Smackdown vs Raw
2008
Well I know I am not alone on this forum. I was one of a few people who saw this game and was in two minds as to whether to buy or not. Im not a wrestling fan, so this was never an instinctive buy, but I have always had a draw to wrestling games, as I like the opportunity to let out some anger against a fictiona character
I know the official reviews have been pretty negative, but a few have been positive, so I intend to give a thorough review and highlight whats good and whats not!..
Title: Smackdown Vs Raw 2008
Format: Wii / DS / Xbox 360 / PS3 / PS2
RRP: £39.99 (Although Game SRP: £19.99)
Wifi: No
Players: 4
So, please remember I am going into this review with an open mind, and I am hoping from playing it so far that it scores highly, but I will soon find out
Graphics:
For this game I think it is a real highlight. I think that the graphics are great and much better than any previous wrestling game I have ever played. The attention to detail is great hwere its needed, and the backgrounds even compliment the game.
As long as you immerse yourself within the game you will feel like a spectator whilst you are there.
The Arenas: the arenas are well crafted, lots of bright lights and great colourings. The really make the venue feel realistic. They really are fantastic
The Characters: The attention to detail here is insane. The characters have their tattoos, and where that is text you can make it out. Although not quite at photorealism here, they are still really great, and I have no complaints.
Actual Photo
The crowd: Okay so the crowd is a little bit of a let down based on all the rest but, who needs the crowd to look so amazing, at least there no longer 2D
... So in all seriousness they are squares, with banners, but they are better than they used to be.
Graphics: 9/10
Audio
Depending on how long you sit and play this game for depends how good the soundtrack is. If you are playing it for short bursts then yes this is a great soundtrack for the style of game. If you spent hours on the game like I have (8ours or so in 2 days) then it gets a bit repeative.
The commentary is also the same way really. It is good until you have played it too much all at once
.. Though hopefully you wont over do it..
Finally the soundeffects.. Well they are as they say on the tin and they work
The final audio score has been based upon sensible play and not overdoing it
, and if your going to over do it, just stick on your own CD
Audio: 7/10
Gameplay:
So this is what you all really want to know about. For me this is where the game is a bit of a let down. The gameplay itself is great. You can play an exhibition match (as in single, tag match etc). Story mode, or multiplayer. I have yet to try the multiplayer, as Ive been missing someone to play with. So I cant comment.
Storymode. You start out your career as a nobody and the idea is you work yourway up to superstar. You have the basic gist of any game along these lines.
You can enter the gym, and spend your points earned from matches to improve your character, get a massage to get yourself back up to full health... or go to your locker room and set up matches, get your stats see whos got what titles etc.
When going through the career you can play single matches, tag team matches or triple threat matches. I found this to be a little thin on the ground. I seem to remember on previous games for Ninty and other consoles, they seemed to include, Ladder matches, table matches, Royal Rumble, King of the Ring, Hardcore, Cage, and backstage matches, and I think this is a great loss on this game. It seems almost as if half of the game was forgotten when it was being put together. Whislt this many dampen the game it dosent ruin it.
As you progress through the ranks you can unlock new characters to fight against, new brands to switch between if you want too, and new venues (if the brand permits). Finally you also unlock some Smackdown / Raw Divas, who can become your friends, or Valets.. When you have a valet you can enjoy only having one massage to get back to full health and a little bit of popularity (helping to upgrade your rank
)
The problem is that the story mode only lasts around 4 hours, and then you will have it completed.. Though you will need to go back a few times to get new titles, and new venues, and unlock some characters for other modes
Gameplay: 5/10
Innovation:
Well its not a new idea, infact its been around for many years, but its the first one on the Wii so I will give it a high mark
just to be nice... Erm I hope that they make some changes to improve the next version though
Innovation 7/10
Control System:
I have chosen control system for this section, because I think it is important to bring up that I have RSI. The control system requires the full use of the Wii-mote and nunchuck. Although I found the controls to be fairly simple to grasp, and the problem being the addittion of pressing something to run and pick up new weapons would have been something good really
The reason for getting RSI, as opposed to most wii games you repeatedly swing left and right with the wii-mote, to recover your health, counter a move, and get up when knocked down. This is really a lot of strain (especially when you play for 4 hours) on your wrist.
Other than this the control system is good.the controls work. I just feel that more controls are needed
Control System: 8/10
Overall Thoughts:
I really enjoy this game, hence the fact I have played for 8 hours in just 2 days. I havent done that often (except for whenever I get a new wii game). It definantely has replay value, and I enjoy playing it. To be honest once I have done this review I will be back on it....
Graphics: 9/10
Audio: 7/10
Gameplay: 5/10
Innovation 7/10
Control System: 8/10
Overall Score: 72%
I think that this is a respectable score, in light of what changes are needed to improve this game.
Many Thanks for your time. Please give me your comments on this game, or on the review in general. I appreciate all feedback.
Regards
Alex
Smackdown Vs Raw 2008
Linear Mode
