WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 – WII – Review

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.