WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008

"A few steps forward, even more backwards..."

Smackdown vs Raw '08 is a good game that takes some steps forward, but still takes way too many backwards.

Gameplay
The gameplay this year is pretty much new, since you can no longer use Control type D, you basically have to learn a whole new way to play the game. It's tricky at first, but a glance at Create a Moveset and the game's instruction manual should help out a lot and once you've figured it out it's not bad at all. One of the things though that may be bad to some is the addition of fighting styles. This is a good idea but it was not executed the best way. For the most part, it does make playing as some superstars seem completely different than playing as others, like you will notice a difference in speed with Divas andSuperheavyweights, but also this strongly reduces the number of moves a certain superstar can do as certain stylers aren't allowed to do certain moves. Some specific actions are now exclusive to certain styles as well, for example now only "Dirty" superstars can pull the padding off of the turnbuckles or argue with the ref after a two close two count. Also, you now have to have two ultimate control moves, again decreasing the number of moves you can pull off and after you play the game with the same person a few times, it gets really repetitive. The AI in the game is about the same as last year, although at times they are a bit more responsive, but ultimately playing with friends is far more enjoyable. Another notable addition is the new submission system. The new "struggle" system makes submissions more interesting by giving you ultimate control over most of them. Now once you lock in a submission, you move the right analog in a certain way to cause more damage or to try and escape from an opponent's grasp.

Graphics/Roster/Audio
Of course the graphics in this game are very good, in fact they are more than good. This year's game isn't much different from SD! v R '06 and '07, but it's a little better, however, some wrestler models do look a bit rough or scary, like Ashley whose lips are entirely too big for her face.The roster this year is okay, with only a few key people missing, but nobody that important was left out. But a lot of released talent is still in the game and some of the superstars who are still employed are not as up to date as could be, like Candice and John Morrison who are still in their Go Daddy girl and Johnny Nitro personas. But with the inclusion of ECW the roster is still pretty good and you'll find most of the popular talent here (on a side note: they made such a big deal about the ECW presence, but it's barely felt as the ECW guys aren't able to be used in 24/7 mode).The game's audio also isn't anything new. The soundtrack still features rock and rap songs from virtually unknown artists (there's even a song from a group called Nobody Famous) and the commentary is as shoddy as ever, with the only new lines being for the new superstars in the game, and there's not enough there to make a major difference. The crowd is also a bit strange as they are not nearly as loud as they were in previous installments and the voiceovers don't have enough emotion to really capture your imagination and get you fully engaged into the game.

Modes
The game's modes are not much different than last year, the only real new match type is the ECW Extreme Rules match, which is basically a beefed up Hardcore match. What they should have done is get rid of the old Hardcore match all together and upgraded it to this instead of making them two different matches. Also "new" is the 24/7 Mode, which basically molds GM and Season Mode together as one. The GM Mode is basically the same as last year, with little improvements here and there. The only problem here is with ECW joining the mix, rosters are smaller than ever. Season Mode, however, is completely different from last year. All you do now is wrestle, then on your days off you choose to do certain events or train to better your guy's overall or gain popularity. This might be okay if there were actual storylines this year, but there's not. Basically all you do is wrestle and manage your schedule and time, there are a few cutscenes but nothing that involves a storyline. This makes this mode just like GM Mode, but instead of managing a whole roster you're managing one and you have to wrestle with him and keep him uninjured and popular with the fans. This mode is mainly good for the money to unlock things and create belts, however some might enjoy the new take on things. Speaking of creating belts, the create modes are back. They have all been improved upon and it makes spending a lot of time creating grapplers and belts worth it.The new tournament mode isn't anything to go to town about, but it does offer something new to do. There's also the Hall of Fame mode, where you get to recreate classic bouts and earn money to spend. This mode is this year's Challenge mode, the only difference is there's a lot more Legend related stuff where you recreate matches from the past. This mode, while not really "new" offers something to do and can be fun at times.

Final score
Gameplay - 7 - New controls are fun, but fighting styles restrict too much
Graphics - 8 - Nice arenas and character models with a few minor flaws
Roster - 7 - All the main guys are there, with only a few missing
Audio - 6 - More of the same in terms of music and commentary and voice acting
Modes - 7 - Only slight improvements and additions, some not for the better
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7/10

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 11/26/07

Game Release: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 (US, 11/13/07)