Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 builds on the series’ solid foundation by refining tag-team action and introducing fresh mechanics. The new Hot-Tag mode injects real-time excitement into partnerships, giving both wrestlers a burst of momentum when the tagged-in superstar reaches the corner. Tag-team finishers further deepen strategy, as coordinating with your partner becomes crucial for executing devastating joint attacks and turning the tide of a match.

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The Create-a-Finisher system is a standout addition, offering over 500 unique animations to craft personalized finishing moves. This level of customization empowers players to design signature maneuvers that reflect their individual playstyle and imagination. Better yet, these custom finishers can be shared and witnessed in online bouts, adding a communal layer that encourages creativity and competition.

Beyond the staple singles and tag-team bouts, the game introduces new match types like Inferno and Gauntlet, alongside refined backstage brawl positions. These variants elevate the unpredictability of each encounter, ensuring that no two matches feel identical. The Highlight Reel feature also gives you the tools to capture your most dramatic moments, trimming and editing replays to create your own highlight reels for sharing or reliving epic victories.

Graphics

Visually, Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 delivers crisp character models and polished arenas that reflect the pageantry of WWE events. Superstars exhibit realistic facial details and body shapes, capturing the likenesses of over 60 performers from SmackDown, Raw, and ECW. Entrance animations remain a spectacle, complete with vibrant pyro, dynamic lighting, and authentic ring setups that immerse players in the electric atmosphere of a live show.

The Create-a-Finisher animations stand out graphically, showcasing smooth transitions and weighty impacts that make each move feel consequential. Lighting effects and camera shakes during high-impact maneuvers further enhance the visceral thrill. Even backstage areas are rendered with care—locker rooms, corridors, and arenas all benefit from detailed textures and ambient soundscapes that heighten immersion.

Online shareability doesn’t dilute the visual quality—custom finishers and Highlight Reel clips maintain fidelity when uploaded or downloaded. Whether you’re pulling off a custom move in a packed arena or editing replays in the theatrical overlay, the game’s graphics engine consistently balances performance with spectacle, ensuring that action remains fluid and engaging.

Story

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 offers two main narrative-driven modes: Road to WrestleMania and Career mode. Road to WrestleMania features six distinct storylines centered on marquee names—Triple H, CM Punk, Chris Jericho, The Undertaker, John Cena—and concludes with a co-op tale starring Batista and Rey Mysterio. Each path unfolds through cinematic cutscenes, backstage interactions, and in-ring challenges that emulate the buildup and drama of a real WWE storyline.

Career mode overhauls the previous GM Mode, allowing you to guide a single wrestler (custom or roster star) from rookie to legend. Through match wins, promos, and rivalry decisions, you accrue points to upgrade attributes such as strength, agility, and charisma. This progression system offers long-term motivation and personalization, as you sculpt your character’s strengths and weaknesses based on playstyle choices.

Both modes strike a balance between scripted scenarios and player agency. While Road to WrestleMania delivers curated events with imposed win/loss conditions, Career mode lets you forge your own narrative arc, unlocking new entrances, attires, and finishing moves along the way. The interplay between storytelling and gameplay ensures that fans get an authentic WWE experience, whether they want a guided saga or an open-ended career journey.

Overall Experience

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 stands as one of the most feature-rich entries in the franchise, appealing to both casual fans and hardcore sim enthusiasts. The depth of its tag-team system, combined with custom finishers and a robust roster editor, ensures nearly endless replayability. Even without legendary superstars onboard, the editor lets you recreate past icons or invent dream matchups, filling any gaps in the lineup.

Community engagement shines through online matches and shared creations, fostering a lively environment where creativity is rewarded. Custom finishers, Highlight Reels, and user-updated rosters keep the locker room fresh and ever-evolving. The blend of polished presentation, sprawling customization, and diverse match types makes each play session feel unique and packed with possibility.

For prospective buyers, WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 offers a comprehensive package that captures the spectacle and strategy of professional wrestling. Whether you’re in it for the story-driven campaigns, the competitive tag-team showdowns, or the sandbox-style customization, this edition delivers a thoroughly engaging and satisfying wrestling experience.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10