was a Create A Match thing so you can make your own match like a inferno match, or last ride, or Item on a Pole match and stuff like that.Like they give you choices and put them together to make a match and you can name it and stuff.Then you can use it in GM mode and the exhibition mode.

[thekingofkings]

Updated rosters and more improvement ideas. 2/6/07


WWE Vs. ECW

The game will feature 22 Superstars from each brand.
Here is a complete roster (Current as of 12/4) for each brand.

Raw brand

Male wrestlers
· Shelton Benjamin
. Charlie Haas
· Lance Cade
· Carlito
· John Cena
· Edge
. Jeff Hardy
· Kryme Time
· Kenny Dykstra
· Chris Masters
· The Highlanders
· Shawn Michaels
· Trevor Murdoch
· Johnny Nitro
· Randy Orton
· Triple H
· Umaga
· Viscera
. The Great Khali

Female wrestlers

· Mickie James
· Maria
· Melina
· Victoria
· Torrie Wilson
· Candice Michelle

Referees
· Mike Chioda


Other talent

· Jonathan Coachman - Executive Assistant for Vince McMahon
· Armando Alejandro Estrada (Hazem Ali) - Manager for Umaga
· Lilian Garcia - Ring announcer
· Todd Grisham - Backstage interviewer and ring announcer
· Jerry "The King" Lawler - Color commentator for Raw
· Vince McMahon - WWE Chairman, Interim General Manager for Raw
· Jim Ross - Play-by-play commentator for Raw


SmackDown! brand

Male wrestlers

· Batista
· The Boogeyman
· Chris Benoit
. Dave Taylor
· Finlay
· Chavo Guerrero
· Matt Hardy
· Gregory Helms
· Idol Stevens
· Joey Mercury
· Kane
· Brian Kendrick
· Mr. Kennedy
· King Booker
· Paul London
· Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
· MVP
· William Regal
· Sylvan
· The Undertaker
· Vito

Female wrestlers

· Jillian Hall
· Kristal Marshall
· Ashley Massaro


Referees

Nick Patrick (Nick Hamilton)

Other on-air talent

· Tony Chimel - Ring announcer
· Michael Cole - Play-by-play commentator for SmackDown!
· John "Bradshaw" Layfield - Color commentator for SmackDown!
· Theodore Long - General Manager
· Queen Sharmell - Valet and wife of King Booker


ECW brand

Male wrestlers

· Elijah Burke
· CM Punk
· Tommy Dreamer
· René Duprée
· Hardcore Holly
· Mike Knox
· Bobby Lashley
· Balls Mahoney
· Shannon Moore
· Stevie Richards
· Sabu
· The Sandman
· Matt Striker
· Sylvester Terkay
· Test
· Kevin Thorn
· Rob Van Dam

Referees

· Scott Armstrong

Other on-air talent

· Ariel - Valet and on-screen girlfriend of Kevin Thorn
· Rebecca DiPietro - Backstage interviewer
· Kelly Kelly
· Justin Roberts - Ring announcer
· Joey Styles - Play-by-play commentator
· Tazz - Color commentator
· Layla El


New and improved features:

The new HOT SPOT additions from Smackdown Vs Raw would be included as well as the reintroduction of the before match mini-games (ie. Stare Downs, Test of Strength.)
Total control moves will also be included with improved mechanics.

CAW will now have the option of winning animations and how they hold the title belts (Around the waist, Across the shoulder. ETC ETC).

Improved A.I and ring introductions. (Something HAS to be done with the piss poor version in the current games.)

Blood will not vanish when dripped onto the canvas rather slowly smear into it, but blood will not drip as much onto the canvas as in previous installements.

New improved submission meters. Rather then rabidly pressing a button in order to gain momentum on the hold a series of button sequences will come up for each side. The more accurate and timing of the press the more pressure or ability to escape and withhold the move will increase. Example: If the player who is on the receiving end of the hold is more accurate and timely the character will move towards the ropes more quickly or cut down on the submission holds time limit.

Each brand will have a specific CAW season mode as well as specific storylines for select Superstars written by actual WWE storyline writers.

Title matches will have more TV style presentation. Title graphics will scroll the screen before the start. Annoucers will announce the type and title. Challengers introduced first. Champions second. Ref will present the title before the bell and award after match with celebrations.

Weapon improvements. No longer are there a limitless supply of chairs and sledge hammers under the ring. Instead there are two under each side of the aprons. Each weapon will take much longer to dent or break (Approx. 6 to 8 hits per weapon as opposed to 4) After that the item will break or bend and remain on the floor or mat they will NOT disappear as in previous games thus bringing more realisim and balanced control of weapon usage.

Diva season mode will be introduced.

Custom entrance themes for Xbox 360 and PS3 versions from your own personal music library on your harddrive.

CAW will go through pre season training to increase stats proportinatly rather then a points based system to max out all attributes. This new system will test all the limits of the CAW from strength to speed and divide a set amount of statistic points to each attribute based on your weight class thus eliminating unrealistic CAW's. (Think Fight Night Round Three training modes, but more robust and rounded out)

CAE for Tag Teams and Stables.

Post Match Choices: After a match (Win or lose) you (As well as the computer) have the option to choose a variety of different actions (This was introduced in an earlier version but will be more elaborated) such as Attack from behind, Offer a handshake, Refuse handshake (If offered by COM. opponent) Recruite to stable (If you are in one) Refuse offer to stable, or simply nothing.

These are just sme of my ideas for improvements. Please feel free to add other improvements I may have overlooked. I think if we can get this to THQ and Yukes we could start to see a better product. I'm starting to see another case of the EA syndrom here with the lack of competition.

[UnReaL]

I agree with you on everything except the Diva Season mode. Don't think anyone would play that.

Anyways, you have great ideas, and I would love to see it implemented in the Next WWE game. But as far as I know from playing SvR games THQ and Yukes basically suck at giving people what they want. Just like EA's Madden franchise, THQ is milking and washing out the WWE franchise games. Add alittle upgrade and sell millions of copies each year.

Also, updated online rosters would be a very neat feature.

[Stevie Carnage]

RVD will be gone before the next game. He's on the last leg of his contract, and from what I've been hearing from insiders, he'll be headed straight for TNA. The only way I can see Van Dam staying is if Vince grants the ECW writers and wrestlers permission to bring on the hardcore. Reintroduction of the hardcore championship, a tag title, and making it an open show to all brands could probably do it.

Vince better do it soon too. TNA is really close to a 2-hour show, the DX angle is gone, and Wrestling Society X turned out to be pretty cool.

[Simon]

I don't get this thread, are these your IDEAS for the next game? Or are they actually going to BE in the next game.

[thekingofkings]

I don't get this thread, are these your IDEAS for the next game? Or are they actually going to BE in the next game.


They are MY ideas that I'd like to see for the game.

[Carsonal]

RVD will be gone before the next game. He's on the last leg of his contract, and from what I've been hearing from insiders, he'll be headed straight for TNA. The only way I can see Van Dam staying is if Vince grants the ECW writers and wrestlers permission to bring on the hardcore. Reintroduction of the hardcore championship, a tag title, and making it an open show to all brands could probably do it.

Vince better do it soon too. TNA is really close to a 2-hour show, the DX angle is gone, and Wrestling Society X turned out to be pretty cool.

I would love to see TNA start to take on WWE.
Theyre getting more and more decent wrestlers and a bigger following as the alternative company.

[Simon]

So what is the official name, for the next wrestling game?

[thekingofkings]

So what is the official name, for the next wrestling game?

There is no official title just yet. Right now it's Smackdown vs Raw 2008

[UnReaL]

What happend to Rey Mysterio for the Smackdown Brand?

[Stevie Carnage]

He took time off for knee surgery. However, his contract had expired the last I heard. It's still unknown if he'll go back to WWE, or try his fortunes elsewhere.

[DeadlyFire]

Rey Mysterio might goto TNA he said that he might go there when he knee was better.

Lita has signed with TNA/UWF now as well. She will probally stay in UWF for little while before they put her on TNA like they did with "Miss Tennassee" AKA Jaqualine.

[Stevie Carnage]

On WWE's website, it says Rey will be appearing on Smackdown in "less than two weeks" to update everyone on his surgery, and how is knee is.

That might be he has resigned.

[Mr. Kool]

I cant' see ECW staying around to long...maybe another year or so. Did anyone hear the plans Vince has for it?

[MJ2315]

RVD will be gone before the next game. He's on the last leg of his contract, and from what I've been hearing from insiders, he'll be headed straight for TNA. The only way I can see Van Dam staying is if Vince grants the ECW writers and wrestlers permission to bring on the hardcore. Reintroduction of the hardcore championship, a tag title, and making it an open show to all brands could probably do it.

Vince better do it soon too. TNA is really close to a 2-hour show, the DX angle is gone, and Wrestling Society X turned out to be pretty cool.


Its been a strong rumor about the TNA/RVD jump but I thought RVD's contract didnt expire until fourth quarter 2007/first quarter 2008. (which means he may still make the roster unless he's on some kind of gentlemen's leave of absence.

[Stevie Carnage]

His contract is good until about midsummer. But from what I heard, I think there is a clause granting him an early leave if he wishes, as long as it is after a certain point in time.

The only plan that I've heard Vince having it to completly remodel the ECW show. That means we'll probably see less hardcore rules matches, and less of the ECW originals. In my mind, it will basically become what Sunday Night Heat was back on MTV.

[Hempeater]

I've never really like wrestling, but enjoyed wrestling games. Go figure. But anyways great post

[thekingofkings]

I've never really like wrestling, but enjoyed wrestling games. Go figure. But anyways great post

Well I'm a big wrestling fan, but I tend to play the games ALOT more then actually watch wrestling since alot of the wrestlers and storylines suck. I mean let's bring back Jeff Hardy, but not bring The Hardy Boys back as a full time tag team! Let's keep John Cena as champion um FOREVER! Let's keep a muscle bound, skill having wreslter as champion over a skilled wrestler like Ken Kennedy!

I just don't understand it!