Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 builds on its predecessors by introducing the hardcore spirit of ECW alongside the familiar rosters of Smackdown and Raw. Players can step into the ring as icons like The Sandman, CM Punk or Marcus Cor Von while mixing and matching eight distinct fighting styles—Showman, Powerhouse, High-Flyer and more—assigning both a primary and secondary specialty to craft a truly personal superstar. The new struggle submission system adds depth to grappling exchanges, forcing you to time reversals and counters precisely in order to wear down an opponent or force a pivotal tap-out.

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Beyond the standard one-on-one and tag matches, Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 introduces a robust Tournament mode packed with challenges that range from Iron Man bouts to the chaotic Elimination Chamber. Classic stipulations—Tables, Ladders & Chairs, Hell in a Cell and Royal Rumble—sit alongside fan-favorite specialties such as Hardcore matches. This breadth of options keeps every play session fresh and ensures there’s always a new ring type or gauntlet scenario to master.

Modes have also been streamlined under the WWE 24/7 umbrella (Main Event on Wii), merging Season and General Manager play into one cohesive experience. You can create a rising star, guide an existing superstar through rivalries, or take on the role of GM, balancing match cards, budgets and title opportunities. The Wii version trims some management features in favor of motion-controlled attacks and Mii integration, offering a unique, interactive twist on the core gameplay loop.

Platform differences further spice up the experience. On Xbox 360 you can pump in your own entrance themes, while PS3 offers a first-person camera for those dramatic ringwalks. Both current-gen versions support online multiplayer, inviting you to test your customized bruisers and high-flyers against rivals worldwide.

Graphics

Visuals in Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 strike a balance between arcade flair and realistic detail. Next-generation consoles showcase crisp character models, fully lit arenas and dynamic crowds that pulse in time with your pre-match superstar entrances. Signature moves look weighty, and the impact of slams and submissions is punctuated by satisfying camera shakes and character flinches.

On PS3 and Xbox 360, cloth physics on entrance robes, sweat effects and facial expressions add authenticity, while the variety of new arenas—including WrestleMania 23, Unforgiven and SummerSlam—feel instantly recognizable to veteran fans. Lighting transitions between ring entrances and match spotlighting capture the grandeur of a televised WWE event, immersing you in each storyline moment.

The Wii version makes clever use of its hardware limitations, trading high-res textures for colorful cell-shaded edges and stylized HUD elements that integrate your Mii avatar. Though character detail is scaled back, the motion-sensing camera work and gesture-based moves infuse matches with an energetic, party-game quality that appeals to more casual audiences.

Story

While Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 doesn’t feature a traditional cinematic narrative campaign, its WWE 24/7 mode provides a sandbox for scripted rivalries, title chases and managerial showdowns. You’ll navigate weekly match cards, contract negotiations and unpredictable superstar alliances, creating emergent stories based on your in-game decisions.

If you opt for the GM path, your storyline comes from behind-the-scenes drama—balancing superstar egos, champion mandates and PPV build-ups. The ebb and flow of wins, losses and surprise appearances (like ECW invaders) makes every season feel like a fresh chapter in the ongoing WWE saga.

Tournament challenges also bring their own mini-narratives, from surviving multiple opponents in battle royals to staging epic Hell in a Cell brawls. Although there’s no fully voiced story mode, the variety of match types and branching unlocks keep you invested in your superstar’s rise to the top.

Overall Experience

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 delivers a well-rounded package for both hardcore and casual wrestling fans. The expanded roster featuring ECW legends, combined with the strategic depth of dual fighting styles and the new submission system, refreshes the series formula without overwhelming newcomers. Whether you’re chaining high-flyer reversals or laying out opponents with a weighty power move, the core gameplay feels robust and rewarding.

Platform exclusives—custom entrance music on Xbox 360, first-person walkouts on PS3, motion-based brawling on Wii—give each version its own personality and replay hooks. Online play on current-gen consoles and Mii integration on Wii extend longevity, ensuring you’ll return to your creations and match types long after the initial ring bell.

Party-friendly features like the Wii’s motion controls and streamlined Main Event mode complement the deeper WWE 24/7 package, making Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 one of the more versatile entries in the franchise. In the end, it’s a brawler that respects its roots while embracing fresh twists—an essential pick for anyone seeking a dynamic, all-around wrestling sim.

Retro Replay Score

7/10