Overview

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 is a professional wrestling video game in the long-running SmackDown vs. Raw series. Developed by Yuke's and published by THQ, it continued the annualized franchise that adapts World Wrestling Entertainment's rosters, moves and presentation into a console and handheld format. The game aimed to update visuals, expand the playable roster and refine the in-ring mechanics introduced in earlier entries while remaining a licensed WWE sports-entertainment product.

Core gameplay and features

The game preserves the series' blend of arcade-style and simulation-inspired wrestling. Players control WWE superstars in single matches, multi-person bouts and longer exhibition sessions. Matches are contested under a variety of rules and stipulations familiar to the promotion, and the engine emphasizes timing, positioning and context-specific moves rather than pure button-mashing.

  • Match types: Traditional singles and tag matches, specialty stipulations and multi-competitor formats are included to approximate televised WWE programming.
  • Roster and presentation: The title features a large roster of WWE performers from the mid-2000s era, with entrance sequences, commentary-style presentation and arena stages intended to evoke the television shows.
  • Customization: Like other entries in the series, the game provides options to customize characters and match settings, allowing players to create or modify wrestlers and tweak rules for exhibition play.

Platforms, release and editions

The game was released on multiple platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable (PSP) and Xbox 360. Release dates varied by region and platform. According to published information, the North American and European rollouts occurred in November and December 2006, with later dates for Japanese releases and the handheld version. The versions differ in visual fidelity and some feature sets; the Xbox 360 edition offered enhanced graphics compared with the PlayStation 2 build, while the PSP version was adapted for portable play with a reduced feature set.

Development context

As an annualized sports-entertainment title tied to a licensed property, development priorities typically centered on updating the roster, polishing animations and improving audiovisual presentation to match contemporary hardware capabilities. Yuke's, the primary developer for many entries in the series, worked under the direction of THQ to deliver releases across both last-generation and emerging high-definition consoles during this period.

Reception and legacy

Contemporary reviews praised the game for continuing the series' strengths: a deep roster, accessible controls and a presentation that reflects WWE programming. Review outlets gave generally favorable scores to the console editions and slightly lower but still positive scores to the handheld adaptation; for example, one major review site rated the PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 builds higher than the PSP build, reflecting differences in features and technical performance between platforms. Specific review scores and write-ups are available from gaming news sources and review archives for those seeking detailed evaluations.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 occupies a place in the series' evolution: it represents the mid-2000s era in which the franchise balanced yearly updates with gradual technical improvements as home consoles transitioned toward high-definition capabilities. For players and collectors it remains notable as a snapshot of WWE's roster and presentation at that time and as part of a continuing line of licensed wrestling games.

Further information, downloads and archival materials can be located through publisher pages and review sites: critic reviews and scores.