WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008

Infobox VG
title=


caption= PS3 boxart of SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 featuring (left to right) John Cena, The Undertaker, and Bobby Lashley.
developer=Yuke's, Amaze Entertainment (DS)
publisher=THQ
designer=
engine=
series="WWE SmackDown vs. Raw" series
released=vgrelease|NA=November 13, 2007|EU=November 9, 2007|AUS=November 13, 2007|JP=February 21, 2008

PSP
vgrelease|NA=November 13, 2007|EU=November 9, 2007|AUS=November 22, 2007cite web|title=EB Games Australia - PSP - WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2008|publisher=EB Games|url= http://www.ebgames.com.au/PSP/product.cfm?ID=8033|accessdate=2007-10-30]
genre=Professional wrestling, Fighting
modes=Single-player, Multiplayer, Multiplayer online
ratings= vgratings|ESRB=Teencite web|url= http://us.gamestracker.com/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008-ps3.htm|title=WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2008 (PS3) info|accessdate=2007-10-14 |publisher=Games Tracker] |PEGI=16+cite web|url=http://uk.gamestracker.com/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008-ps3.htm|title=WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2008 (PS3) info|accessdate=2007-10-14|publisher=Games Tracker] |OFLCA=M
platforms=PlayStation 3,PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, Wii, Xbox 360, Mobile
media= Blu-ray Disc, DVD, Nintendo DS card, Wii optical disc, Universal Media Disc, and THQ Mobile
requirements=
input= DualShock 2, Xbox 360 Controller, SIXAXIS Controller, Wii Remote

"WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008"cite web|url=http://www.svr2008.com|title=THQ WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008|accessdate=2007-07-22|publisher=THQ] (often shortened to "WWE SvR 2008" or "SvR '08"), is a professional wrestling video game developed by YUKE's Future Media Creators and released on the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS video game consoles by THQ in November 2007.cite web|title=The Number One Fighting Video Game Franchise Takes on Three New Platforms in WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2008|publisher=THQ|url= http://investor.thq.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=96376&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=980322&highlight=|accessdate=2007-03-31] Amaze Entertainment oversaw development for the Nintendo DS version.cite web|title=Pre-E3 2007: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008|publisher=IGN.com|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/802/802584p1.html|accessdate=2008-05-08|last=Casamassina|first=Matt|publisher=IGN.com|date=2007-06-09]

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.cite web|url= http://ps3.ign.com/articles/777/777264p1.html|title=Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 Eyes-on|accessdate=2007-05-09|publisher=IGN] 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. [cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/862/862459p1.html|accessdate=2008-03-28|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is Official|last=Miller|first=Greg|publisher=IGN.com|date=2008-03-27]

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.cite web|last=Coleman|first=Bill|publisher=IGN| url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/776/776654p1.html|title=First Interview: SmackDown vs. Raw 2008|accessdate=2007-03-31] There are eight styles altogether: high-flyer, hardcore, submission artist, powerhouse, showman, brawler, dirty and technical.cite web|last=Hunt|first=Jen|publisher=WWE|url =http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/exclusives/sdvraw2008|title=SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 unveiled|accessdate=2007-03-31] 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 and barbed wire bats can be set on fire. [cite web|url=http://www.thq.com/games/gameinfo.php?id=1273&upc=30128|title= THQ Wii information page|accessdate=2007-05-09|publisher=THQ] 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. It has been changed, however, to "Featuring ECW" WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 interview. IGN.]

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.cite web|publisher=IGN|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/824/824696p1.html|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 24/7 Mode Report|accessdate=2007-10-11] 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. [ [http://media.ps2.ign.com/media/882/882477/img_4874778.html IGN: WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 Image ] ] 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. The game also has fewer superstars than its predecessors. 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 Michelleref|noDS|1
*Carlito
*Jeff Hardy
*John Cena
*JTGref|noDS|1
*King Booker
*Melinaref|noDS|1
*Mickie Jamesref|noDS|1
*Mr. Kennedy
*Mr. McMahonref|noDS|1 ref|noDS|4
*Randy Orton
*The Sandmanref|noDS|1
*Shadref|noDS|1
*Shane McMahonref|noDS|1 ref|noDS|4
*Shawn Michaels
*Snitsky
*Triple H
*Umagaref|noDS|1
*William Regalref|noDS|1
*((Wild Fang));SmackDown
*Ashleyref|noDS|1
*Batista
*Chavo Guerreroref|noDS|1
*Chris Mastersref|noDS|1
*Edge
*Finlay
*Gregory Helms
*Hardcore Hollyref|exDS|2
*JBLref|noDS|1 ref|noDS|4
*Kane
*Kenny Dykstraref|noDS|1
*Matt Hardyref|noDS|1
*Mark Henryref|noDS|1
*Michelle McCoolref|noDS|1
*MVPref|noDS|1
*Rey Mysterio
*Ric Flair
*Torrie Wilsonref|noDS|1
*The Great Khaliref|noDS|1
*The Undertaker

;ECW
*CM Punk
*Elijah Burkeref|noDS|1
*Johnny Nitro
*noDS|1
*Marcus Cor Von
;ECW Legends
*Saburef|noDS|1
*Terry Funkref|noDS|1
*Tommy Dreamerref|noDS|1 ref|noDS|4
;WWE Legends
*Bret Hartref|noDS|1
*Mick Foleyref|noDS|1
*Eddie Guerreroref|exPSP|3 ref|noDS|4
*Jim Neidhartref|exPSP|3
*Rick Ruderef|noDS|1
*The Rockref|noDS|1
*Rowdy Roddy Piperref|noDS|1
*Sgt. Slaughterref|exPSP|3 ref|noDS|4
*Stone Cold Steve Austinref|noDS|1
;Non-Playable Characters
*Armando Estrada
*JBL (suit)ref|noDS|1 ref|noDS|4
*Jerry Lawler
*Jim Ross
*Joey Styles
*Jonathan Coachman
*Justin Roberts
*Lilian Garcia
*Maria
*Michael Cole
* Mickie Henson
*Mike Chioda
*Mr. McMahon (suit)ref|noDS|1 ref|noDS|4
*Nick Patrick
*Shane McMahon (suit)ref|noDS|1 ref|noDS|4
*Tazz
*Theodore Long
*Tony Chimel
*Triple H (suit)
*((Gregory Barrows))

# "These superstars are not included in the Nintendo DS version of the video game."
# "This superstar is exclusive to the Nintendo DS version of the video game."
# "These superstars are exclusive to the PlayStation Portable version of the video game."
# "These superstars aren't on GM Mode version of the video game."

oundtrack

Development

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.cite web|url=http://www.thq.com/games/gameinfo.php?id=1273&upc=36128|title=THQ Nintendo DS information page|accessdate=2007-05-09|publisher=THQ] However, the DS version features a roster of just 21 wrestlerscite web|title=SmackDown vs. Raw '08 Roster (DS)|publisher=IGN|url= http://ds.ign.com/articles/817/817448p1.html|accessdate=September 3|accessyear=2007] and retains the Season mode of past games rather than receiving the 24/7 or Main Event modes being introduced to other systems.cite web|publisher=IGN|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/777/777305p1.html|title=SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 First Look| accessdate=2007-03-31] The Xbox 360's hard drive is utilized to allow custom music to be used in the game as entrance music.cite web| title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 Progress Report| publisher=IGN|url= http://ps3.ign.com/articles/820/820578p3.html|accessyear =2007] . The PlayStation 3 version has a first-person view option during the wrestlers' entrances.cite web|title=First person Entrances for PS3 Only|publisher=IGN|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/820/820578p3.html| accessyear=2007] 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. [cite web|url=http://media.wii.ign.com/media/882/882475/vids_1.html|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 (Wii) video page|accessdate=2007-10-10|publisher=IGN]

In addition to exhibition matches and create-a-wrestler, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation versions have a "24/7 mode"cite web|publisher=IGN|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/824/824696p1.html|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 24/7 Mode Report|accessdate=2007-10-11] 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.

Reception

The game has received average reviews. GameRankings has scores of 82.6%,68.1%,77.0%,71.5%,76.3% and 79.6% respectively for these versions.The game received an 8/10 on Game Informer.

References

External links

* [http://www.smackdownvsraw.com/ Official website]
* [http://www.gamespot.com/ds/action/smackdownvsraw2008/index.html "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008" (NDS)] | [http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/smackdownvsraw2008/index.html (PS2)] | [http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/smackdownvsraw2008/index.html (PS3)] | [http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/smackdownvsraw2008/index.html (PSP)] | [http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/smackdownvsraw2008/index.html (Wii)] | [http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/smackdownvsraw2008/index.html (Xbox 360)] at GameSpot
* [http://ds.ign.com/objects/792/792033.html "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008" (NDS)] | [http://ps2.ign.com/objects/882/882477.html (PS2)] | [http://ps3.ign.com/objects/844/844743.html (PS3)] | [http://psp.ign.com/objects/882/882476.html (PSP)] | [http://wii.ign.com/objects/882/882475.html (Wii)] | [http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/882/882478.html (Xbox 360)] at IGN
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