Smackdown 5

[DayleJ]

Sources at THQ have confirmed that developers Yuke's are working on WWE SmackDown! 5 for PS2 - the sequel to the recently-released Shut Your Mouth - and that it will be released in the UK in November 2003.

The latest instalment of the best-selling wrestling series will place a greater focus on the actual gameplay and fighting system, with submissions playing a much more significant role - lending a more strategic element to the game.

Locking on, and escaping from submission holds (such as figure-four leglocks or the Crippler Crossface), will almost be a mini-game in itself, with your potential for success based on how fatigued your character (and your opponent) is.

Meanwhile, to execute more traditional finishing manoeuvres, you'll now first have to drag your opponent into the centre of the ring. So, as would be the case in reality, you couldn't pull off a People's Elbow if your opponent was lying near the turnbuckles.

A more realistic approach to each character's strengths and weaknesses is also likely to be included. The example we were given is that you'll no longer see things like Spike Dudley being able to powerslam the Big Show. Makes sense.

As far as the Season mode is concerned, Yuke's are currently said to be considering implementing a risk/reward system. For instance, as you progress through the game, you would earn money which could then be spent on health drinks to help you recover from injuries or new costumes.

The developers are also thinking about creating more organic environments - offering an added degree of interactivity - and expanding on the number and variety of backstage areas.

While there was hardly a shortage of match options in Shut Your Mouth, we can still expect to see a handful of new ones in its successor. Most notably, we were told, "The divas haven't played enough of a role in the games," and that they would be incorporated in the new SmackDown! in (ahem) a more "***ual sense." We can only surmise that this means that the likes of Bra & Panties bouts and mud wrestling matches are likely to make an appearance.

Finally, the idea of whether the game would be online compatible, we got a cagey response, being told that "the challenge is out there" to get a fighting game online: "If you're just going to download content, why bother?" So, as and when the SmackDown! series does go online, expect it to offer fully-fledged multiplayer matches. But whether it'll happen or not in SmackDown! 5 remains to be seen.

DayleJ
:tup:

[Security Chief]

Sounds cool

Chief