The Panic Room

Hi. You may not recognize me because I mostly work behind the scenes here at Not Another Castle, but my name is Shane and my job is Editor-at-Large. I come to you today because, for one reason or another, one or more of our regular contributors are unable to dazzle you with new content.

Whenever this happens,our interns reach through the bars of their squalid cages and slap the Panic Button. This causes an annoying klaxon to constantly sound in my plush office, and before I know it a chute opens behind my chair and I get sucked into the Panic Room. To make a long story short, I have to write an article to make it stop.

So without further ado, here are some Haiku poems I recently wrote about a game I have been deeply involved with: Smackdown Vs Raw 2011.

"The Good"

New physics system,

Suplexes on metal stairs.

Universe mode rules.

New Physics allow players to use the environment like never before!

"The Bad"

Sound options are F@&*ed.

Muting lame menu music

now mutes entrances.

Chris Jericho is double offended, being the lead singer of a band.

"The Ugly"

A likeness issue:

Muscled Men hail from valley

far and Uncanny...

Lifeless, doll-like eyes stare soullessly from the screen.

Thankfully, I always play as Roddy Piper.

(all screenshots courtesy of www.smackdownvsraw.com)

The Verdict:

A good installment in a looooong series. The new dynamic Universe Mode procedurally generates matches and feuds. Marred only by some odd choices regarding setup options and match making. If you like wrestling games (either for the wrestling, or the create modes) you should definably give this one a whirl. Chances are, though, you already have.