Summary

Release Year: 2007
Genres: Fighting, Sport
Platforms: Legacy Mobile Device, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Xbox 360
Developers: Amaze Entertainment, Yuke’s
Publishers: THQ

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008: The Ultimate Wrestling Extravaganza

Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping journey into the squared circle with WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, the groundbreaking wrestling game that revolutionized the WWE gaming experience. Released in 2007, this exceptional title introduced a plethora of innovative features, an expanded roster, and an immersive gameplay experience that captivated wrestling enthusiasts worldwide.

ECW Invasion: A New Era of Extreme

SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 marked a pivotal moment in WWE gaming history with the inclusion of the legendary Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) roster. For the first time ever, players could step into the ring as iconic ECW stars like The Sandman, Marcus Cor Von, and the electrifying CM Punk. The addition of ECW brought a new dimension of brutality and high-flying action to the game, adding to its already explosive gameplay.

Innovative Submission System: Struggle for Survival

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 introduced a revolutionary struggle submission system that added an unprecedented level of realism to the grappling experience. Gone were the days of button-mashing submissions; now, players had to engage in intense stick-waggling contests to escape their opponent’s clutches or force them to tap out. This innovative mechanic added a thrilling layer of strategy and skill to every match.

Expanded Weaponry: Unleash the Pain

The arsenal of weapons available in SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 was expanded significantly, giving players more options to inflict punishment on their adversaries. In addition to the traditional steel chairs and tables, wrestlers could now wield guitars, kendo sticks, and even flaming trash cans. The increased weapon variety allowed for more creative and brutal brawls, adding to the game’s overall intensity.

Superstar Fighting Styles: Express Your Dominance

SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 introduced eight distinct superstar fighting styles, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Players could choose from styles such as Showman, Powerhouse, High-Flyer, and Technician, allowing them to tailor their gameplay experience to their preferred wrestling style. This added depth and variety to the matches, as different styles dictated different strategies and tactics.

Expanded Roster: A Star-Studded Lineup

The roster in SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 was nothing short of impressive, featuring a vast array of WWE Superstars from both the Raw and SmackDown brands. Players could control legendary icons like The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, and Ric Flair, as well as rising stars like John Cena, Batista, and Rey Mysterio. The roster size and diversity ensured that there was a wrestler for every fan to enjoy.

Unforgettable Arenas: Iconic Battlegrounds

SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 transported players to some of the most iconic arenas in WWE history. From the grand spectacle of WrestleMania 23 to the intimate atmosphere of ECW’s Hammerstein Ballroom, each arena provided a unique backdrop for the intense matches. The attention to detail in recreating these legendary venues added to the game’s immersive experience.

Legacy Mode: Relive the Golden Age

The popular Legacy Mode returned in SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, allowing players to relive the legendary careers of some of WWE’s greatest Superstars. This mode featured branching storylines, historical matches, and exclusive unlockable content that provided a nostalgic and engaging experience for wrestling fans.

Platform Variations: Tailored to Your Console

SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 was released on multiple platforms, including the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii. Each version featured platform-specific enhancements and exclusive content. For example, the PlayStation 3 version boasted improved graphics and online multiplayer, while the Wii version utilized the console’s motion controls for a more interactive gameplay experience.

Critical Acclaim and Commercial Success

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with reviewers praising its innovative gameplay, expanded roster, and immersive atmosphere. The game was a commercial success, selling millions of copies worldwide and becoming one of the best-selling wrestling games of all time.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment in WWE Gaming

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 stands as a defining moment in the history of WWE video games. Its introduction of the ECW roster, innovative submission system, expanded weaponry, superstar fighting styles, and unforgettable arenas set a new standard for wrestling games. The game’s critical and commercial success cemented its place as one of the greatest wrestling games ever created, providing countless hours of entertainment and adrenaline-pumping action for wrestling fans around the world.