John Cena's Reign: SmackDown Vs. Raw 2007!

Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive into the world of WWE games, specifically focusing on John Cena and his impact on "SmackDown vs. Raw 2007." This game holds a special place in many hearts, and Cena's presence was a major reason why. We're going to break down his character, his moves, his storylines (as much as a video game allows), and why he was such a dominant force in this particular installment.

John Cena: The Face That Runs the Place

In 2007, John Cena was arguably at the peak of his popularity. He was the ultimate babyface, the guy kids looked up to, and the one that adults either loved or loved to hate. His "Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect" motto was in full swing, and his in-ring performances were consistently top-notch. "SmackDown vs. Raw 2007" perfectly captured this era of Cena. The game developers really nailed his appearance, from the buzz cut and the signature jorts to the ever-present chain and padlock. But it wasn't just about looks; they also captured his in-ring style. Cena in the game felt powerful and resilient, just like he did on TV. His move set included all his signature maneuvers, like the Five Knuckle Shuffle, the FU (later renamed Attitude Adjustment), and the STF (Stepover Toehold Facelock). Pulling these moves off in the game felt incredibly satisfying, especially when you were going up against some of the biggest names in WWE history. What made Cena so effective in "SmackDown vs. Raw 2007" wasn't just his moves, but also his attributes. He had high ratings in strength, toughness, and charisma, making him a well-rounded and formidable opponent. Whether you were playing through the game's story mode or just having a one-on-one exhibition match, choosing John Cena almost felt like an automatic advantage. He was the guy you could rely on to deliver the win, even against tough odds. But it wasn't just about winning; it was about the experience of playing as John Cena. The game did a great job of making you feel like you were in control of a true WWE superstar, from the entrance to the victory celebration. Cena's entrance, complete with his theme music and the roar of the crowd, was always a highlight. And when you finally hit that Attitude Adjustment and pinned your opponent, the feeling of accomplishment was real.

SmackDown vs. Raw 2007: A Deep Dive

"SmackDown vs. Raw 2007" wasn't just about John Cena, though he was a significant draw. The game itself was a major step forward for the series. It featured a robust roster of WWE superstars from both the SmackDown and Raw brands, as well as ECW legends. This meant you could have dream matches like John Cena vs. The Rock, or Triple H vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin. The game also introduced several new features that added depth and realism to the gameplay. One of the most notable was the analog fighting system. This allowed for more precise control over your character's movements and attacks. Instead of just pressing buttons, you could use the analog sticks to control the direction and intensity of your strikes. This made the matches feel more dynamic and engaging. Another key feature was the improved create-a-superstar mode. This allowed you to create your own custom wrestler and take them through the ranks of WWE. You could customize everything from their appearance and move set to their entrance music and taunts. This added a huge amount of replay value to the game, as you could spend hours creating and developing your own unique character. The game's story mode was also a major improvement over previous installments. It featured branching storylines and multiple endings, depending on your choices. This made the game feel more like a real WWE career, with all the ups and downs that come with it. You could form alliances, make enemies, and compete for championships, all while trying to become the ultimate WWE superstar. "SmackDown vs. Raw 2007" also featured a variety of match types, including Hell in a Cell, Money in the Bank, and Elimination Chamber. Each match type had its own unique rules and challenges, adding even more variety to the gameplay. Whether you preferred hard-hitting brawls or technical wrestling matches, there was something for everyone in this game. The game's graphics and sound were also top-notch for the time. The character models were highly detailed, and the arenas looked just like they did on TV. The commentary was also well-done, with Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler providing their signature banter. The game's soundtrack featured a mix of rock and hip-hop, adding to the overall atmosphere. Overall, "SmackDown vs. Raw 2007" was a landmark game in the series. It combined a deep roster, innovative gameplay features, and a compelling story mode to create a truly immersive WWE experience.

Cena's Impact on the Game

Alright, so we've talked about the game itself, but let's circle back to John Cena's specific impact. His inclusion in "SmackDown vs. Raw 2007" wasn't just a matter of adding another wrestler to the roster; it was about capturing the essence of the WWE's biggest star at the time. His presence elevated the game, making it feel more authentic and exciting. One of the key ways Cena impacted the game was through his signature moves. As mentioned earlier, the game developers did a great job of recreating his Attitude Adjustment, STF, and Five Knuckle Shuffle. These moves were not only visually impressive, but they were also highly effective in the game. Landing a perfectly timed Attitude Adjustment on an opponent was always a crowd-pleasing moment. But it wasn't just about the moves themselves; it was also about the way Cena performed them. The game captured his intensity and his never-say-die attitude, making him a truly believable wrestler. Another way Cena impacted the game was through his rivalries. The game featured several storylines that pitted Cena against some of his biggest rivals, such as Edge, Randy Orton, and Shawn Michaels. These rivalries added drama and excitement to the game, making the matches feel more meaningful. Whether you were playing through the story mode or just creating your own matches, Cena's rivalries were always a highlight. His charisma also played a big role in his impact on the game. Cena was known for his mic skills and his ability to connect with the audience. The game captured this charisma through his entrance, his taunts, and his victory celebrations. Seeing Cena pump up the crowd before a match or celebrate a victory with his signature poses always added to the excitement. Finally, Cena's popularity was a major factor in his impact on the game. He was one of the most popular wrestlers in the world at the time, and his inclusion in the game helped to draw in fans. Many people bought the game specifically to play as John Cena and relive his greatest moments. In short, John Cena's presence in "SmackDown vs. Raw 2007" was a major asset. He brought his signature moves, his rivalries, his charisma, and his popularity to the game, making it a must-have for wrestling fans. He wasn't just another wrestler on the roster; he was the face of the WWE, and his inclusion in the game reflected that.

Why This Game Still Matters

Even though it's been years since "SmackDown vs. Raw 2007" was released, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many wrestling fans. There are several reasons why this game continues to be remembered fondly. One reason is the nostalgia factor. For many people, this game was a big part of their childhood or teenage years. They spent countless hours playing it with their friends, creating their own wrestlers, and reliving their favorite WWE moments. Playing the game today can bring back those memories and feelings of excitement. Another reason why this game still matters is its legacy. "SmackDown vs. Raw 2007" was a groundbreaking game in the series, introducing several new features that would become staples of future installments. The analog fighting system, the improved create-a-superstar mode, and the branching storylines all helped to raise the bar for wrestling games. This game paved the way for the WWE 2K series, which continues to be popular today. The gameplay itself is another reason why it still matters. Despite being over a decade old, "SmackDown vs. Raw 2007" is still fun to play. The controls are intuitive, the matches are exciting, and the roster is diverse. Whether you're a casual fan or a hardcore wrestling gamer, there's something to enjoy in this game. The community surrounding the game also plays a role in its continued relevance. There are still many people who play this game regularly and share their experiences online. They create mods, share tips and tricks, and organize online tournaments. This sense of community helps to keep the game alive and well. Finally, the historical significance of the game cannot be ignored. "SmackDown vs. Raw 2007" captured a specific moment in WWE history, when John Cena was at the peak of his popularity and the company was in a period of transition. Playing the game today is like stepping back in time and reliving that era. In conclusion, "SmackDown vs. Raw 2007" is more than just a video game; it's a piece of wrestling history. It's a game that continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world, thanks to its nostalgia, its legacy, its gameplay, its community, and its historical significance. And of course, John Cena's impact on the game is undeniable, making it a must-play for any fan of the Cenation leader.