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WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009

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WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009
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
SeriesWWE 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 is the tenth video game in the WWE SmackDown series, and is the sequel to its predecessor, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008.[5][6] TOSE oversaw development for the Nintendo DS version.[6] The game was released on November 9, 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 four new game modes: Create-A-Finisher, Road to WrestleMania, Career and multiplayer season.

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 themself 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]

Tag teams are a major focus in this game with a reworked tag team match and co-operative season mode.

SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is 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 are 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 (or in the EU version 300°C), the player can then begin to set their opponent on fire.[9]

Several matches absent in previous games also returned 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, returned and replaced the parking lot brawl match featured in the last game.[10][11] The Gauntlet match also returned, which was featured in earlier games as the Slobberknocker match before its removal.[12]

Both the Wii and DS versions now includes 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, were removed. However, the fighting abilities used there were 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.[13]

A new semi-auto targeting system was implemented into the game, which will generally automatically target a particular wrestler the player wants to attack but can also be controlled in-game by the player.[14]

Japanese company TOSE took 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 instead uses by default 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.[15]

Game modes

For most platforms, a new season mode entitled Road to WrestleMania replaced 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.[16] 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][17] As part of the game's new emphasis on tag teams, a co-operative storyline was also included in the mode, in which players can take the parts of Batista and Rey Mysterio respectively.[8][16] 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 is 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.[18]

Partly inspired by the TOSE-developed game, Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime, the Nintendo DS version has 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 is given missions to complete in order to become a champion.[15][7][19] Created wrestlers will be eligible to use in this career mode.[5]

Create modes

File:SmackDownvsRaw09 - Finisher.jpg
A screenshot of the new Create-A-Finisher mode, where players can form their own finishing move.

The series features a new Create Mode: The Create-A-Finisher feature.[7] In it, 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] The mode will be featured on the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. 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]

The Create-A-Superstar mode in the major console but now features 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.[17] For the first time, the Nintendo DS version features 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 now been extended to feature created entrances for tag teams.[25] The Wii version will feature a Create-An-Entrance mode like the other versions except a limited created entrance for tag teams. 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 (also note that if a tattoo is used on your created superstar he/she will not be prohibited online.[5] However, online play will not be available for the PlayStation 2 version.[14]

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 with new wrestlers and alternate attires.[5][8] 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 after the game's release.[25]

Roster

SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 like previous games in the series features actual superstars from WWE. The roster in the 2009 edition is split into six classifications: Raw brand, SmackDown brand, ECW brand, free agents, legends and an unlockable WCW classification.[24] Despite the availiable classification, it is the first time since WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain to not feature any legend characters. This coincides with the development of the 2009 game WWE Legends of WrestleMania. According to THQ, there is no particular cutoff date in which the roster is locked down.This will be the first WWE video game that will not feature The Rock or Stone Cold Steave Austin as playable wrestlers.[26] Wrestlers featured in the game include:

Template:Multicol

RAW

Template:Multicol-break

SmackDown

Template:Multicol-break

ECW
WCW
Unlockable Manager


Template:Multicol-end a. ^ These superstars are unlockable characters.
b. ^ These superstars are downloadable content characters.[27]
c. ^ These superstars are featured in the Nintendo DS version.

Development

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.[28] The voice-over work in the mode's cutscenes were all done by the wrestlers themselves.[17] The wrestlers have little control over the scripts, but are given free rein over their lines for authenticity.[28] Each of the mode's scripts were 250 pages long, with over two and a half hours of motion captured scenes included.[26]

The in-game commentary in the major console versions feature three announcing teams like the previous version but has 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

P.O.D. contributed with two of their songs, "Addicted" and "Booyaka 619", featured in the game's 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] The licensed songs in the soundtrack are:[29]

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 can the player be also able to play the songs during the match.[5][26]

Marketing and release

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] A commercial for the game was released in October, starring Triple H along with John Cena, Batista, Big Show, Hornswoggle and Kelly Kelly.[30]

A demo for the game was released in October for the PlayStation 3 console, featuring the singles and tag team matches with Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Shawn Michaels and Triple H as playable characters.[31]

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.[32]


Reception

System Metacritic Game Rankings
Nintendo DS N/A 50.0% (1 review)[33]
PlayStation 2 80/100(4 reviews)[34] 86.0% (1 review)[35]
PlayStation 3 81/100 (15 reveiws)[36] 80.0% (1 review)[37]
PlayStation Portable N/A 84.0% (1 review)[38]
Wii 81/100 (5 reveiws)[39] 83.0% (2 reviews)[40]
Xbox 360 81/100 (5 reviews)[41] 86.0% (3 reviews)[42]

The game has received generally positive reviews from gaming critics. Critics generally praised the Road to WrestleMania. IGN were however more critical of the game, calling the gameplay "noticeably stale" from previous games and citing the Highlight Reel and Create-A-Finisher modes as limited.

While the reception for the Nintendo DS version was varied between critics, both IGN and GamesMaster gave criticism for its touch-screen control scheme, suggesting that button-based control would have been more ideal.[43]

References

  1. ^ "SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 profile - Editions". IGN. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
  2. ^ a b "SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 - Release Summary". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
  3. ^ a b Template:Ja icon "Yuke's - WWE Games". Yuke's. Retrieved 2008-09-27.
  4. ^ "SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 profile". PALGN. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Miller, Greg (2008-03-27). "First Interview: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009". IGN. Retrieved 2008-03-28.
  6. ^ a b c d e Miller, Greg (2008-03-27). "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is Official". IGN. Retrieved 2008-03-28.
  7. ^ 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)
  8. ^ 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)
  9. ^ a b c d Miller, Greg (2008-07-11). "Pre-E3 2008: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Hands-on". IGN. Retrieved 2008-07-12.
  10. ^ Miller, Greg (2008-08-27). "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009: Backstage Brawl". IGN. Retrieved 2008-08-27.
  11. ^ "WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009 Podcast - Bryan Williams interview". Gaming Ring. 2008-09-08. Retrieved 2008-09-17.
  12. ^ Nardozzi, Dale (2008-09-24). "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Hands-on Preview (Xbox 360)". TeamXbox. Retrieved 2008-09-25.
  13. ^ Miller, Greg (2008-07-16). "E3 2008: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Progress Report". IGN. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
  14. ^ a b Miller, Greg (2008-09-12). "SVR 09: THQ&A (09.12.08)". IGN. Retrieved 2008-09-13.
  15. ^ a b Bozon, Mark (2008-07-11). "Pre-E3 2008: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Hands-on". IGN. Retrieved 2008-07-12.
  16. ^ a b Miller, Greg (2008-09-09). "SVR 09: Road to WrestleMania Info". IGN. Retrieved 2008-09-13.
  17. ^ a b c Robinson, Jon (2008-10-09). "WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009: Producer Q&A". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-10-09.
  18. ^ Miller, Greg (2008-09-25). "WWE SVR 09: Career Mode Hands-on". IGN. Retrieved 2008-09-25.
  19. ^ Bozon, Mark (2008-10-02). "SmackDown vs. Raw 2009: Season Mode Unveiled". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
  20. ^ a b c Srinivasan, Shanker (2008-07-17). "E3 2008: Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 – Updated Impressions". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
  21. ^ Miller, Greg (2008-10-13). "WWE SVR 09: Highlight Reel Announced". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-13.
  22. ^ 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.
  23. ^ "SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 preview". Xbox World 360. 2008. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  24. ^ a b Miller, Greg (2008-10-09). "WWE SVR 2009: Roster Editor & Team Management Announcement". IGN. Retrieved 2008-10-09.
  25. ^ a b "Gaming Ring at THQ". Gaming Ring. 2008-10-17. Retrieved 2008-10-17.
  26. ^ a b c "SVR 09: THQ&A (09.26.08)". IGN. 2008-09-26. Retrieved 2008-09-27.
  27. ^ "Final Game Footage". 2008-10-31. Retrieved 2008-10-31.
  28. ^ a b Villoria, Gerald (2008-04-09). "Yuke's and THQ on Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 (X360)". GameSpy. Retrieved 2008-09-27.
  29. ^ Regan, Mike. "THQ announces in-game music lineup for WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009". Gaming Ring. Retrieved 2008-11-07.
  30. ^ Medalis, Kara A. (2008-10-03). "Diva Dish: Beauty and brains". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2008-10-07.
  31. ^ "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Playable Demo Now Available for Download via PlayStation Network". IGN. 2008-10-30. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
  32. ^ "SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 (Collector's Edition)". GameStop. Retrieved 2008-09-16.
  33. ^ "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Nintendo DS reviews". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-11-10.
  34. ^ "WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-11-17.
  35. ^ "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 PlayStation 2 reviews". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-11-10.
  36. ^ "WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-11-17.
  37. ^ "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 PlayStation 3 reviews". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-11-10.
  38. ^ "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 PlayStation Portable reviews". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-11-10.
  39. ^ "WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-11-17.
  40. ^ "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Wii reviews". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-11-10.
  41. ^ "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Xbox 360 reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-11-10.
  42. ^ "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Xbox 360 reviews". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-11-10.
  43. ^ "SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 review". GamesMaster: p. 54–57. 2008. {{cite journal}}: |pages= has extra text (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |journal= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
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