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Smackdown vs. Raw '09 for Xbox 360 -- evolution, not revolution
By
MARK XAMIN -- SLAM! Wrestling
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SmackDown vs Raw 2009 for the Xbox 360 is, at its core, a more complete game
than last year's version; but if you were hoping this game would be your "forever"
game, the way No Mercy was for the N64 or Smackdown vs. Raw 2006
was for the PS2, well, you'll be disappointed.
Let's start off with the positives, though. There are several new features.
The Inferno match is the first of its kind in wrestling video games. It's put
together about as well as one could expect, and it's a fun extra option if you
get tired of cage matches and Hell in the Cells. There is also a new Road to
WrestleMania mode, where you can play as Triple H, The Undertaker, CM Punk,
John Cena, Chris Jericho and the team of Batista and Rey Mysterio, which allows
two people to play the mode cooperatively. It's certainly a step up from last
year's 24/7 mode. Each superstar has their own unique storyline, so you can
play the mode with each star and discover brand new content each time, and there
are alternate endings. There is a very authentic presentation in this mode as
well -- you even get the copyright notice at the end of each show.
Perhaps the best addition to this year's version of the game is the Create-a-Finisher
mode. You can link up to 10 animations to develop your own unique finisher.
It works brilliantly and is a very solid addition to the game. This alone makes
the Career mode feel a little bit more authentic, since you no longer have to
basically steal an existing wrestler's move.
Now, the negatives. As usual, the commentary flat out sucks. It's repetitive
and annoying. At this point, they would be better of to just remove the commentary
entirely. The entrance themes and sound effects and everything else are top
notch, but the commentary is a nightmare.
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The AI is also very buggy -- for example, I had my opponent attempt to pin
the referee. The matches flow a little randomly, and it doesn't always feel
like you have control over what you're doing -- it's more like you're pieces
together a series of animations, rather than controlling your wrestler. There
is also a huge emphasis on tag teams this year for some reason, which is ironic
because in real life, WWE barely even acknowledges their tag teams. Even so,
the tag team system works pretty much the same way this year as it did in previous
years. The only difference you might see is online. You can partner up with
a friend on Xbox Live and smack the yellow off the teeth of your opponents together.
Pretty fun, but again, you'll wonder if it's even a new feature since it feels
like it's been there forever.
Overall, I'll give this game a 7/10. Visually, the game is stunning, but for all the hype it received, the gameplay leaves something to desire. There is a load of new content, but it truly would take under a week to get through it all. What you're left with long term is playing online, and it is on par with last year's version.
You may want to rent this first before you buy it.
RELATED LINKS
PS3's Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 has plusses and minuses
DS version of Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 for skilled gamers only
Smackdown vs Raw 2009 on PS2 gets thumbs up
Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 for Wii is a keeper
Preview: THQ chats about Smackdown vs. Raw 2009
Previous SLAM! Wrestling video game reviews and stories
Mark Xamin invites you to discuss this review at Mywrestlingforum.com with other wrestling fans. While you're there you can bet on matches, gamble in the casino, play the arcade, or simply discuss wrestling. Mark's Xbox 360 also got the red rings of death after writing this review, and now he's wondering if THQ has cursed him for the low rating. Woe is he.
