WWE-SmackDown-vs-Raw-2011
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Street Fighter characters recreated in Smackdown vs. Raw 2011
Although the spectacle of wrestling isn't lost on us, this new class of wrestlers lacks the core values and strengths we've come to expect while growing up and watching the sport. Where is the guy telling us to take our vitamins? Thankfully, somebody's gone through the trouble of creating better wrestling role models in WWE: Smackdown vs Raw 2011 -- specifically, several Street Fighter characters available for download through the in-game content browser. Think about it: is there a better person for all of the children of the world to look up to than a hobo whose sole pursuit in life is to beat up everyone on the planet? Total role model material.
October NPD: NBA 2K11 tops charts, Xbox 360 'best selling console in 2010'
Here is the second edition of the revised (and less informative) monthly NPD report. With the market research group no longer sharing specific hardware figures, it's noteworthy to point out that only Microsoft has (as of writing) released concrete sales numbers. Major Nelson tweeted that Microsoft sold 325K Xbox 360s in October. Although the figure represents a 32-percent drop from the previous month, it was enough to secure Microsoft's spot as best-selling console of the month. Major Nelson also added that the Xbox 360 "is the best selling console in 2010 [with] 3.5 million" sold so far. Sony's response doesn't offer console sales numbers, but Patrick Seybold commented on increased momentum for the company's PlayStation Move motion controller. "The PS3 Move Bundle had a 15-percent increase in sales since launch last month, and we're working hard to keep the inventory up across the country to meet strong consumer demand." In addition, Seybold reminded us of the impending launch of Sony's big holiday game: "With next week's launch of the industry's most anticipated title, Gran Turismo 5, we're sure to carry the momentum through the holidays." Nintendo, as of the time of publishing, had not offered comment. Software sales jumped 6 percent year-over-year for the month to $605 million. The multiplatform release of NBA 2K11 helped propel it to the top of the charts, undoubtedly aided by EA Sports' cancellation of NBA Elite 11. Fallout, Medal of Honor and Fable all made strong debuts -- but Rock Band 3's 15th-place position in sales has us concerned. NPD analyst Anita Frazier did make a special note in the report, assuring us that "this game has the potential to perform well over the holidays." The top-ten software breakdown is posted after the break.
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 getting 'Fan Axxess' DLC delivery program
Bros, oil up them chests and get ready to bump 'em because THQ has announced a new DLC delivery program for WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 called "Fan Axxess." Yeah, bro -- it's totally called "Fan Axxess." Spend 800 MS Points ($9.99) on Xbox 360 or PS3 and you'll be placed in the Fan Axxess program, a system that "will enable WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 owners to obtain select downloadable content released throughout the life of the videogame." This "select content" will include "a number of playable WWE Legends, WWE Superstars and WWE Divas, alternate ring gear, playable arenas, a WWE Superstar Attribute Customizer, instant access to all unlockable content and an in-game badge," identifying you as Fan Axxess member. If you're not interested in purchasing a label or its accompanied liberal use of the letter X, you can purchase each DLC pack individually. THQ has lined up the first few, so head past the break for the details.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 preorder bonuses detailed
THQ has revealed details on pre-order incentives for this year's iteration of WWE SmackDown Vs. RAW. As usual, what you'll get will depend on where you reserve your copy. Here's the lowdown: Best Buy (or any retailer in Canada): Brett Hart playable character Toys R Us: Undertaker's "Ministry of Darkness" gear Amazon.com: Three outfits for Randy Orton (T-shirt, suit and referee uniform) Walmart: "Tribute to the Troops" arena WWE SmackDown Vs. RAW will be out for all systems (including PS2, though the first two bonuses are only available for Xbox 360 or PS3) on October 26.
THQ not worried about upsetting used game buyers with new game bonuses
Poor pre-owned game purchasers -- you've been having a really rough time of it this past year, haven't you? Most of the major companies have battled your particular method of shopping tooth and nail by packaging DLC vouchers in with copies of their new games. Cory Ledesma, creative director for WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 (new versions of which offered free DLC and online multiplayer access), recently told CVG, "I don't think we really care whether used game buyers are upset because new game buyers get everything." Ledesma explained, "We hope people understand that when the game's bought used we get cheated," later adding, "I don't think anyone wants that so in order for us to make strong, high-quality WWE games we need loyal fans that are interested in purchasing the game. We want to award those fans with additional content." That does it -- from now on, we buy all our WWE games new. Not for the DLC, mind you, but because we've got a strict policy against upsetting companies that are in constant contact with professional wrestlers.
New copies of WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 include free online pass, DLC
THQ has announced that WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 will not only come with multiple covers, but a devastating clothesline to used game buyers. The manual will include a code that can be redeemed for "online access and the game's first DLC package," with Chris Masters as a playable character and Halloween-style costumes for Rey Mysterio and Kelly Kelly. Those who buy the game used (presumably without the code) will need to buy the DLC for 800 MS points, or $9.99 on PSN. "Project Ten Dollar"? Isn't that the new TLC match team? Elsewhere, in the list of features actually available on the disc itself, wrestling fans will find a WWE Universe mode, an updated Road to Wrestlemania feature, more than 70 different WWE personalities and a custom character creator, plus the usual roundup of punches, kicks and sweaty holds in more than 100 different match types. Check them all out in a trailer after the break -- no in-the-box redeem code necessary.
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 gets multiple covers
Wanna snag eight WWE superstars all on one game box? Too bad, as THQ's WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2011 will feature eight WWE wrestlers across several region-specific covers.
