Video Game Vintage Title: WWE SmackDown Vs. Raw 2008

WWE SmackDown Vs. Raw 2008

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 is a professional wrestling video game developed by Yuke's and released on the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS video game consoles by THQ in November 2007. Amaze Entertainment oversaw development for the Nintendo DS version.

The game is the ninth edition of the long-running WWE SmackDown vs. Raw video game series based on the professional wrestling promotion World Wrestling Entertainment . It is the sequel to 2006's WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007, succeeded by WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009, and is the first WWE game to include the promotion's ECW brand. It is also the first WWE game to be available for all seventh generation game consoles.

WWE SmackDown Vs. Raw 2008 Gameplay

Each wrestler now has two fighting style categories, one primary and one secondary. Each fighting style has its advantages and disadvantages in each particular match type. There are eight styles altogether: high-flyer, hardcore, submission artist, powerhouse, showman, brawler, dirty and technical. In addition, creative manager of THQ Cory Ledesma stated early in production that he planned on having numerous wrestler animations redone.

A new "struggle submission system" has been introduced, incorporating more analog control into the game. The player executing the submission can now decide how much pressure is applied by moving the analog stick in a particular direction. Similarly, the player locked in a submission hold will have to power out also by using the analog stick.

The game features the revived ECW brand, and it takes its place alongside the established Raw and SmackDown! brands. The official box art features the ECW logo prominently. The game's ECW branding has expanded the number of weapons available under the ring during gameplay. New weapons such as guitars are available and tables and barbed wire bats can be set on fire. Despite the inclusion of the brand, the video game franchise will keep its SmackDown! vs. Raw name, although an early logo included "ECW Invasion" in the title. It has been changed, however, to "Featuring ECW".

The game features several arenas that WWE held events at in 2006 and 2007. There are also arenas based on each WWE television show.

Reception
This game received mostly mixed and negative reviews because of recycled gameplay and was highly criticized for not living up to the standards as previous games of the series. On GameRankings the game holds a score of 73.60%, 61.40%, 66.20%, 71.72%, 70.25% and 61.07% respectively for these versions. The Official Xbox Magazine gave the game a 8.5/10. The game received an 8/10 on Game Informer. Based on ratings, the game was the lowest rated in the series and was received as a disappointment by GameSpot.