SmackDown 2010 gets US release date

THQ has announced a release date for its next WWE game, declaring that SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 will launch on 20th October.

Presumably that date applies to the US, as the 20th is a Tuesday and games only launch in Europe on Fridays. But our version shouldn't be too far behind.

SmackDown 2010 is all about "creative and online freedom", according to the press release. Expect a new Create-a-Superstar mode complete with improved visuals and 3D parts. The Paint Tool lets you create tattoos and logos, and Superstar Threads allows you to customise shirts, trousers, face paint, boots and so on. You can even design new moves in Create-a-Finisher mode.

Then there's the WWE Story Designer. With this you can customise your own storylines and cut-scenes, write dialogue, switch camera angles and choose from more than 100 scene animations. You can construct each night's show card and put twists and turns into the stories.

User-created Superstars, Divas, story designs, finishing moves, highlight reels and entrance movies can be uploaded via the WWE Community Creations interface. You can download content made by other players and rate their stuff.

Other new features include the WWE Training Facility, an in-game tutorial mode. The game will feature more than 60 playable wrestlers and a soundtrack with music from the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sick Puppies and Skillet.

The Wii version of SmackDown 2010 will work with the remote, Classic Controller and GameCube Controller. The DS game offers "a more simulation-based experience", and will feature Ambulance Matches for the first time in the series' history.

SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 is in development for PS2, PS3, PSP, Xbox 360, Wii and DS.