WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008
| WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 | |
|---|---|
| File:SVR2008.JPG Logo for WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 | |
| Developer(s) | Yuke's |
| Publisher(s) | THQ (SVR) Yuke's (EPW) |
| Series | WWE SmackDown! series |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, Wii, Xbox 360, Mobile |
| Release |  November 9, 2007[1] November 13 2007 [1] |
| Genre(s) | Professional wrestling, Fighting |
| Mode(s) | Single player, multiplayer, multiplayer online |
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008[2] (Exciting Pro Wrestling 9 in Japan) is a professional wrestling video game scheduled to be released on the PlayStation 2,PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii consoles and the PlayStation Portable, and Nintendo DS handheld consoles by THQ and developed by YUKE's Future Media Creators. [3]
It will be the latest edition to the long-running WWE SmackDown! video game series based on the professional wrestling promotion World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It will be the sequel to 2006's WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007, and will be the first to include ECW.[2] It will also be the first WWE game to be available for all seventh generation game consoles.
Features
Each wrestler will now feature two fighting style categories, one primary and one secondary. Each fighting style will have its advantages and disadvantages in particular match types. [4] Overall, there will be eight styles altogether which are high-flyer, hardcore, submission artist, powerhouse, showman, brawler, dirty and technical.[5] The wrestler's special move however will only be based on the wrestler's primary style. [4]
A new "struggle submission system" has been introduced, incorporating more analog control into the game. The player executing the submission now can decide how much pressure is applied through moving the analog stick in a particular direction. Conversely, the player locked in a submission hold will have to power out using the analog stick.[4]
The season mode and general manager mode from the previous games now have been merged to form the WWE 24/7 mode. Instead of the player fighting their way through the ranks of the WWE to win a world title at WrestleMania, the main quest is for the player to become a WWE legend and ultimately be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by completing a list of objectives. Depending on how established the player's wrestler is, the difficulty and amount of time it takes to become a Legend will vary. [4]
Also, SVR 2008 will be the first in the series to feature the revived ECW brand, which will be treated equal to the established RAW and SmackDown! brands, phrased by THQ as an "ECW Invasion".[6] Despite the inclusion of the brand, the video game franchise will keep its SmackDown vs. Raw name, although an early logo has included "ECW Invasion".[7] Also, it was stated by Cory Ledesma that he plans on redoing the animations of the wrestlers.[4]
There will be significant differences in the Nintendo DS version of the game. It will make use of the handheld's touch screen feature to control the wrestlers' in-ring action. The Nintendo DS version will also include wireless multiplayer action, as well as training minigames.[8] However, there will be limitations from the other versions in that this version will feature a roster of only 20 wrestlers and will retain the Season mode rather than the new WWE 24/7 mode.[9]
The Wii version will take advantage of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk by using the motion sensing capabilities to pull off various attacks. For instance, punches and chops will be performed by slashing the Wii Remote in different directions, while performing a move such as a powerbomb will require the player to lift the opponent by pulling the Wii Remote up and then thrusting it down to slam the opponent. [10]
Announced Roster
The following characters were confirmed to appear in at least one version of the game by IGN,[11] Nintendo,[10] and other sources. The day before WrestleMania 23, Nintendo published an article confirming that Chris Benoit was to appear in the game as a Superstar,[12] but due to his and his family's deaths in June 2007 and the WWE's pulling of his merchandise and appearances within videos, his current status and role in the game is uncertain.
Superstars
Commentators [13]
Announced Match Types
The following match types have been announced or seen in screenshots:
Announced Arenas
So far, the game features a total of 5 arenas based on WWE events. It features arenas from the following televised shows:
The game also includes the following pay-per-view arenas:
