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WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008

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WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008[2]
PS3 boxart of SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 featuring (left to right) John Cena, The Undertaker, and Bobby Lashley.
Developer(s)Yuke's
Publisher(s)THQ
Yuke's
SeriesWWE SmackDown! series
Platform(s)PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, Wii, Xbox 360, Mobile
ReleaseUnited States November 13 2007
European Union November 9 2007
Australia November 13 2007
Australia November 16 2007 (PSP) [1]
Genre(s)Professional wrestling, Fighting
Mode(s)Single player, multiplayer, multiplayer online

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008[2] is a professional wrestling video game developed by YUKE's Future Media Creators and released on the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii consoles, PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS video game consoles by THQ in November 2007. [5]

The game is the latest edition to the long-running WWE SmackDown! video game series based on the professional wrestling promotion World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It is the sequel to 2006's WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 and is the first SmackDown game to include the promotion's ECW brand.[6] It is also the first WWE game to be available for all seventh generation game consoles.

Gameplay

Each wrestler now has two fighting style categories, one primary and one secondary. Each fighting style has its advantages and disadvantages in each particular match type. [7] There are eight styles altogether: high-flyer, hardcore, submission artist, powerhouse, showman, brawler, dirty and technical.[8] The wrestler's special move, however, is based solely on their primary style.[7] In addition, creative manager of THQ Cory Ledesma stated early in production that he planned on having numerous wrestler animations redone.[7]

File:Svr08logo2.png
The Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 logo.

A new "struggle submission system" has been introduced, incorporating more analog control into the game. The player executing the submission can now decide how much pressure is applied by moving the analog stick in a particular direction. Similarly, the player locked in a submission hold will have to power out also by using the analog stick. [7]

The game features the revived ECW brand, which takes its place alongside the established Raw and SmackDown! brands. The official box art features the ECW logo prominently. The game's ECW branding has expanded the number of weapons available under the ring during gameplay. New weapons such as guitars are available and tables can be set on fire. [9] Despite the inclusion of the brand, the video game franchise will keep its SmackDown! vs. RAW name, although an early logo included "ECW Invasion" in the title.[10]

Modes

The game allows several different game modes to be played, each with different goals and options. The season and general manager modes of previous games have not been merged into the new "WWE 24/7" mode, which takes its name from WWE's video on demand service. Players can choose to play one of the game's included superstars, a created superstar or as a general manager of one of the brand. Playing as a wrestler, the goal is to take that wrestler and achieve "legend" status. In order to do so the player has to win matches, team with and feud with other wrestlers and gain popularity. At the same time they must choose whether to train, exercise, relax, or take part in other activities when not wrestling, all with their own positive and negative effects.

Playing as a general manager is similar to the previous General Manager modes in the series, in which one has to choose a brand and act as its General Manager (Jonathan Coachman for Raw, Theodore Long for SmackDown!, Tommy Dreamer for ECW), draft a roster and attempt to make decisions to make it the most popular brand of the three. The General Manager is allowed to hire/fire wrestlers, schedule workouts and events.[11] There is also a all-new Tournament Mode which allows the player control a superstar through the various stages of a WWE tournament such as Beat The Clock Sprint and King of the Ring. This is featured only on the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360. Like previous games in the series, the game also allows players to challenge for and defend championships[12]. The game includes championships used by the WWE in 2007, bringing back the branded championships from the previous game and for the first time, the ECW Championship.

The game allows several match types to be played. This includes the Iron Man match; Battle Royal; Hell in a Cell[13]; Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match; Hardcore; Ladder match; the Elimination Chamber; and Royal Rumble[14] among others. However, none of these matches are on the Wii version, as was falsley advertised.

Platform differences

The game differs significantly depending on the platform it is played on. These differences are seen first and foremost in the Nintendo DS version of the game. It makes use of the handheld's touch screen feature to control the wrestlers' in-ring actions. This version also includes wireless multiplayer gameplay, as well as training minigames.[15] However, the DS version features a roster of just 21 wrestlers[16] and retains the Season mode of past games rather than receiving the 24/7 or Main Event modes being introduced to other systems.[17]

The Xbox 360's hard drive is utilized to allow custom music to be used in the game as entrance music.[18] and the PlayStation 3 version has a first-person view option during the wrestlers' entrances.[19] The Wii version takes advantage of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, using the motion-sensing capabilities to pull off various attacks. For instance, punches and chops are performed by slashing the Wii Remote in different directions, while performing a move such as a powerbomb requires the player to lift the opponent by pulling the Wii Remote up and then thrusting it down to slam the opponent.[20] It also includes Mii integration, both on menu screens of Main Event mode and on the HUD during game play.[21]

In addition to exhibition matches and create-a-wrestler, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation versions have a 24/7 mode[11] as its version of a season mode. However, the Nintendo Wii version has Main Event mode in place of 24/7 mode and does not contain a General Manager mode.

The Wii version only features 5 match types. These are, Single (One on One), Tag Team (Two on Two), K.O. Match, Triple Threat, and Hardcore. This version also has no WWE Shop and a severely decreased movelist compared to the other versions.[citation needed]

Roster

Unlike previous editions of the game, the rosters vary according to the platform. Many wrestlers are not present in the DS version. However, all versions feature many returning characters. Series mainstays Batista, Edge, John Cena, Kane, King Booker, JBL (as an unlockable), Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and The Undertaker all return. Snitsky and Carlito make their third consecutive appearances since debuting in SmackDown vs. Raw 2006. Mr. Kennedy, Shane McMahon (as an unlockable) Bobby Lashley, Gregory Helms, John Morison and Finlay return after appearing in SmackDown vs. Raw 2007. Making his return to the SmackDown! video game series is Jeff Hardy, who has not been in a SmackDown game since WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth.

Returning wrestlers Chavo Guerrero, Chris Masters, Matt Hardy, Mark Henry, Umaga, William Regal and The Great Khali are not available in the DS version. Also, Hardcore Holly is exclusive to Nintendo DS.

SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 also introduces a number of new playable wrestlers to the series. CM Punk, Elijah Burke, JTG, Kenny Dykstra, Marcus Cor Von, MVP, The Sandman, Shad, Tommy Dreamer, and Sabu make their first appearances in the SmackDown! series. The game also continues the series' inclusion of WWE legends, although the DS version does not include any of them. Bret Hart, Mick Foley, Rick Rude, Roddy Piper, Steve Austin and The Rock are among the legends included. Also featured are ECW legends Terry Funk, Tommy Dreamer, and Sabu. The PSP version features exclusive legends Eddie Guerrero, Jim Neidhart and Sgt. Slaughter.

SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 includes some WWE divas as well. Candice Michelle, Melina, Torrie Wilson and Mickie James return from SmackDown vs. Raw 2007. Ashley and Kelly Kelly make their series debuts, while Michelle McCool returns after appearing in SmackDown vs. Raw 2006 and Jillian Hall is on the DS version but is unplayable. Like the legends, no playable divas are included in the DS roster.

Also featured are non-playable characters, also referred to as NPCs. With the exception of the Playstation 2 version, these people are not playable at all in the game, besides Maria who is featured in one tag team match during 24/7 mode. Maria, Armando Alejandro Estrada, and Stephanie McMahon are among those.

Release and critical reaction

Before the game was released, it was named as a 2007 Game Critics Award nominee for Best Fighting Game[22]

On October 15 2007 the demo was released onto the Xbox Live Marketplace. The game was released for all platforms in November 2007. Special editions of the game are available for some platforms, such as a collector's edition of PlayStation 2 and 3 version. This version will include a number of bonuses, including a tin case, a DVD with additional content, a Kelly Kelly trading card, an autographed Rey Mysterio lenticular card and a 28-page signature finisher's moves book. It also includes a code to unlock an alternate attire for Kelly Kelly in the game.[23][24] Play.com released a limited edition pack called the Dirty Edition for the Xbox 360 which will include several extras, including postcards, a t-shirt, and a Kelly Kelly calendar.[25]

Critical reaction to the game has been generally positive, if only lukewarm. As of November 2007, Metacritic has rated the PS3 version of game 77 out of 100 or "Generally favorable reviews", including reviews from eleven media outlets. [26] Also as of November 2007, Game Rankings has different scores for each version of the game. The highest rated one is the PS3 version, with an average ratio of 81% from 21 reviews. The other versions have average ratios in the 70-75% range. The DS version has the lowest ratio, with an average ratio of 63% from 12 reviews. [27]

IGN reviewed the game for each platform, though the scores are varied. The average score so far for all the systems combined is 7.1 out of 10, noting that the 24/7 mode was repetitive and a step down from the previous year's Season and GM modes respectively. [28] However, Alex Navarro of Gamespot is far less generous in his review. He gives all the console versions of the game a 6.5 out of 10, a "fair" rating. While he does praise the new fighting styles and graphics, Navarro calls the game a "big disappointment." He cites the game's 24/7 mode and artificial intelligence as being among the game's shortcomings. [29]

Soundtrack

The game continues the SmackDown vs. Raw series trend of having commercially released music as part of its soundtrack. The game includes a large number of rock tracks: Nonpoint's "Everybody Down", Puddle of Mudd's "Famous", Chevelle's "Well Enough Alone" and Hellyeah's "You Wouldn't Know". Several bands contributed multiple tracks to the game. The AM Conspiracy songs "Welt" and "Right on Time" are included, as are Project 86's "Evil (A Chorus of Resistance)" and "Put Your Lips to the TV". Sevendust's "Driven" and "Feed" are also featured. The game's soundtrack also features two hip hop songs, 8Ball & MJG's "Stand Up" and Nobody Famous' "Go Hard!".

References

  1. ^ "EB Games Australia - PSP - WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2008". EB Games. Retrieved 2007-10-30.
  2. ^ a b "THQ WWE SMACKDOWN VS. RAW 2008". THQ. Retrieved 2007-07-22.
  3. ^ "WWE SmackDown vs RAW 2008 (PS3) info". Games Tracker. Retrieved 2007-10-14.
  4. ^ "WWE SmackDown vs RAW 2008 (PS3) info". Games Tracker. Retrieved 2007-10-14.
  5. ^ "The Number One Fighting Video Game Franchise Takes on Three New Platforms in WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2008". THQ. Retrieved 2007-03-31.
  6. ^ "Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 Eyes-on". IGN. Retrieved 2007-05-09.
  7. ^ a b c d Coleman, Bill. "First Interview: SmackDown vs. Raw 2008". IGN. Retrieved 2007-03-31.
  8. ^ Hunt, Jen. "SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 unveiled". WWE. Retrieved 2007-03-31.
  9. ^ "THQ Wii information page". THQ. Retrieved 2007-05-09.
  10. ^ WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 interview. IGN.
  11. ^ a b "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 24/7 Mode Report". IGN. Retrieved 2007-10-11.
  12. ^ http://media.ps2.ign.com/media/882/882477/img_4874778.html
  13. ^ "WWE SmackDown Vs RAW 2008 screenshot - Fatal-4-Way matches". Gamekult. Retrieved 2007-10-14. {{cite web}}: line feed character in |title= at position 39 (help)
  14. ^ "WWE SmackDown Vs RAW 2008 screenshot - Royal Rumble matches". Gamekult. Retrieved 2007-10-14.
  15. ^ "THQ Nintendo DS information page". THQ. Retrieved 2007-05-09.
  16. ^ "SmackDown vs. Raw '08 Roster (DS)". Retrieved September 3. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |publsiher= ignored (|publisher= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ "SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 First Look". IGN. Retrieved 2007-03-31.
  18. ^ "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 Progress Report". IGN. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ "First person Entrances for PS3 Only". IGN. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ Hoffman, Chris. "WWE on Wii!". Nintendo. Retrieved 2007-03-31.
  21. ^ "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 (Wii) video page". IGN. Retrieved 2007-10-10.
  22. ^ "2007 Nominees". Game Critics Awards. Retrieved 2007-10-11.
  23. ^ "WWE Smackdown VS Raw 2008 - Collectors Edition". GameStop. Retrieved 2007-10-14.
  24. ^ "WWE Smackdown vs RAW 2008 Collector's Edition". Electronics Boutique. Retrieved 2007-10-15.
  25. ^ "WWE Smackdown VS Raw 2008 - Dirty Edition". Play.com. Retrieved 2007-10-11.
  26. ^ "WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2007-11-16..
  27. ^ "WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 - PS3". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2007-11-16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  28. ^ Miller, Greg (2007-11-02). "WWE Smackdown vs. RAW 2008 (XBOX 360) review at IGN" (html). IGN. Retrieved 2007-11-01. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  29. ^ Navarro, Alex (2007-11-14). "WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 for the PlayStation 2 review". Retrieved 2007-11-16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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