WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2009 (Xbox 360)

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This is WWE Smack down vs. Raw 2009, and it's the best franchise they've made. The graphics are literally outstanding. I didn't know where to start with this one at first, but I will start by saying how they always add a new feature to the game. This time, they've added the Roster Editor; I've always been waiting for them to add this. The Roster Editor is a feature where you can change the superstars from 'Face to heal' and from 'Heal ...
...of the year in a WWE Superstar's life, you get to choose between, Triple H, Chris Jericho, John Cena, The Undertaker, and CM Punk, or you play Batista & Rey Mysterio in a co-operative mode, and try and become tag team champs. These storylines brings you up close to the superstars, and lets you experience what it's like to be at the biggest event of the year, Wrestlemania!

In career mode, I found it a lot easier to unlock things, the ... more

Media: Video Game

Genre: Sports/Fighting/ Wrestling

Platform: Xbox 360, PS2, PS3, WII, PC

Publisher: THQ

Developer: Yuke's

Ratings: 16 and over

Release Date: 7th November 2008

Price: £29.99

This is WWE Smack down vs. Raw 2009, and it's the best franchise they've made. The graphics are literally outstanding. I didn't know where to start with this one at first, but I will start by saying how they always add a new feature to the game. This time, they've added the Roster Editor; I've always been waiting for them to add this. The Roster Editor is a feature where you can change the superstars from 'Face to heal' and from 'Heal to Face' (They're either liked or disliked by the crowd). This new mode is quick an easy, you don't even have go on 'Create-A-Wrestler' this time, all the superstars are on one screen. It would be great if they were to keep this feature when they make the next version. Smack down vs. Raw 08, had the Create version of it, where you had to click on one superstar at a time, and wait for the next screen to load. I felt, this was bloody nuisance, because of all that waiting around for loading screens. On 2009, you will find 'Roster Editor' under 'my WWE' at the main menu; just go to 'Superstar Management'. You can make these additional changes under 'Fan reaction' (described as either Clean or Dirty Superstar). 'Clean' meaning that some superstars play by the rules and win fairly, 'Dirty' meaning other superstars using dirty and illegal tactics in order to get a victory. You can change the brand they fight on, to Raw, Smack down, or ECW. If you want make someone a legend or even a free agent. This is a great way of using this if the superstar is either made up or retired. You can also view the superstars who hold title belts, and those who don't, quite Easley look at 'Title info'.

Whilst I'm still talking about features on 'my WWE', there is another new feature to the game, which I kind of find interesting, the 'Highlight Reel'. This is certainly a new addition, and has not been seen on any other wrestling game, and if it weren't for Chris Jericho returning to the company, I don't think they would have added it. In this feature you can record moments from any match you play, and make these recordings into a clip. You can edit, save and put them in your gallery, play them back any time, you will have you own treasured highlight.

Mentioning the 'Create-A-Wrestler' mode, there is features on this one they have improved slightly. As always, it comes under 'Create Modes' at the main menu, then 'Create A Superstar. What ever type of superstar you decide to create, (New Superstar, Diva or use Template) the appearance has only altered slightly with a tab more shine and effect. Some changes that have been made are, different style clothes, bit more make-up, slightly different tattoos, scars, piercings and designs. Apart from them adding a cape in the jackets section, everything else is basically the same, but looks better.

There's one other create type they've added on this game, and has not been seen on any other, this is 'Create-A-Finisher'. This allows you to put together a combination of moves, to make your own special finisher, and assign them to any created superstar. I've already created several myself; for my made up characters, and they look great.
The 'Road to Wrestlemania' mode is certainly a new feature that I really enjoy, to this years Smackdown vs. Raw. You experience the most important time of the year in a WWE Superstar's life, you get to choose between, Triple H, Chris Jericho, John Cena, The Undertaker, and CM Punk, or you play Batista & Rey Mysterio in a co-operative mode, and try and become tag team champs. These storylines brings you up close to the superstars, and lets you experience what it's like to be at the biggest event of the year, Wrestlemania!

In career mode, I found it a lot easier to unlock things, the season don't really last very long. In one way, that may not be such a bad thing, because, you will have more time to play around with the unlockables, create superstars, and play matches.
The only disappointing thing about this game is; there is no 'General Manager' mode. I loved the 'GM' mode, you could do your own draft lottery (pick your superstars) and run your own show (Raw, Smack down, or ECW). I reckon the game makers replaced this with, the 'Road to Wrestlemania' mode.

There is at least one completely different match type, which you certainly can't resist playing, The 'Inferno Match'. The ring surrounded by torturing flames, the heat is defiantly on here. I'm so glad they added this! The first person to get his opponent caught by the flames; wins the match. In real life, this match is dangerous, but, in the virtual world, it doesn't look quite as bad. Another exciting thing about this match, the temperature bar rises every time you knock your opponent down. (Tip: I found the bar rises more quickly when go to the top rope)

The 2009 title has brilliant, unique style play when it comes to putting your opponent down for the 3 count. This time you have 2 finishers and 2 signature moves, the finishers can be stored and used, just by pressing the left shoulder button when the bar at the top is flashing. If you want to use a signature move, you can do this by pressing the action button whilst the bar remains flashing. This feature gives you the choice on how you want to finisher off your opponent.

The features THQ have added this year, certainly making me look forward to the next Smack down vs. Raw franchise, I'm so eager to know what they've got lined up for the next one...

 

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