Official: My SD! vs. RAW 2008 Review Thread (360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PSP, NDS & Wireless)

[Alissa Drayson]

no, people can complain, but some have admitted they complain excessively just 'cause others like it(that's the childish part, IMO), not 'cause of the product itself. there's a difference. believe me, I don't just take they give me. I agree wit' a lot that IS wrong wit' the game, and I hope they fix it, yet, I see a lot of good as well. that's why I consider myself neutral of this pro-SvR vs anti-SvR war that's going on, heh. http://www.gamingring.com/forum/show...o-SvR+anti-SvR

Well, even if I took part with the anti-SvR-side of things I think I can make my opinion clear, it doesn't depend on anyone but myself and what I think/feel. Besides, this shouldn't be a war, people are welcome to speak their mind no matter if it's good, neutral or negative. I have mine and will stand up to that, without insulting anyone...und unfortunately this happens way too often around here. But, this thread is for reviews, so I'm waiting for more of those

[ShoNuff~LudaKrys]

jokingly, I think there is a bit of a war wit' the die-hard pro-SvR fanatics and the die-hard anti-SvR fanatics. heh, I've heard ridiculous comments from both sides, lol.

that's a good way of thinking, AD. I don't mind those that DON'T like the game. I have no problem with you--I liked your review. I don't mind those that DO like the game. it's just me sitting back and seeing what's going on, I don't like that those that don't like the game insist that you shouldn't like it either, unless you're a fool. that's when I spoke up, because I think I will like it. tomorrow can't get here soon enough. I'll probably give my review of SvR'08 then.

[Alissa Drayson]

you still haven't answered my first question. I don't understand how Khali's still able to fly if he's a Powerhouse...

Overlooked that He just can do it. As a powerhouse, you don't have a moonsault or a Senton Bomb but the generic Elbow Drops. And since he is a Brawler, too, this adds moves like RVDs Diving Kick to the moveset. So the realism they're dying for, it just doesn't work with this old game engine IMO.

[K-Shawn]

k-shawn's PS3 Review

Gameplay- sdvsraw08 gameplay has been slow down, which is a good thing, it gives it a more realistic feeling...but could be better

Gameplay 8/10

Presentation- Graphics on this game for ps3 are pretty good but seems sluggish alot, u can really see the difference between the 360 and the ps3, the menu is great, its easy to understand

Presentation- 8/10

Sound- the commentary isnt good at all, music is okay, and season mode hardly has any voice overs
Sound- 6/10

24/7 Season mode- this mode is a one time thing...cut scenes are really boring...its like playing exhibition mode with more loading


Season part of 24/7 - 6.5/10

caw mode - really similar to last years caw mode, nothing new...same old things
caw mode- 7

when i get to the rest i will add more

overall - 7

[ShoNuff~LudaKrys]

I got the games people. I feel like a new born--I'm liking everything in the ring, I just haven't gotten used to it yet, and I can't wait to get used to it. people haven't said much about it, but the animations are amazing. of course it's a few mishaps here and there, but overall, I'm REALLY liking the flow of the match and how the moves are performed. the length of the match depends, but IMO, even short matches are fun wit' the awesome animations you can finish with.

[Calgary]

I have the game not expecting not and not getting much, so overall I am pleased. This game is just fine... on handheld where limits actually make sense

[Spear]

So I got Smackdown vs Raw 2008 for the PSP and the DS. Thank goodness for modding, saved me big $$ for games that only deserve half of its retail value. On to my review for the PSP version.

Having enjoyed SvR2006 immensely (best Smackdown game ever imo) for the PSP back then, even if the loading times were atrocious (and that's putting it nicely, but thank goodness for modding again... loading isos instead of the UMD was a big difference maker), and the CAW mode had 16 layers only... pathetic would be a generous statement, but connectivity with the PS2 solved that issue. SvR2007 rolled around, and disappointment was an understatement. The game went backwards than forwards, and playing the game seemed like a chore. I've preached SvR2007's worst many times, and I'm not going to waste time going over again.

With that in mind, how is SvR2008? To put it briefly before I go in depth, it's pretty good and pretty bad.

Gameplay: 6/10
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The fighting styles is the new flavour this year. It really differentiates wrestlers and adds a refreshing new strategy to the once mindless grappler, however, THQ's track record kicks in again this year. It's definitely a double edged sword. Why? The fighting styles really restricts the moveset for your CAWs, so for those Puro and Indy fans who want to create their favorite wrestlers with a vast and diverse moveset, good luck with that. Unless you have a hacking device, and thats restricted to the PS2 too. The wrestling in general is extremely slow and sluggish, not exactly the type of realism they want to achieve. Controlling wrestlers feel unresponsive as well.

Why the restrictions? THQ probably thinks it adds "realism". This is utterly ridiculous since some movesets contradict themselves. Khali can pull off a RVD sidekick? My Lesnar can't pull off a SSP? That's only off the top of my head.

The new submission system is pretty cool as well, definitely preferable over the previus A&B system, but the transition for this is even half-assed as well. Have fun pinning your opponent after you snap their ankle with an Ankle Lock. Or pin your opponent after doing a spinning toe hold. HAW HAW HAW, thats fucking great. YOU WANT TO TAP OUT TO MY FUCKING TAZZMISSION? No chance! I can only choke you out and pin you. If you want to submit, let me put in a weak ass chin lock or Cena Underhook. Seriously, the submission system is really hampering the gameplay, one would think that Yuke's would've spent the 3 weeks of adapting these animations instead of making Kelly Kelly look like her real life self. Heck, Elijah's Burke model could've used more effort than that hoe.

Being able to reverse out of UCMs is pretty cool too, but that should've been in SvR2007.

The disastrous weight detection system that broke SvR2007 down is fixed this year, although it does have its flaws. I'll mention that in movesets review later. The length of matches feels slightly longer, but thats because they took out the time counter. Good thing probably, because I easily cleaned off Lashley with Helms in no time...

The new controls are horrendous too imo. Maybe because I'm too used to the old forumla, but even then, if it isn't broken, don't fix it. At least give fans an option to revert to the old controls. Setting it in stone just makes THQ look like ignorant no-good assholes. Same with not being able to store finishers. At least give the fans an option to store a finisher or a fighting style move.

Graphics: N/A
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Same thing as always, not much of an improvement available for the PSP version...

Season Mode: 3/10
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Fuck it, cut the VOs and go back to the text. I'm willing to guess that most of you played HCTP or an RPG before, so if you can handle text like those games, you can certainly handle text here. Its either that or have fun seeing the same storylines after half a season. Cutting VOs would allow you to use much more superstars than the weak selection this year. As usual, THQ's new overhyped feature stumbles out of the game again.

CAW Mode: 6/10
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A few new parts... the only reason I gave this rehashed mode a decent score is because they've added some decent new hair that can finally make your Ultimate Warrior CAW legit. Other than that, a few essential parts that were difference makers were removed, and layer editing got more tedious. The fact that the PSP is STILL decked with 16 layers is retarded. This is Yuke's 3rd PSP installment, and especially with PSPs having their core processor speed jacked up, the system can easily handle more than 16.Fuck 32, even 20 layers would be a difference maker.

Also, they really need to update the names and locations. Being able to string two names together would be awesome as well. Even a "2nd rate" wrestling like RAW 2 did that, Yuke's should easily be able to do that.

Moveset: 6/10
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Being a moveset enthusiast, going through the Smackdown moveset after going through Fire Pro's was like going from the Hamptons to a Third World Ghetto. The moveset has really declined ever since SvR2005. A healthy amount of PS1 animations are STILL in. Basic moves can't even be done right. Seriously... why the FUCK did Yuke's import crap ass Studio Gigante moves when they could've used DoR animations that were LOADS better. It's like choosing to fuck a street prostitute with aids instead of a fine ass healthy supermodel. It's puzzling.

UCMs is pretty pathetic too. One would think they would've expanded it, but that's not the case. I guess it shouldn't be surprising. The Arm Wrench UCM is taken out... wrestlers are doing Cross Powerbombs left and right, and guess what? Despite THQ's valiant effort (sarcasm btw) in limiting movesets to achieve realism, give Mysterio the "Lift Up" UCM and low and behold, he'll lift up the Great Khali. THQ should give the fuck up and let users have freedom with their movesets, its the fans game, let the fans play how they want to fucking play. They're trying to be all smart with restrictions here and restrictions there, well hey Ledesma or Williams (since you guys did state you read the boards) STOP IT. Your "realism" will NEVER be achieved, save your time, money, effort, and criticism reception by allowing the fans to freely choose what moves wrestlers and their CAWs get. Heck, if you guys really insist on it, make it an option. Don't just set it in stone.

Miscellaneous:
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What's the point of including sliders when they have minimal effect? Make the sliders work. Add some useful sliders like being able to set the match pace, being able to tone down/up damage distribution, etc. Let the fans mold their game between arcade/simulation. This would definitely help the series immensely imo.

Being able to edit wrestler attributes would be fucking awesome as well.

How to counter all this or online mode? Make the default options available for online only, or allow players agree on the rules of the host. Simple.

Overall :5/10
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Definitely a step up from SvR2007, but as I said before, SvR2008 is everything SvR2007 should've been. This series is nearing the end of its road, just like THQ's license with the WWE. Thank goodness for that. Having a more competent publisher and developer would really be awesome.

[underdog4]

Sounds like I may even skip the rental!

My buying every game ended with 07!
When HCTP came out the series FINALLY had stepped in the right direction and was no longer a "race to the finish!"

Then SvR came out and the AI was seriously broken. CAW'S would run towards the turnbuckle - leapfrog the opponent and sit perched . . .then jump at nothing!

I vowed to never blindly buy a SD game . . .but I did it wiht 06 and surprisingly . . .it was and IS amazing.

Match length and finisher damage could now be adjusted with sliders! WOW! Awesome!

I have 25 virtual mem cards on my ps3 from Bruno to TNA to Japan to old school WWF - it's great!

But 07? Wow - a HUGE step down - quick matches ending with low mvoes and sliders that do NOTHING!

I returned it and vowed "to never again blindly buy a SD game!" And I've kept to it with 08 and it seems like I've made the right choice!

ALl of the things that bothered me about 07 do not seem to be changed. The sliders are apparently doing very little. They tinkered with movesets and your CAW can never imitiate real movesets with people being power wrestlers and pulling off top rope moves like a SSP.

I'll watch the THQ/Yukes reign end and treasure SD 06 - which was the last good game they apparently made.

The crazy thing? It's one thing to jsut totally miss the point every year and make a bad game. It's a whole other thing to have a GOOD game (like 06) and BREAK it!

WHo plays a match that ends in three mintures with a slap and thinks that's ready to ship to stores?

Rubbish!

[C Dot]

the game is technically SvR 07 wrapped for the holiday season I dont see much of a change. they took a lot of moves including submissions and 24/7 isnt all that good. i kinda of agree with IGN's score

[OD50]

My super compact review:

Fail/10

[Rock 1.0]

Ok, I'm getting sick of everyone not even giving this game a fair chance. I'm sick of the "THQ/Yukes sux" comments. Here's my unbiased review on it:

Smackdown vs Raw 2008: Xbox 360 Version

Gameplay: 8/10
-Am I the only one here who likes the new control system? Once you get used to it, it's a lot easier to do ultimate control grapples and running. Also, including the feature to reverse ultimate control grapples in some new spots is a welcome feature, as it prevents some people from abusing it too much. There are still some issues, like no focus button. I like the re-animated moves as well, they look much cleaner than previous games. However, another issue comes in when you get to the fighting styles. Yes, some of the abilities are great, but honestly, the Techincal style is the most broken, because you will automatically reverse ANY strong grapple right before you receive limb damage. It's annoying and broken at the same time. The rest of the styles are okay. They get the job done. It sure helps against the Legend computers, though.

On the topic of match types, this game is the king of match types. The only match that they are missing is the "I Quit" match. Other than that, every match you could possibly think of in the WWE is here, including the new Extreme Rules match. The Extreme Rules match definitely differentiates itself from the normal Hardcore match, with the ability to have flaming tables and flaming barbed wire 2x4's.

Graphics: 10/10
-I got the Xbox 360 for christmas, and I must say, this is the best looking wrestling game I have ever seen! The graphics are incredible, although it's still silly to see like cloths and hair clip through their bodies sometimes.

WWE 24/7 Mode:

-Season Mode (play as a wrestler/CAW): 7/10
I like the new way they presented the season mode, although there are some glaring flaws in it. First off, there are obvious storyline holes/plots that make no sense. An example would be this: I won a match at Backlash that was supposed to make me the No. 1 contender, but instead of continuing on with me facing the champion at the next PPV, the game forgets I'm the No. 1 contender and puts me in a different storyline! I don't know why people are complaining about resting up injuries, because there is a Rest feature in my game, and yes, the injuries do go away after you rest (the minor ones at least). The storylines are pretty constant for the most part, although I know for a fact that it will eventually re-run itself. Another thing is that it does get tedious after playing for a long time.

-GM Mode: N/A
I'm not really a big fan of GM Mode, so I don't play it that much. It seems to be pretty much the same as last year's, but I just don't have the time to play this. At least it's here.

Sound/Commentary: 9/10
-No complaints here, other than the fact that JBL's commentary is just a half-baked, rehashed version of Tazz' lines from last year's game.

Online: N/A
-Again, I haven't dove into this mode just yet, because I've been busy unlocking all the wrestlers. It's pretty much the same as last year's game.

Overall: 8/10 (not an average)
-Overall, this game is a slight step up from Smackdown vs Raw 2007. Although the fighting styles help tremendously against the more difficult computers, it becomes broken once human players get involved. The Techincal style is completely broken (read: CHEAP!). The graphics are about on the same level as SVR '07 on the 360, and the plethora of match types are nice. The only things that are drawing this game back is the recycled commentary, the tedious (but fun) WWE 24/7 mode, as well as the fact that unlocking the Legends costs so much money. I like the new Ultimate Control grapples, as well as the Extreme Rules match. The Create-A modes are pretty much the same as last year, whether it be Create a Stable/Championship/Moveset/Wrestler. This is a great game, not the best game of the year, but a noticable upgrade from SVR 07. If you want SVR 07 with new wrestlers and a new season, then this game is for you. If you want a completely new experience, get Fire Pro Wrestling Returns or wait for the TNA Impact game to come out.

[Bill_4_SDHCTP]

My biggest complaint about the SMACKDOWN VS. RAW series is that it seems to be setting MORE limitations for the gamer:

-the amount of moves wrestlers have are limited. SvR 2006 there were 25 front grapples now there is only 8 front grapples plus 2 UCM even they are limited.

-the move list is limited when assigning moves to a specific attribute.

-moves have been taken out – the torture rack, the leg drop, etc.

-24/7 mode – same old storylines…the goal is supposed to become a LEGEND, yet the only belt that is competed for is the World Heavyweight/WWE. There is no competition or storylines for becoming an Intercontinental/US Champion or Tag Team champions. A CAWs should build their way up. Shawn Michaels was a jobber, tag team champion, Intercontinental Champion, World Heavyweight champion. Again LIMITATIONS!

-For PS3, since we didn’t get the feature of downloading our own music, we get the limited tracks. I created a great Asian character but there is no Asian music for his entrance.

-Voice Over needs to be totally dropped; the same old boring lines & phrases are limiting the season mode big time.

I could go on about the limitations but I think you get the picture.

I am happy that the brought back the KING OF THE RING matches along with the BEAT THE CLOCK.

The models, especially the CAWs, look great on the PS3. Even though the game is graphically enhanced, there are still the same collision detection problems, & some moves don’t seem to sell the impact. After 9 installments, you would think this problem would have been fixed.

My 2nd biggest complaint is why in the name of common sense was the button control change. To press 2 buttons to run is stupid - you are run around instead running at your opponent. Whats was wrong with keeping the grapple button to the O button instead of changing it to the right analog. The button sheme could have been kept the same as the past few years & it would have accomplish the same thing. Again there limitations - they only give you 1 other option to change the button scheme which is no better than the default. they should have had several change options - put the button schemes like hctp, svr, svr 2006 (which were the same) back in.

After approximately 40 hrs of game play since its release, I would rate this game a 7.0.

THQ/YUKES should go back & play SD:KYR & SD:HCTP & figure out what made these the best 2 out of all 9 SmackDown installments.

[Oasis UTD]

Got the game for 360

Overall I give it a 4.5/10

But hey I'm not complaining. I've become complacent with this game. I'll just keep on eating this garbage that THQ is feeding us until TNA or Legends of Wrestling comes out.