WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2008 (Platinum)

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 lets players develop the WWE stars of today into the legends of tomorrow. The #1 wrestling franchise in the world develops more depth and strategy with prominent new features, key annual enhancements and incredible graphics while making its much anticipated debut on three new video game systems. Its time to live the life of a Superstar.

The game is the ninth edition of the long-running WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 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. It is also the first WWE game to be available for all seventh generation game consoles. The game will be succeeded by WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 in the fall of 2008.

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. There are eight styles altogether: high-flyer, hardcore, submission artist, powerhouse, showman, brawler, dirty and technical. The wrestler's special move, however, is based solely on their primary style. In addition, creative manager of THQ Cory Ledesma stated early in production that he planned on having numerous wrestler animations redone.

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.

The game features the revived ECW brand, and it 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. 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.

The game features several arenas that WWE held events at in 2006 and 2007. There are also arenas based on each WWE television show.

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 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 make decisions to make it the most popular brand of the three. The General Manager is allowed to make staffing decisions, schedule workouts and events. There is also an all-new Tournament Mode, which allows the player to control a superstar through the various stages of the WWE tournament, such as Beat The Clock Sprint and King of the Ring, as well as Money in the Bank tournament. The game also allows you to create your own tournament. (This is featured only on the PlayStation 2, Playstation Portable, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.) Like previous games in the series, the game also allows players to challenge for and defend championships. 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.

Roster

SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 features actual superstars from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where, like in WWE, they are sorted by an assigned brand; Raw, ECW, SmackDown!, and the Legends program. 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. Chris Benoit was announced for the game, but following the double murder-suicide that took place in June of that year, he was immediately removed, along with his taunts, entrance and signature moves such as the diving headbutt and Crippler Crossface.

• Raw
• Bobby Lashley
• Candice Michelle1
• Carlito
• Jeff Hardy
• John Cena
• JTG
• King Booker
• Melina1
• Mickie James1
• Mr. Kennedy
• Mr. McMahon
• Randy Orton
• The Sandman
• Shad
• Shane McMahon
• Shawn Michaels
• Snitsky
• Triple H
• Umaga1
• William Regal1


• SmackDown!
• Ashley1
• Batista
• Chavo Guerrero1
• Chris Masters1
• Edge
• Finlay
• The Great Khali1
• Gregory Helms
• Hardcore Holly2
• JBL
• Kane
• Kenny Dykstra
• Mark Henry1
• Matt Hardy1
• Michelle McCool1
• MVP
• Rey Mysterio
• Ric Flair
• Torrie Wilson1
• The Undertaker


• ECW
• CM Punk
• Elijah Burke
• Johnny Nitro
• Kelly Kelly1
• Marcus Cor Von


• WWE Legends
• Bret Hart1
• Mick Foley1
• Eddie Guerrero3
• Jim Neidhart3
• Rick Rude1
• The Rock1
• Roddy Piper1
• Stone Cold1
• Sgt. Slaughter3


• ECW Legends
• Tommy Dreamer1
• Terry Funk1
• Sabu1

Version 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. However, the DS version features a roster of just 21 wrestlers and retains the Season mode of past games rather than receiving the 24/7 or Main Event modes being introduced to other systems.

The Xbox 360's hard drive is utilized to allow custom music to be used in the game as entrance music. The PlayStation 3 version has a first-person view option during the wrestlers' entrances. 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. It also includes Mii integration, both on menu screens of Main Event mode and on the HUD during game play.

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

• WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2008 Official Website.