More Cat Fights, Puppies, & Divas!
By: Sergio Ortiz
April 11, 2008 - With WrestleMania 24 in the history books, and SmackDown vs RAW 2009 on the horizon, Code X will be sharing wish list articles from now until the release of SvR 2009 regarding the improvements and additions that we would like to see make their way into the game even if it means we wait until SmackDown vs. RAW 2010 (unofficial title). Every year we see vast improvements that seem minor only because we are so used to the series that it becomes hard to keep it fresh. Some improvements are greatly accepted, some are not, and some come with the price of downgrading other parts of the game. We hope that our articles can make some sort of impact on Yukes or THQ with the help of our readers spreading the word. Every article will feature a new topic of what we would like improved or added to the next SmackDown game. Enjoy!
More Diva Style Matches
We've mentioned in part 1 of this article how we would love to have Divas participate in all match-types because their track record has shown that they can be just as confrontational and hardcore as the men. Really, we'd like to play a Hell In A Cell match with Ashley Massaro vs Beth Phoenix for fun and entertainment. We most likely won't see it happen on WWE Television, but for the love of fun and entertainment, please let us make it happen in the video game. We'd like to have a bit more freedom within the WWE video games.
Divas can be just as physical and confrontational as the guys.
Aside from wanting divas to participate in all of the match types available in SmackDown vs. RAW 2009, we feel that, that is still not enough. In order to fully have the diva experience we will need more match types catered to divas. SmackDown! vs. RAW had a bra & panties match which was replaced by a fulfill your fantasy match in SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006, and in SmackDown vs. RAW 2007, the Fulfill Your Fantasy Match was removed completely. Why remove a match in the first place? We've seen WWE programming for many years and throughout those years we have seen the divas get it on in various bra & panties matches, pillow fight matches, evening gown matches, lingerie matches, paddle on a pole matches, & bikini/ swimsuit contests. With all these diva oriented matches, it would be interesting to see these incorporated into a game.
Divas just like to be naughty.
It would probably be best if divas could have multiple alternate attires such as lingerie, evening gown, bikini, and bra & panties. With a selection of attires, we can choose the proper attire for the particular match the divas compete in. Bra & panties matches should probably be restricted to just the bra & panties attires, but the other alternate attires for lingerie, evening gowns, & bikinis should be selectable for any other match. It's always great to have options.
Breaking Down The Diva Style Matches
Bra & Panties - The object of the match is to strip your opponent to their bra & panties. It's quite simple, tear the diva's top and bottom after you have inflicted enough damage. With WWE Divas constantly facing off in bra & panties matches, there is no reason to not include this match in the next SmackDown game. SmackDown! vs. RAW had this match and it's about time it was brought back.
1 vs. 1 just doesn't cut it anymore.
Evening Gown/Lingerie Match - This match is very similar to the bra & panties match with the only difference being that the divas wear evening gowns. The object is the same as the B&P Match which is to strip your opponent of their gown, but the match doesn't end there! You still have to pin or submit your opponent. With that in mind, maybe it would be nice to be able to customize the winning stipulations of a B&P Match and Evening Gown Match by selecting to win via stripping only or an old fashioned pin/submission. This could condense the B&P/Evening Gown/Lingerie Match into 1 match-type with the stipulations and attire selection up to the player.
If they want to wear evening gowns or lingerie, who are we to stop them?
Paddle On a Pole - The object of this match is to be the first diva to grab the paddle suspended on a pole. Once you have accomplished this, the match should end and a victory spanking cutscene should play with the loser getting paddled. Typically these matches end quickly, but for the sake of the gamer, the paddle should only be acquired only after you have sustained enough damage to your opponent.
After a nice long match, Torrie needs to be spanked.
Pillow Fight - The object of the match is to win by pinfall or submission all while having pillows as weapons. The pillows should inflict a small amount of damage because they're pillows, but still ... we want to bash some divas over the head with a pillow!
Vicious pillow fight.
Other notable match-types inlcude a Pudding Match or Wet & Wild Match. The Pudding Match could be a normal match with an interactive pool of pudding placed near the stage/ramp like in a Buried Alive Match. The Wet & Wild Match would involve getting wet by balloons, buckets of water, or water guns. These matches are harder to create in the form of a playable match, I would imagine, but I know Yukes/THQ could pull it off.
Every match listed above should still allow divas to execute their finishing maneuvers or make proper use of the ring's environment like in any other match. It becomes tiring playing a bra & panties match or pillow fight knowing that you aren't allowed to do a finishing move or exit the ring for that matter. Another much needed improvement for the diva matches would be the diva specific "hot spots." We should be able to drag a diva to the ropes or turnbuckle and either spank them or remove their clothing through an on screen mini-game. We would also like to see Singles, Tag Team, 6-"Man" Tag, and Handicap variations of these diva gimmick matches. Overall, divas need to be acknowledged a lot more in WWE video games because they just kick butt.
Lastly, before anyone comments that wishing for divas to have these sort of attires or gimmick matches is perverse, you're probably right. However, WWE does use their diva talent this way and therefore they still are a fundamental part of the company. We should be able to play with divas in ways that add more color and life to them in the game instead of just being happy that they are made useless and only allowed to be in select matches. Let's not forget that the SmackDown series is rated T for Teen with suggestive themes and anyone who laughs at the word "boobies" is probably too young to play a rated T video game.
That does it for part 2 of this article.
Hope you enjoyed the IGN style article. Feel free to comment with your thoughts or suggest future article topics.