WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008   Preview for PC

Thursday, September 06, 2007

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Title: WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 .............................................. System: PC .............................................. Genre: Wrestling .............................................. Publisher: THQ .............................................. Developer: Yuke`s Media Creations .............................................. Release: .............................................. Online: No .............................................. ESRB: Teen (T) .............................................. Over the years THQ has had many takes on the world of pro wrestling. Their WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) wrestling games have seen a really good success rating – maybe because of the ravenous wrestling followers – and each has had their share of criticism. On November 9th, which is fast approaching, wrestling fans and gamers wait eagerly for the next installment of the WWE franchise game to be released. The previous 2007 installment provided a lot of ups, but seemed to fall short of the mark, which was leaving the player wanting more; especially in the online mode. And with no word of the online problems being fixed as of yet, one has to wonder whether the developers at THQ will fix this (arguably) long time downfall of THQ’s WWE franchise. The most notable improvement since the last installment is the upgrade in graphics. When you compare a screenshot of the 2007 version and 2008 version, you will notice a great improvement that adds even more realism to the games’ amazing engine. Now this isn’t shocking news, of course, but improvements in that area are always good. Boasts of the rendering and game engine can have your favorite WWE superstar performing their signature moves with all the flair and detail that you would see in real life…But what about the shortcomings that fans have been stirring about from the last (few) game[s]? We’re still hoping to hear more about these details as the game continues toward its launch date and will be updating when it hits the streets. As for the iconic wrestlers, THQ has announced that the likes of Triple H, The Undertaker, Ric Flair, Randy Orton, and the extremists like The Sandman, Tommy Dreamer and Kevin Thorne. Wrestling fans are sure in for a treat this November...Yeah, you hear right, there has been an ECW invasion announced for the new game and anyone who is old enough, or owns all of the ECW DVD’s, knows that ECW was a well known and popular name in Professional Wrestling. This added twist should have gamers flexing their cyber muscles as we speak. Another big thing that has been announced for 08 is the fighting styles. In total there will be 8, and will include: the Powerhouse, High Flyer, Dirty Fighter, the Showman, and Hardcore. Each style has distinct advantages and disadvantages that will should changeup the sometimes repetitive nature of wrestling. There will be exclusive things for each fighting type including moves, attributes, and showmanship. The submission system has once again been shaken up with the new “struggle” submission system. The new system gives players more control than in previous WWE games and will allow the player to control the amount of pressure applied by the superstar. It is yet to be seen if the regular button mashing approach to submissions will be totally ditched or not, but one thing is for sure, there will be more strategy involved and it will make the learning curve a touch steeper if a good amount of attention was put into this system. Many of you may be wondering about the story mode. Now In this title you won’t start as a big star like in last year’s installment, no. In fact, you will start as a jobber and will have to earn your slot on Raw, Smackdown, or ECW – a la Fight Night style of progression as a no-namer. Now exact and total details have not been released for this so far, but the idea that you will earn your spot on the big roster is quite exciting. Overall, fans should be pleased and anti-wrestling buffs will have more to write about. The WWE fans and fans of the game series will surely be happy no matter what is done to the game, but should still have a lot to look forward to. With the graphics more realistic, the game engine surreal, and the added ECW invasion and improved story mode, it is likely to fly off the shelves as soon as they’re placed. Stay tuned to VGCore.com for the latest updates and screenshots as we get closer to launch.