WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008

Nintendo is certainly no stranger to THQ and Yuke’s wrestling franchise seeing as it not only made an appearance on the GameCube but the Nintendo 64 as well. On the GameCube, the WWE series improved greatly with each version to the point that it outshined some of the PlayStation and Xbox installments. So you can imagine my delight upon hearing that WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 also hits the Nintendo Wii and thus standing out among the other next-generation versions already available. Nintendo Wii owners and wrestling fans grab your Nunchuk and Wii Remote and let’s get ready to rumble.

One thing returning fans of the franchise will notice right away once the main menu pops up is that the large collection of match types and other favorite game modes are nowhere to be seen in this game. Even many of the game modes in the PS3 and Xbox 360 version of the same 2008 title are not available. That means you won’t be playing the deep 24/7 Mode and there is certainly no online multiplayer to be found in this year’s version. In fact, the game feels like all the things we loved about the last GameCube game in the franchise have been scraped to make this a simple version that features the basics just to show off the innovative control scheme. This, of course, gives the game it’s rushed production feel and that’s what hurts the game overall. Then again, what the game does get right is what elevates this game to new and exciting heights.

We’ll start with the game’s controls because this is what obviously the game’s biggest strength. The game uses both the Wiimote and the nunchuck attachment used to execute a number of moves the way you would in real life. If you want to pound an opponent with both fists, slam down both the remote and nunchuk. To perform a strike all you have to do is swing the Wiimote. If you swing it in different directions you’ll perform different types of strikes. Each Superstar has his own unique finishing move, all of which requires you to use both controls in different ways. The good news is that the controls are responsive and pulling off each move is a breeze since the game just doesn’t include the more complex moves seen in the other console versions.

As I mentioned above, a number of match types have been taken out but at least there are enough modes to play since this year’s game not only brings in the SmackDown and Raw families but also the ECW crew as well. There are a variety of tournament modes and you can create your own tournament as well (setting different conditions and match rules). While the Wii version doesn’t get 24/7 Mode, there’s Main Event Mode. Main Event basically acts as both 24/7 Mode’s General Manager and Superstar career mode, taking your Superstar or created character (or your Mii if you want to add an element of wackiness to the situation). It’s a deep mode but why couldn’t we have 24/7 Mode as well? Still, being able to take a rookie through a lengthy career or playing out your favorite Superstar’s career is still a blast.

Visually, the game doesn’t look spectacular but it doesn’t look awful either. The Superstar models actually look really good to the point that it makes them look good not only during intros but also during the action. Even your created grappler looks good and there’s something hilarious about watching your Mii go up against a Superstar like Cena or Booker T. What doesn’t look as good as it should are the arenas as well as the fans that are animated well enough but still not as good as the PS3 or Xbox 360 version.

While the graphics are decent enough, the game’s sound is a major sore spot thanks to the awful commentary team that just doesn’t really comment on the match in progress. What they do instead is make comments about a particular Superstar that has nothing to do with the match. Aside from the weak commentary, the voice acting is not very good and the soundtrack might not be everyone’s cup of tea … unless you like cheesy hard rock tunes.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for the Nintendo Wii is far from perfect but it’s an impressive first try on the console, and a wonderfully unique and enjoyable wrestling title. The Wiimote controls are responsive and you’ll be breaking a sweat in no time in Main Event Mode. While we would definitely like to see more game modes and match types, the inclusion of your Mii and the ECW stable makes this a truly unique wrestling game with a lot offer fans of the WWE franchise.

Gameplay: 7.5
The Wii controls are actually very responsive and, with the elimination of the more complex moves, you’ll have a blast mimicking moves like slams and finishing moves. You’ll find a rather neutered version of the other console version’s long list of matches and Main Event Mode is fun but where is 24/7 Mode? At least there are a healthy number of Superstars and Legends.

Graphics: 7.5
The Superstars look great but the rest of the game just isn’t as visually stunning as the other console versions. At least the intros and each Superstar’s animations look realistic enough to make everything from finishing moves to high-flying moves look great.

Sound: 6.0
The soundtrack is composed of hard rock tunes that might not be everyone’s favorite but if it is then you’re in for a real treat. Everyone else will just turn the volume down because the voice work is bad and the commentary is a joke.

Difficulty: Medium
Expect tough opposition from the top Superstars like Rey Mysterio, JBL and even the unlockable Vince McMahon will give you a challenge in Main Event Mode or even a King of the Ring Tournament. Gamers will definitely want to get comfortable with the controls before hitting the mat in a tournament match.

Concept: 7.5
The franchise did good on the GameCube but on the Nintendo Wii the star of the show is certainly the controls that make you physically pull of various moves like the good old Irish Whip or body slams. You can create your Superstar as well and insert your Mii into the ring.

Multiplayer: 7.0
There are matches that allow up to two-players to go head-to-head in a few matches but the real fun is in stepping into the virtual ring with a total of four players. Sadly, there’s no online multiplayer to share created Superstars with others or make tournaments even more exciting.

Overall: 7.5
A stellar first try on the Nintendo Wii, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 feels a tad rushed in places but the motion-sensor action makes this a fun and unique wrestling game. Fans will certainly love the slams and finishing moves using the Nunchuk and Wiimote, but the lack of match types will disappoint the more hardcore fans. Still, those looking for a different and more interactive version of the game should definitely pick this one up.