Game Boy :: Genesis :: NES :: Sega CD :: SNES :: TurboGrafx-16 :: Complete System Listings

WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 (PlayStation 3)

WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 review

Game: WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008
Platform: PlayStation 3
Genre: Sports (Wrestling)
Developer: Yuke's Company of America

Reader review by japanaman

November 26, 2007

WWE is laying the smackdown again, but not just on a few home consoles, but on every modern console. This is the first go around for a Smackdown game on the PS3, so fans will definitely be expecting better graphics and realism and Yukes delivers.

The PS3 version delivers more realistic visuals than any other version of the game, although I personally believe the lightning and color depth is better in the 360 version as compared to the PS3’s hardware. Every year the WWE roster looks more realistic and performs more believable moves. This carries over to the way the game is setup, especially in the CAW mode.

This year’s edition of Smackdown Vs Raw regulates move sets by forcing wrestlers to use only moves set up for their fighting styles. For example, only dirty style wrestlers attack the royal jewels while only high flyers can actually dive off turnbuckles and leap through ropes. Last year’s edition made weight a factor in performing certain moves, but now, every aspect of a wrestler’s body and/or personality matters.

A wrestler has two fighting styles, one being their primary style and one being secondary. Choosing two styles for a CAW however, doesn’t mean that you can make a powerhouse perform a 619. The styles benefit each other and work well together. The only problem is that some fighting styles are more powerful than others and each style give a wrestler a unique ability that another may not have that may help them dominate a match. For example, the powerhouse style will allow a wrestler to bulk up with enhanced adrenaline which allows irreversible grapples and such making it difficult for a high flyer to ever win a match if the wrestler can’t avoid grappling.

One new change to the grappling system is to the submission area of grappling. This year, instead of holding a button to keep a grapple on an opponent past the ref’s count, the submission will involve using the analog stick to hold a submission while the a human opponent will also have to use the analog stick to escape from the grapple.

The rest of the changes to the game play include some ECW styles of game play. There are new weapons for hardcore matches which can be created in the ring, such as flaming 2 x 4s and flaming tables. You can also use the right analog stick to choose one of four weapons underneath the ring so you don’t have to run to all four sides of the ring to find the weapon you desire.

The more complete WWE roster helps add depth to the game as does the truly hardcore ECW matches, but the A.I. still behaves much like it has before. The CPU may stand around for no reason or use no logic at all when trying to pull a belt down from the ceiling. I’ve noticed in past Smackdown games the CPU primarily climbs ladders to reach the belt and barely tries to take out your energy before setting up ladders. This holds true once again as does graphic glitches including collisions, jerky movments, and teleporations. Yukes apparently is using the same game engine since SD1 as they do not want to make a new next-gen engine and leave the PS2 dry as it couldn’t handle the modern animation, RAM, etc.

Aside from the animation issues and less than modern graphics, SD Vs 2008 maintains everything the prequels had including Story Mode. Unfortunately, Story Mode and General Manager Mode are combined into a new 24/7 mode which has you managing a wrestler’s life at the same time you play as the wrestler. It feels a bit strange as action is interrupted with simulation type game play. Overall, it delivers a fresh look to the series as the similar stories grew a bit stale in my opinion.

The CAW mode continues to deliver an entertaining experience, but some pieces were removed in order to add others. You may have enjoyed some shirts you liked in ‘07 just to see them replaced with more hair cuts, etc. You also might be sick of coming up with new creations or remaking your entire roster as I do. Still, I love having the option to recreate WWE Legends not featured in the game.

The only PS3 exclusive feature on the disk was a 1st person perspective that can be used during entrances. Unfortunately, the PS3 exclusive failure is a lack of voice chat for online play.

Different versions of the game do justice to each system. Purchasing the PS3 version is a must if you want one of the most balanced and deep versions of the game and the best graphics of any version. I don’t recommend it if you are looking for a truly next-gen sports title or if you aren’t a hardcore fan of the series. For example, if you have ’07, unless you have to have the newest roster, this title doesn’t improve anything. It’s just a different take on some of the game play. Or if you appreciated ‘06’s button controls and roster more, then there’s not much point in buying any games further into the series. For most fans, I recommend you rent the game first and then decide how much or little you like it. I did and like most of the SD games, I have to collect each one, but I won’t do spend more than $20-$30 for it.

Rating: 9/10

More Reviews by japanaman
	Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition (3DS) Street Fighter IV has received its second update with Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition for the Nintendo 3DS. The small portable cart packs quite a punch wit...
	Mortal Kombat (PlayStation 3) This game doesn’t just retell events, but remakes the gameplay into something better than ever. The game literally feels like NetherRealm studios took every go...
	Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES) The graphics are far more detailed than the original Super Mario Bros. with a much higher color count and larger enemy sprites. There are new enemies you can h...

Feedback

If you enjoyed this WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 review, you're encouraged to leave feedback and talk about it with members of the site's community. You don't even need an HonestGamers account to get involved in the discussion. Please remember to keep your comments respectful and on-topic or they may be deleted by a moderator. Thank you for your understanding!

comments powered by Disqus

© 1998-2013 HonestGamers
None of the material contained within this site may be reproduced in any conceivable fashion without permission from the author(s) of said material. This site is not sponsored or endorsed by Nintendo, Sega, Sony, Microsoft, or any other such party. WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 is a registered trademark of its copyright holder. This site makes no claim to WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008, its characters, screenshots, artwork, music, or any intellectual property contained within. Opinions expressed on this site do not necessarily represent the opinion of site staff or sponsors.