WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2008

"Not bad Could be Better!"

Graphics
I like the graphics, think they are one of the strong points of this game. Sometimes wrestlers with long hair their hair doesn't quite look right from time to time, the crowd also looks like it could use some work, but the crowd has been looking better with each new version. These gripes are a little nit picky but could use improvement

Sound
Not bad and finally the addition of custom soundtracks. This is long overdue. The commentators get a little repetitive from time to time. Could work on that some, maybe more voice over work with these people could help.

Roster and Create Mode
The roster is what it is. You have to base it on current WWE roster, so it is not the greatest. Perhaps my biggest gripe of the game is the legends. Every year it should include: Stone Cold, Rock, Bret Hart, Foley (which they do) the addition of Rude is great. But how can they overlook: Hogan, Macho Man, Ultimate Warrior, Andre the Giant, these four should be in every year no matter what. When you have a lacking roster like this year, they should add a lot more legends. (DLC Legends would be great)
Create mode is ok been the same for years now, doesn't the WWE own the rights to their entrance music? Why not add that music.

Gameplay/Control
Another major gripe of mine is the control, why do they reinvent the wheel every year. The PS2 controls of this game a few years back, was fun and accessible to everyone who played it. This year they changed the run button, special move and anything else they could. Simplify the controls but leave enough depth to it for the hardcore guys. The game play is good not great, and sometimes the computer gets reversal happy.

Online
This is a week spot for me. I play games online quite a bit, but this game tends to suck online. Is it the games fault? I don't know, it could be the guys who just use glitches over and over and ruin any fun it could have been. Lots of potential to online just doesn't meet it.

Summary
This is the same game with new controls, you like wrestling, buy it. If not just rent it for a weekend. Some good points for it: Custom Soundtrack, Graphics, Some good Legends. Bad points: Crazy controls, Legends could be better, Roster sucks in general, Online could be better.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 11/15/07

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