WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2010 features revealed

THQ has been running a countdown clock on its official WWE SmackDown vs. RAW universe web site for quite some time with the promise of new information on the series to be released today. That new information, about WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2010, has been revealed and we have it for you now.

WWE SvR is the Madden of wrestling games at this point, having a complete lockdown on the wrestling game business now that Midway’s TNA license is in limbo and developer YUKE’S habit of only offering incremental updates to the tried and true formula that has been established in the last two or three games.

This year’s iteration may offer a bit more change than is usually expected from a WWE SvR game, but a large percentage of it is improvements to existing features - which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Get all the details after the jump.

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JAKKS, THQ brawl over WWE licensing issues

I hate when people fight, but that’s just what is happening this morning between THQ and JAKKS Pacific over the World Wrestling entertainment license. JAKKS announced this morning that it had given notice to the WWE that it would extend the license to the popular sports entertainment franchise. Meanwhile in a court across town, THQ went to court to dispute the license renewal. The legal wrangling, in the form of a short press release can be found below:

JAKKS Pacific, announced that it has notified World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (“WWE”) that the joint venture between THQ and JAKKS intended to exercise its option to renew the WWE videogame license, which would otherwise expire on December 31, 2009, for an additional five (5) year term ending December 31, 2014. Separately, THQ commenced a lawsuit in California Superior Court, Los Angeles County, claiming it was not ready to make a decision with respect to renewal of the WWE videogame license, and seeking a declaratory judgment that (i) JAKKS was not authorized under the parties’ joint venture agreement to unilaterally issue a renewal notice to WWE, (ii) THQ has no obligation to consent to a renewal of the WWE license, and (iii) the restrictive covenant in the joint venture agreement prohibiting THQ from publishing any videogames based on wrestling during the term of the joint venture agreement (expiring one year after termination of the WWE license) is unenforceable under California law. JAKKS and THQ have also initiated arbitration proceedings relating to these issues.

Legends of WrestleMania Roster

THQ announced the full roster of wrestlers that will be playable in WWE Legends of WrestleMania, a new franchise focusing on the WWE’s marquee yearly event. The game will offer 40 legendary Superstars and managers that have taken part in WrestleMania over the years including Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, The Rock, Andre The Giant, Bobby Heenan, Bam Bam Bigelow and more. WWE Legends of WrestleMania promises arcade style gameplay, historic matches, and vintage presentation. I hope they deliver, honestly. Full roster after the jump.

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Double D Dodgeball Released

YUKE’S today announced that Double D Dodgeball is now available via Xbox LIVE Arcade. Double D Dodgeball features competitive dodgeball action for up to eight players. Double D Dodgeball offers a variety of challenging match options, including Western and Eastern rules, and a retro arcade design that brings the player back to the days when dodgeball was a major playground activity. The game is now available for 800 Microsoft Points.