WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2006 is the latest installment in the Smackdown series, which continues the Smackdown vs. Raw era with a yearly title change.
The game features an updated roster of wrestlers, including classic superstars like Bret Hart and British Bulldog, as well as many new arenas from recent Pay-Per-Views and a classic arena from Wrestlemania 9. The player goes through various storylines in the Season Mode, chasing championship belts with recorded dialogue for many wrestlers.
Gameplay has been enhanced with more moves available to each wrestler, as well as pre-match mini-games to determine who starts with the upper hand.
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2006 also introduces General Manager Mode, where the player takes on the role of a GM trying to book a weekly show. The objectives include managing costs, keeping wrestlers happy and healthy, booking matches, and setting up feuds to keep ratings high.
The game allows players to earn Smackdown Dollars, which can be used to buy new moves, create-a-wrestler items, Legends wrestlers, and even locker room furniture. Completing challenges and beating the GM Mode also earns trophies for the player's trophy case.