PS3 Review: Smackdown vs. Raw 08

by Donovan Bradford on November 15, 2007 at 9:15 pm

It’s that time of the year again when we wrestling fans have a new Smackdown vs. Raw game to play with. This year is especially fun, because Smackdown 08 has almost everything a true fan could want.

Besides all new Superstar fighting styles and WWE 24/7 modes of play, some of the best additions in Smackdown 08 are the legends. From Terry Funk and Tommy Dreamer to the Sandman and Sabu, I have personally been waiting to take these guys on in their house using their own extreme rules.

Let me tell you, if you think you’re hardcore, go toe to toe with these guys full smash mouth style, because before you know it you might get slammed through a burning table. Yes, hardcore fans– the tables are now flammable.

One big change is that General Manager mode is no longer one on one. Instead, it has become a triple threat with Raw, Smackdown, and ECW.

For those of you who are new to Smackdown vs Raw, the General Manager mode lets you run your favorite wrestling brand’s show however you want. The mode ranges from picking your own champions, to making your own wrestling matches and promoting your show and superstars. This year’s Smackdown has you doing it every day of the week, unlike the last two, which just let you manage your show when it was airing.

The downside is that it’s all about who can earn the biggest ratings each week. You need great matches that people want to see and the biggest superstars possible to keep the money flowing. Because your superstars are getting paid, big match-ups need lots of money for promotion.

You can, however, check on your superstar’s contracts to see how much you can pay them and whether they’re happy or mad about their progress. If they want a title shot or feel like they haven’t won enough matches, they might move to a rival brand.

You also need to stay on top of your game, because that top superstar of yours could get injured and be gone for good. Or that nice shiny title belt that you worked so hard for can be lost the second you hit the mat, if you didn’t train hard enough (which you need to do a lot in this game).

One of the best things about the PS3 version in particular is a first person mode during the intros, where you can step in the shoes of your favorite superstar with the push of a button. I have been waiting for this since Undertaker and Kane first appeared in wrestling games.

My only problem, though, is with the roster. I find it hard not having Shelton Benjamin or the Boogeyman, but aside from that, this year’s Smackdown vs Raw is nearly perfect.