WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009: Difference between revisions
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*[[Paul Wight|Big Show]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/918/918660p1.html|title=SmackDown Countdown: Big Show|last=Miller|first=Greg|date=2008-10-10|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-10-10}}</ref> |
*[[Paul Wight|Big Show]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/918/918660p1.html|title=SmackDown Countdown: Big Show|last=Miller|first=Greg|date=2008-10-10|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-10-10}}</ref> |
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*[[Carly Colón|Carlito]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/918/918333p1.html|title=SmackDown Countdown: Carlito|last=Miller|first=Greg|date=2008-10-09|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-10-09}}</ref> |
*[[Carly Colón|Carlito]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/918/918333p1.html|title=SmackDown Countdown: Carlito|last=Miller|first=Greg|date=2008-10-09|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-10-09}}</ref> |
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*[[The Great Khali]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stars.ign.com/articles/914/914079p1.html|title=The SmackDown Countdown: The Great Khali|last=Miller|first=Greg|date=2008-09-26|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-10-02}}</ref> |
*[[The Great Khali]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stars.ign.com/articles/914/914079p1.html|title=The SmackDown Countdown: The Great Khali|last=Miller|first=Greg|date=2008-09-26|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-10-02}}</ref> |
Revision as of 21:04, 17 October 2008
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 | |
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![]() Boxart of the PlayStation 3 version of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 featuring Triple H (left) and Shawn Michaels (right) | |
Developer(s) | YUKE's Future Media Creators TOSE (Nintendo DS) |
Publisher(s) | THQ |
Series | WWE SmackDown |
Platform(s) | PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, Mobile |
Genre(s) | Professional wrestling, Fighting |
Mode(s) | Single player, multiplayer, multiplayer online |
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is a professional wrestling video game developed by YUKE's Future Media Creators and published by THQ for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, Wii, and Xbox 360 video game consoles. It will be the tenth video game in the WWE SmackDown series, and will be the sequel to its predecessor, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008.[5][6] TOSE will oversee development for the Nintendo DS version.[6] The game is expected to ship in November 2008.
The video game is based on the professional wrestling promotion, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and is named after two of the promotion's three brands, Raw and SmackDown.[5][7] The game introduced a few key new features including the Inferno match, a revamped tag team match, and three new game modes: Create-A-Finisher, Road to WrestleMania and Career.
Gameplay
Match gameplay
One of the game's most prominent features is the enhanced tag team match.[7] Additions in the match include new ways of tagging the player's tag team partner such as the reversible hot tag, which can help save the player in the match if they are in trouble, and the forced blind tag, where the partner tags theirself into the ring. The player's tag team partner has more of a part to play in this match and will aid the player by holding an opponent by the ropes while on the apron, and the pulling down the ropes for an opponent dashing towards them, sending them out of the ring.[8] Teams will now share their own momentum meter, attributes and double team finishers.[5]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0d/SmackDownvsRaw09_-_TagTeam.jpg/250px-SmackDownvsRaw09_-_TagTeam.jpg)
SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 will be the first WWE video game to include the Inferno match, a match where the player has to set their opponent on fire. Unlike the real life match which takes place with the ring surrounded by fire coming from gas fed pipes, the ring ropes themselves will be on fire. To win the player must increase the temperature of the ring by performing more devastating moves. As soon as the temperature reaches 500°F, the player can then begin to set their opponent on fire.[9] Another new match yet to be revealed will also be featured which the player can play after completing the Road to WrestleMania mode.[10]
Several matches absent in previous games will be returning to the series. The backstage brawl, where players can battle in either the locker room or the backstage "gorilla position" with a variety of weapons at their disposal, will return and replace the parking lot brawl match featured in the last game.[11][12] The Gauntlet match will return, which was featured in earlier games as the Slobberknocker match before its removal.[13]
Both the Wii and DS versions will now include new matches, such as the steel cage and ladder match, with the DS version in addition also featuring tables and TLC matches.[5]
Fighting styles, a major feature from the previous version, will be removed but the fighting abilities used there will be kept and enhanced with each wrestler possessing six out of twenty different abilities that would aid the player in specific areas.[9] New to the game is the inclusion of signature moves, moves secondary in importance next to their finishing moves. When in full momentum, the players can choose to store a signature move instead of performing a finishing move which they can perform later.[14]
A new semi-auto targeting system will be implemented into the game, which generally will automatically target a particular wrestler the player wants to attack but can also be controlled in-game by the player.[15]
Japanese company TOSE will take over from Amaze Entertainment in development for the Nintendo DS version.[6] Unlike the previous year's game whose gameplay was focused exclusively on the handheld's stylus, this year's edition will instead use the D-pad for movement and the left shoulder button for finishing moves. The DS version's gameplay is now similar to that from the other consoles with full movement control around the ring for the wrestler and a stamina meter to build up for a finishing move. Grappling, attacks and submissions will still be controlled by the stylus.[16]
Game modes
For most platforms, a new season mode entitled Road to WrestleMania will replace the previous version's season mode, 24/7 Mode. In this new mode, players can choose from five superstars to play as in single-player storylines: Triple H, CM Punk, The Undertaker, John Cena, or Chris Jericho.[17] The storylines featured in the mode are tailor made to fit the chosen wrestler's character with each cutscene made exclusively for the wrestler.[5][18] As part of the game's new emphasis on tag teams, a co-operative storyline will also be included in the mode, in which the players will take the parts of Batista and Rey Mysterio respectively.[8][17] It has been confirmed that for the first time the Wii version will also include the Road to WrestleMania mode, replacing their equivalent Main Event mode in the previous edition.[5]
The other new mode featured in the game will be the Career mode, replacing the General Manager (GM) mode from the previous game. Unlike the Road to WrestleMania mode, all characters featured in the game are eligible to play including wrestlers created by the player in Create-A-Superstar mode. The main aim of this mode is for the player to fight their way up the rankings for a particular title of their choice, in match types that they can also choose. After each match, the player's character is awarded attribute points based on the style of wrestling the player used.[19]
Partly inspired by the TOSE-developed game, Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime, the Nintendo DS version will have an RPG element to their season mode. Players will be able to roam around the arena, improve their characters through the training room or WWE Shop and interact with superstars to start feuds. The player will be given missions to complete in order to become a champion.[16][7] Created wrestlers will be eligible to use in this career mode.[5]
Create modes
THQ have confirmed that the video game will include a Create-A-Finisher feature.[7] The player has the ability to chain a selection of up to 10 out of over 500 animations to make unique finishing moves along with the choice to speed up or slow down the animations.[8][20] Created finishers are limited to moves starting with both wrestlers standing face-to-face, with THQ suggesting future games will develop on more starting positions.[20]
The other major new addition to the game's create modes is the addition of the Highlight Reel, where players can record the last 30 seconds of an ongoing match, and edit the clips together afterwards with custom camera angles and added visual and sound effects. Players can save up to 20 files and can upload them for online users to see.[21] Both Create-A-Finisher and Highlight Reel will replace the Create-A-Belt feature, which was taken out due its lack of support from fans.[22]
According to a visit to Yuke's studios by Xbox World 360 magazine, the Create-A-Superstar mode in the major console versions will feature physics-based clothing items that will sway around realistically such as loose clothing and necklaces.[23] About 70% of the parts in the mode are now 3D with about 25 to 30% of the mode featuring new content.[18] For the first time, the Nintendo DS version will feature a limited version of the Create-A-Superstar mode.[6]
A roster editor has also been introduced to change the wrestler's brand, face/heel disposition and titles for exhibition matches. The game's Create-A-Stable mode has also been incorporated into the editor under the Team Management name.[24]
The Create-An-Entrance mode has been extended to feature created entrances for tag teams.[10] The Wii version will again not feature a Create-An-Entrance mode like the other versions. Instead, utilizing the Wii Remote and nunchuk, it will feature interactive entrances and victory celebrations, such as posing or beating down an opponent post-match.[8] Successful poses during the player's entrance will give them more momentum and bonuses at the start of the match.[5]
Online features
The Wii version will now include online gameplay as well as rankings.[6][7] Voice chat functionality for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were confirmed.[5] However, online play will not be available for the PlayStation 2 version.[15]
To conquer previous complaints in the series about outdated rosters and new superstars in WWE, THQ stated that the game will provide downloadable content, a feature to keep the game as up to date as possible.[5][8] The DLC will be avaliable for all consoles with online functionallity.[10] According to THQ, downloadable content will also "allow them to introduce special events in-game based on what's happening on the show".[20] The content will be featured shortly after the game's release.[10]
Roster
SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 like previous games in the series features actual superstars from WWE. The roster in the 2009 edition will be split into six classifications: Raw brand, SmackDown brand, ECW brand, free agents, legends and a secret unlockable classification.[24] According to THQ, there is no particular cutoff date in which the roster is locked down.[25] 66 superstars and divas will be featured in the game, with 27 confirmed by the official website to be from Raw, 23 from SmackDown, 12 from ECW and 4 currently unknown.[22][26] The DS version will feature more than 20 wrestlers.[22] Wrestlers confirmed so far include:
- Raw
- Ashley[27]
- Batista[28]
- Paul London
- Beth Phoenix[29]
- Candice[30]
- Chris Jericho[31]
- Chuck Palumbo[32]
- CM Punk[33]
- Cody Rhodes[34]
- Hardcore Holly[35]
- John Cena[36]
- JTG[37]
- Kane[38]
- Kelly Kelly[39]
- Kofi Kingston[40]
- Lance Cade[41]
- Melina[42]
- Mickie James[43]
- Randy Orton[5]
- Rey Mysterio[44]
- Santino Marella[45]
- Shad[37]
- Shawn Michaels[46]
- Trevor Murdoch[47][26]
- William Regal[48]
- SmackDown
- Big Show[49]
- Carlito[50]
- The Great Khali[51]
- Jeff Hardy[5]
- Maria[52]
- Mr. Kennedy[5]
- MVP[53]
- Shelton Benjamin[54]
- Triple H[55]
- Umaga[56]
- The Undertaker[57]
- Victoria[58]
- ECW
- Big Daddy V[59]
- Chavo Guerrero[60]
- Finlay[61]
- John Morrison[46]
- Mark Henry[62]
- Matt Hardy[5]
- The Miz[63]
- Tommy Dreamer[64]
Template:Multicol-break Template:Multicol-end
Development
Production of the video game was officially announced on March 27, 2008 by IGN and THQ.[5][7] IGN released their first video game trailer and screenshots for SmackDown vs. Raw 2009. The trailer featured The Hardys (Matt and Jeff) in a tag team match against Randy Orton and Mr. Kennedy at the SummerSlam pay-per-view, where the new tag team match features were explained.[5]
For the Road to WrestleMania mode, each featured superstar's storylines are first drafted out by the game's season mode designer, sometimes based on a brainstorming session with WWE's own writing team. Afterwards, one of the writing team would help finalize the scripts tweaking the scripts to help fit the character more.[65] The voice-over work in the mode's cutscenes were all done by the wrestlers themselves.[18] The wrestlers have little control over the scripts, but are given free reign over their lines for authenticity.[65] Each of the mode's scripts were 250 pages long, with over two and a half hours of motion captured scenes included.[25]
The in-game commentary in the major console versions will feature three announcing teams like the previous version but will have more of a play-by-play aspect this time.[5] According to THQ, 50% of loading times for the game has been reduced, affecting such areas as wrestler entrances.[5][9]
Soundtrack
Like the previous games in the series, the soundtrack consists of a mixture of entrance theme songs used by the wrestlers (many of which are composed by WWE's music director Jim Johnston) and licensed songs. For the first time, entrance theme songs can also be played in the game's menus.[9][66] Licensed songs in the soundtrack include:
- "Addicted" (P.O.D.)[67]
- "Dead Man Walking" (Bloodsimple)[68]
- "Save Me" (Burn Halo)[66]
- "Taking You Down" (Egypt Central)[69]
- "You Make Me Sick" (Egypt Central)[69]
- "Pages" There for Tomorrow
In addition, the players of the Xbox 360 and PS3 version can also create their own soundtrack through both consoles' hard drive facility. While both consoles will use custom soundtracks for wrestler entrances, only on the Xbox 360 version will the player also be able play the songs during the match.[5][25]
Marketing and release
A commercial for the game has been filmed, which will star Triple H and Kelly Kelly.[70] A demo for the game will be released on the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3, and will feature the reworked tag team match.[71][25][10]
As with the previous game, a special collector's edition of SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for the PlayStation 3 will be released, which includes the game, special steel cage packaging, and a Blu-ray Disc featuring matches from Raw and SmackDown programming as well as a behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the game.[72]
Reception
British gaming magazine GamesMaster gave favorable reviews for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation brand versions, citing it as a clear improvement over its predecessor yet still very familiar. The Nintendo DS version however was given criticized for its control system and artificial intelligence.[73]
References
- ^ "SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 profile - Editions". IGN. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
- ^ a b "SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 - Release Summary". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
- ^ a b Template:Ja icon "Yuke's - WWE Games". Yuke's. Retrieved 2008-09-27.
- ^ "SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 profile". PALGN. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Miller, Greg (2008-03-27). "First Interview: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009". IGN. Retrieved 2008-03-28.
- ^ a b c d e Miller, Greg (2008-03-27). "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is Official". IGN. Retrieved 2008-03-28.
- ^ a b c d e f "Number One Fighting Videogame Franchise Returns to the Virtual Ring". THQ. 2008-03-24. Retrieved 2008-03-28.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=
(help) - ^ a b c d e Ekberg, Brian (2008-03-29). "SmackDown! vs. Raw 2009 First Look". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-07-12.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=
(help) - ^ a b c d Miller, Greg (2008-07-11). "Pre-E3 2008: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Hands-on". IGN. Retrieved 2008-07-12.
- ^ a b c d e "Gaming Ring at THQ". Gaming Ring. 2008-10-17. Retrieved 2008-10-17.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-08-27). "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009: Backstage Brawl". IGN. Retrieved 2008-08-27.
- ^ "WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009 Podcast - Bryan Williams interview". Gaming Ring. 2008-09-08. Retrieved 2008-09-17.
- ^ Nardozzi, Dale (2008-09-24). "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Hands-on Preview (Xbox 360)". TeamXbox. Retrieved 2008-09-25.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-07-16). "E3 2008: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Progress Report". IGN. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
- ^ a b Miller, Greg (2008-09-12). "SVR 09: THQ&A (09.12.08)". IGN. Retrieved 2008-09-13.
- ^ a b Bozon, Mark (2008-07-11). "Pre-E3 2008: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Hands-on". IGN. Retrieved 2008-07-12.
- ^ a b Miller, Greg (2008-09-09). "SVR 09: Road to WrestleMania Info". IGN. Retrieved 2008-09-13.
- ^ a b c Robinson, Jon (2008-10-09). "WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009: Producer Q&A". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-10-09.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-25). "WWE SVR 09: Career Mode Hands-on". IGN. Retrieved 2008-09-25.
- ^ a b c Srinivasan, Shanker (2008-07-17). "E3 2008: Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 – Updated Impressions". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-10-13). "WWE SVR 09: Highlight Reel Announced". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-13.
- ^ a b c Regan, Mike (2008-10-15). "WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009: Hands on Preview Road to Wrestlemania: John Cena Storyline and more". GamingRing. Retrieved 2008-10-15.
- ^ "SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 preview". Xbox World 360. September 2008.
- ^ a b Miller, Greg (2008-10-09). "WWE SVR 2009: Roster Editor & Team Management Announcement". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-09.
- ^ a b c d "SVR 09: THQ&A (09.26.08)". IGN. 2008-09-26. Retrieved 2008-09-27.
- ^ a b "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 roster". THQ. Retrieved 2008-10-07.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-25). "The SmackDown Countdown: Ashley". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-17). "The SmackDown Countdown: Batista". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-03). "The SmackDown Countdown: Beth Phoenix". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-18). "The SmackDown Countdown: Candice". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-15). "The SmackDown Countdown: Chris Jericho". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-10-06). "The SmackDown Countdown: Chuck Palumbo". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-06.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-16). "The SmackDown Countdown: CM Punk". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-10-15). "The SmackDown Countdown: Cody Rhodes". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-15.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-10-16). "The SmackDown Countdown: Hardcore Holly". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-10). "The SmackDown Countdown: John Cena". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ a b Miller, Greg (2008-09-22). "The SmackDown Countdown: Cryme Tyme". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-23). "The SmackDown Countdown: Kane". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-04). "The SmackDown Countdown: Kelly Kelly". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-08). "The SmackDown Countdown: Kofi Kingston". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-10-02). "The SmackDown Countdown: Lance Cade". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-29). "The SmackDown Countdown: Melina". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-24). "The SmackDown Countdown: Mickie James". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-17). "The SmackDown Countdown: Rey Mysterio". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-01). "The SmackDown Countdown: Santino Marella". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ a b Miller, Greg (2008-07-01). "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Roster Update". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-05.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-10-01). "The SmackDown Countdown: Trevor Murdoch". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-10-13). "The SmackDown Countdown: William Regal". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-13.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-10-10). "SmackDown Countdown: Big Show". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-10.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-10-09). "SmackDown Countdown: Carlito". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-09.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-26). "The SmackDown Countdown: The Great Khali". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-18). "Diva Maria vs. IGN's Gruesome Greggy". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-08.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-10-03). "The SmackDown Countdown: MVP". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-05). "The SmackDown Countdown: Shelton Benjamin". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-11). "The SmackDown Countdown: Triple H". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-19). "The SmackDown Countdown: Umaga". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-12). "The SmackDown Countdown: Undertaker". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-10-08). "The SmackDown Countdown: Victoria". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-08.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-10-07). "The SmackDown Countdown: Big Daddy V". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-07.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-10-14). "The SmackDown Countdown: Chavo Guerrero". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-14.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-02). "The SmackDown Countdown: Finlay". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-09). "The SmackDown Countdown: Mark Henry". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ "WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009: Inferno Match and Royal Rumble Screens". Gaming Ring. 2008-09-11. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
- ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-30). "The SmackDown Countdown: Tommy Dreamer". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
- ^ a b Villoria, Gerald (2008-04-09). "Yuke's and THQ on Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 (X360)". GameSpy. Retrieved 2008-09-27.
- ^ a b "WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009: Create a Finisher Screens and Movies". Gaming Ring. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
- ^ "WWE Smackdown vs RAW 2009: Two Consecutive Powerbombs into a Facebuster- Create a Finisher". Gaming Ring. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
- ^ "Y2J Goes To Mania". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-15.
- ^ a b "Egypt Central featured on WWE SmackDown vs. Raw". Egypt Central. 2008-07-04. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
- ^ Medalis, Kara A. (2008-10-03). "Diva Dish: Beauty and brains". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2008-10-07.
- ^ "GC 2008: Wreck Shop Interview". GameTrailers. 2008-08-29. Retrieved 2008-09-16.
- ^ "SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 (Collector's Edition)". GameStop. Retrieved 2008-09-16.
- ^ "SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 review". GamesMaster: p. 54–57. December 2008.
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