WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 review video
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 upholds the franchise’s commitment to delivering the definitive videogame simulation of live WWE programming. The PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PSP, and Xbox 360 versions of the game unleash a brand new tag team experience, allowing players to build momentum and attributes, eliminate opponents with high impact double teams and finishers, as well as get the “hot tag” for the win. The franchise’s renowned creation system offers a brand new Create-A-Finisher option, while a new Road to WrestleMania Mode paves the way to WWE’s biggest event of the year and lets players experience co-op storylines for the first time. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 also extends the virtual WWE gameplay experience with robust online capabilities, including the highly anticipated debut of downloadable content.
Hit the music, cue the fireworks, and head to the ring in this WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 video review.
Game features include:
* TAG TEAM EXPLOSION — WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 unleashes a brand new tag team match. Build momentum and attributes as a team, destroy opponents with high-impact double teams, pull off new bone-crunching tag team finishers and get the ‘hot tag’ for the win. Players can also take their tag teams online by creating Online Tag Team stables and competing in tag team matches all across the country.
* CREATE-A-FINISHER — Construct the most devastating moves ever unleashed in a WWE ring with this brand new interface. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 lets players customize all aspects of created Superstars … even their very own finishing moves.
* ROAD TO WRESTLEMANIA — Pave the way to WWE’s biggest event of the year through WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009’s new story mode, which features the franchise’s first-ever co-op storylines.
* NEW ONLINE FUNCTIONALITY — Extend the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 gameplay experience with downloadable content and much more.
To quote the IGN video review: “In the end, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is a good game but one that falls short of its potential. The Roster Editor is a welcome addition, Create-A-Finisher could be deeper but is a great first effort, the Inferno Match is over-the-top but fun, and Road to WrestleMania is one of the best story modes I’ve seen in a wrestling game in years. However, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m playing last year’s game when we get down to the nitty gritty match mechanics. Entrances, match list presentation, animations, and even a couple crowd members are recycled from SVR 08; pixilated audience members in the upper deck and six-man matches causing framerate drops haven’t even been addressed; and the ECW Extreme Rules match has been gimped.
These issues shouldn’t be deal breakers for fans of squared-circle action nor do they detract from the fact that this is better than last year’s game, but the problems do leave me without ever feeling “wowed” while playing SVR 09.”
Presentation — 7.5
Graphics — 7.5
Sound — 8.0
Gameplay — 7.5
Lasting Appeal — 8.0
Overall — 7.8
