by Joe Beasley

Created on: February 18, 2009   Last Updated: June 19, 2009

Without question, when it comes to wrestling fans and video games, the game of choice for nearly a decade has been the THQ hit Smackdown Vs. Raw. Originally debuting on the PS2, this series is now a multi-platform yearly release for the world of virtual wrestling fans. The series has been known for its polished graphics, various game modes, and realistic depictions of all the WWE superstars.

Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 was released for the Xbox 360, PS3, as well as the Wii. The game was marked as being the worst title in the long running series, and was a huge letdown for the fans. PS3 fans were the most upset, as they felt cheated by not recieving a few options that the 360 had, namely using your own entrance music. The 2008 title brought little in the way of game modes and options, and was generally panned by fans and critics alike.

The 2009 offering was released in late 2008, and was well received by the fans of the series. 2009 introduced an Inferno match and had a new tag team system. 2009 was also praised for its multi-player career mode, as well as its single player career mode called Road to Wrestlemania. While the game did feature an actual career mode, it is more of a series of matches to collect belts, and was not nearly as enjoyable as the other modes. The ability to create your own finisher, and for PS3 owners, the ability to use your own custom theme music from the systems hard drive, an option that is a huge hit with PS3 owners.

One knock on nearly all of the SvR titles is the weak sound effects, namely the play by play. This is surely to be something that THQ will be working on for next years entry into the series. The power of the PS3 could surely push the envelope as to what this game could be next year, however, making the game for multiple systems will cost PS3 owners some of the things they may be wishing for.

The 2009 version of this series has brought its title back into the welcome arms of the players, and has since sold very well. With all the new features, the return of some classic match types and options, and the usual beautifully rendered members of the WWE, Smackdown Vs Raw 2009 is by far a better game that its predecessor. Adding to this, the improved AI, the numerous new moves, and the increased number of match types, one can only look forward to what the WWE and THQ will bring in the 2010 version. SvR 2009 is offered on the PS3, Xbox 360, PS2, Wii, DS, and the PSP.

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