WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009

"Tries things differently than 2008, but still falls short on some things."

WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009 is the newest game in the long running WWE Smackdown Series. The Smackdown series has been around for quite a while, no single game being terrible, but it seems that a single game hasn't been great since Here Comes the Pain. 2009 attempts to improve on a ok 2008, with promised original storylines for characters, and a new career mode. New things also include the inferno match and Create a Finisher, so lets get underway, as we dive headfirst into the pit of elbows and bodyslams.

First the Graphics, the graphics are always one of SVR's strong suits and it shows, characters look better than last year, and they look good. There are a couple misfires, Kofi being a prime one, but it's forgivable in this aspect.
Graphics 9/10

Next up to the bat is Gameplay. The gameplay has moved a notch or two up, especially with the addition of signature moves and additional moves, however, the idiocy of the AI hampers the higher difficulty settings. The AI makes terrible mistakes, like falling for running attacks again and again, making matches terribly easy sometimes. This rating will be 8, if you are playing against actual people.
Gameplay 6/10

Sounds are good for all THQ wrestling games, so let's talk about the announcing. The announcing actually talks about the match this time around, maybe THQ learned from the great commentary in TNA iMPACT? So, finally we have better announcing, which is a happy sight to see THQ actually trying. Competition is good, isn't it?
Announcing 8/10

Last to get a taste of the Jackknife, is Glacier! Nah, I'm joking. It's actually for Replay Value as a whole. The addition for Create a Finisher and the Inferno match are welcome, but they have taken away a lot of things. Career mode has become stale, especially with the fact that you have to take each CAW through it to get attributes, which becomes quite a chore. THQ is planning for a patch, but let's be honest, this should have addressed before the game even left testing. Road to Wrestlemania gives us 6 different storylines, including one co-op, but it's honestly hit or miss for most of them, 3 hit(Co-Op, HHH, and Jericho), and 3 miss. THQ should have tried to make these story modes good, and half of them fall short. DLC Content will help, but there is no exact date, which leaves many people looking in the dark for when to wait.
Replay Value 6/10

Since Graphics are not as important to me as others, I give this game a seven out of ten. This game is still enjoyable, but you may want to play with friends more often than the computer. However, I continue to wait for another Here Comes the Pain or Shut Your Mouth-like addition of the series. Maybe 2010, guys.
Overall 7/10

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 12/02/08

Game Release: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 (US, 11/09/08)