7. WWE Smackdown! vs. RAW 2006 (PS2, 2005, THQ)
For the last Smackdown! title in the PS2 generation before the series took its first leap to the Xbox 360 (though they still produce PS2 variants of current-gen Smackdown! titles), THQ wanted to leave the PS2 with a bang. Players now had to cope with stamina and momentum bars and couldn’t abuse power move after power move without any repercussion, forcing them to play more strategically and with a better understanding of pace. But if you didn’t care for stamina, you could always turn it off.
Wrestlers could select moves from three of seven categories, as an addition to submission and Clean/Dirty grapples, allowing for better customization and division of moves. Other additions included an adequate simulation GM mode, a power Irish whip, doors for steel cage matches, being able to steal your opponent’s taunt and play possum, and having the option to store a finisher for later use. In an allusion to the casket match from WWF Smackdown 2! Know Your Role, the new Buried Alive match type had you send your opponents to the grave literally. Even better, every wrestler in Season mode was voiced by their real-life counterparts, with better dialogue and unexpected enthusiasm. The level of content and depth marks WWE Smackdown! vs. RAW 2006 as the best installment in the Smackdown! franchise on the PS2.
