WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008

Un article de Vev.

Modèle:Infobox VG WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008<ref name="svr2008.com" /> a professional wrestling video game developed by YUKE's Future Media Creators and released on the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii consoles, PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS video game consoles by THQ in November 2007. <ref name="THQ-1"> The Number One Fighting Video Game Franchise Takes on Three New Platforms in WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2008

. THQ

. Retrieved on 2007-03-31. </ref>

The game is the latest edition of the long-running WWE SmackDown! video game series based on the professional wrestling promotion World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It is the sequel to 2006's WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 and is the first SmackDown game to include the promotion's ECW brand.<ref name="Eyeson"> Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 Eyes-on

. IGN

. Retrieved on 2007-05-09. </ref> It is also the first WWE game to be available for all seventh generation game consoles.

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Gameplay

Each wrestler now has two fighting style categories, one primary and one secondary. Each fighting style has its advantages and disadvantages in each particular match type. <ref name="IGN-2"> Coleman , Bill

.    First Interview: SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 
. IGN

. Retrieved on 2007-03-31. </ref> There are eight styles altogether: high-flyer, hardcore, submission artist, powerhouse, showman, brawler, dirty and technical.<ref name="WWE.com-1"> Hunt , Jen

.    SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 unveiled 
. WWE

. Retrieved on 2007-03-31. </ref> The wrestler's special move, however, is based solely on their primary style.<ref name="IGN-2" /> In addition, creative manager of THQ Cory Ledesma stated early in production that he planned on having numerous wrestler animations redone.<ref name="IGN-2" />

Image:Svr08logo2.png

An early Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 logo.

A new "struggle submission system" has been introduced, incorporating more analog control into the game. The player executing the submission can now decide how much pressure is applied by moving the analog stick in a particular direction. Similarly, the player locked in a submission hold will have to power out also by using the analog stick. <ref name="IGN-2" />

The game features the revived ECW brand, which takes its place alongside the established Raw and SmackDown! brands. The official box art features the ECW logo prominently. The game's ECW branding has expanded the number of weapons available under the ring during gameplay. New weapons such as guitars are available and tables can be set on fire. <ref> THQ Wii information page

. THQ

. Retrieved on 2007-05-09. </ref> Despite the inclusion of the brand, the video game franchise will keep its SmackDown! vs. RAW name, although an early logo included "ECW Invasion" in the title.<ref name="IGN interview">WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 interview. IGN.</ref>

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Modes

The game allows several different game modes to be played, each with different goals and options. The season and general manager modes of previous games have been merged into the new "WWE 24/7" mode, which takes its name from WWE's video on demand service. Players can choose to play one of the game's included superstars, a created superstar or as a general manager of one of the brand. Playing as a wrestler, the goal is to take that wrestler and achieve "legend" status. In order to do so the player has to win matches, team with and feud with other wrestlers and gain popularity. At the same time they must choose whether to train, exercise, relax, or take part in other activities when not wrestling, all with their own positive and negative effects. A glitch which has frustrated many fans is the fact that if playing as a created wrestler, in the Road to Wrestlemania portion and is in possession of the title, they are asked if they want to relinquish the title, yet the story continues as if they chose to relinquish the title, preventing the player from completing WWE 24/7 Mode.

Playing as a general manager is similar to the previous General Manager modes in the series, in which one has to choose a brand and act as its General Manager (Jonathan Coachman for Raw, Theodore Long for SmackDown!, Tommy Dreamer for ECW), draft a roster and attempt to make decisions to make it the most popular brand of the three. The General Manager is allowed to hire/fire wrestlers, schedule workouts and events.<ref name="24/7"> WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 24/7 Mode Report

. IGN

. Retrieved on 2007-10-11. </ref> There is also a all-new Tournament Mode which allows the player control a superstar through the various stages of a WWE tournament such as Beat The Clock Sprint and King of the Ring, as well as Money in the Bank tournament. This is featured only on the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360. Like previous games in the series, the game also allows players to challenge for and defend championships<ref>http://media.ps2.ign.com/media/882/882477/img_4874778.html</ref>. The game includes championships used by the WWE in 2007, bringing back the branded championships from the previous game and for the first time, the ECW Championship.

The game allows several match types to be played. This includes the Iron Man match; Battle Royal; Hell in a Cell<ref> [http://www.gamekult.com/images/ME0000881032/ WWE SmackDown Vs RAW 2008 screenshot - Fatal-4-Way matches]

. Gamekult

. Retrieved on 2007-10-14. </ref>; Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match; Hardcore; Ladder match; the Elimination Chamber; and Royal Rumble<ref> WWE SmackDown Vs RAW 2008 screenshot - Royal Rumble matches

. Gamekult

. Retrieved on 2007-10-14. </ref> among others.

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Platform differences

The game differs significantly depending on the platform it is played on. These differences are seen first and foremost in the Nintendo DS version of the game. It makes use of the handheld's touch screen feature to control the wrestlers' in-ring actions. This version also includes wireless multiplayer gameplay, as well as training minigames.<ref> THQ Nintendo DS information page

. THQ

. Retrieved on 2007-05-09. </ref> However, the DS version features a roster of just 21 wrestlers<ref name="DS Roster"> SmackDown vs. Raw '08 Roster (DS)

. Retrieved on September 3 , 2007 . </ref> and retains the Season mode of past games rather than receiving the 24/7 or Main Event modes being introduced to other systems.<ref name="IGN-3"> SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 First Look

. IGN

. Retrieved on 2007-03-31. </ref>

The Xbox 360's hard drive is utilized to allow custom music to be used in the game as entrance music.<ref name="Imported music"> WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 Progress Report

. IGN

.</ref> and the PlayStation 3 version has a first-person view option during the wrestlers' entrances.<ref name="First-person mode"> First person Entrances for PS3 Only

. IGN

.</ref> The Wii version takes advantage of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, using the motion-sensing capabilities to pull off various attacks. For instance, punches and chops are performed by slashing the Wii Remote in different directions. .<ref name="Wii-1"> Hoffman , Chris

.    WWE on Wii! 
. Nintendo

. Retrieved on 2007-03-31. </ref> It also includes Mii integration, both on menu screens of Main Event mode and on the HUD during game play.<ref> WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 (Wii) video page

. IGN

. Retrieved on 2007-10-10. </ref>

In addition to exhibition matches and create-a-wrestler, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation versions have a 24/7 mode<ref name="24/7" /> as its version of a season mode. However, the Wii version has Main Event mode in place of 24/7 mode and does not contain a General Manager mode.

The Wii version features five match types. These are, Single (One on One), Tag Team (Two on Two), K.O. Match, Triple Threat and Hardcore. This version lacks a WWE Shop and features a smaller move list compared to the other versions.^{[citation needed]}

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PAL and NTSC differences

Both PAL and NTSC versions are similar in content and playability. However the NTSC version includes an extra feature available in "Options" menu called "Cheat Codes" which lets you apply cheats that can unlock Kelly Kelly's Alternate Outfit & HBK and HHH's DX Attire by entering their respective code in the "Cheat Menu". The PAL Version which was released four days earlier, doesn't include this feature. The PS2 version also has no way to play online after the hacking.

The Cheat function is available on the PAL version of the game on Xbox 360 but not the PS2.

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Roster

Unlike previous editions of the game, the rosters vary according to the platform. Many wrestlers are not present in the DS version. However, all versions feature many returning characters. The series mainstays Batista, Edge, John Cena, Kane, King Booker, John Bradshaw Layfield (as an unlockable), Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and The Undertaker all return. Snitsky and Carlito make their third consecutive appearances since debuting in SmackDown vs. Raw 2006. Mr. Kennedy, Shane McMahon (as an unlockable) Bobby Lashley, Gregory Helms, Johnny Nitro and Finlay return after appearing in SmackDown vs. Raw 2007. Making his return to the SmackDown! video game series is Jeff Hardy, who has not been in a SmackDown game since WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth. Also, Mr. McMahon has been added to the game as an unlockable. This is the first time he has been a playable character since WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain. You can also unlock Mr. McMahon's alternate bald attire.

Returning wrestlers Chavo Guerrero, Chris Masters, Matt Hardy, Mark Henry, Umaga, William Regal and The Great Khali are not available in the DS version. Also, Hardcore Holly is exclusive to Nintendo DS.

SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 also introduces a number of new playable wrestlers to the series. CM Punk, Elijah Burke, JTG, Kenny Dykstra, Marcus Cor Von, MVP, The Sandman and Shad make their first appearances in the SmackDown! series. The game also continues the series' inclusion of WWE legends, although the DS version does not include any of them. Bret Hart, Mick Foley, Rick Rude, Roddy Piper, Steve Austin and The Rock are among the legends included. Also featured are ECW legends Terry Funk, Tommy Dreamer, and Sabu. The PSP version features exclusive legends Eddie Guerrero, Jim Neidhart and Sgt. Slaughter.

SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 includes WWE divas as well. Candice Michelle, Melina, Torrie Wilson and Mickie James return from SmackDown vs. Raw 2007. Ashley, and Kelly Kelly make their series debuts, while Michelle McCool returns after appearing in SmackDown vs. Raw 2006. Like the legends, no playable divas are included in the DS roster.

Also featured are non-playable characters, referred to as NPCs (non playable characters). With the exception of the PlayStation 2 version (using cheat devices), these characters are not playable at all in the game, Armando Alejandro Estrada, Theodore Long, Jonathan Coachman, Stephanie McMahon, Chloe, Maria, Lilian Garcia, Tony Chimel,and Justin Roberts are among them.

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In-game arenas

The main WWE television show arenas include:

The game also features arenas of the following pay-per-view-events:

1 Arenas must be unlocked via the WWE Hall of fame mode

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Release and critical reaction

Before the game was released, it was named as a 2007 Game Critics Award nominee for Best Fighting Game.<ref> 2007 Nominees

. Game Critics Awards

. Retrieved on 2007-10-11. </ref>

On October 15 2007 the demo was released onto the Xbox Live Marketplace. The game was released for all platforms in November 2007. Special editions of the game are available for some platforms, such as a collector's edition of PlayStation 2 and 3 version. This version will include a number of bonuses, including a tin case, a DVD with additional content, a Kelly Kelly trading card, an autographed Rey Mysterio lenticular card and a 28-page signature finisher's moves book. It also includes a code to unlock an alternate attire for Kelly Kelly in the game.<ref> WWE Smackdown VS Raw 2008 - Collectors Edition

. GameStop

. Retrieved on 2007-10-14. </ref><ref> WWE Smackdown vs RAW 2008 Collector's Edition

. Electronics Boutique

. Retrieved on 2007-10-15. </ref> Play.com released a limited edition pack called the Dirty Edition for the Xbox 360 which will include several extras, including postcards, a t-shirt, and a Kelly Kelly calendar.<ref> WWE Smackdown VS Raw 2008 - Dirty Edition

. Play.com

. Retrieved on 2007-10-11. </ref>

Critical reaction to the game has been generally positive. As of November 2007, Metacritic has rated the PS3 version of game 77 out of 100 or "Generally favorable reviews", including reviews from eleven media outlets. <ref name="Metacritic"> WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 reviews

. Metacritic

. Retrieved on 2007-11-16. .</ref> Also as of November 2007, Game Rankings has different scores for each version of the game. The highest rated one is the PS3 version, with an average ratio of 81% from 21 reviews. The other versions have average ratios in the 70-75% range. The DS version has the lowest ratio, with an average ratio of 63% from 12 reviews. <ref name="GR"> WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 - PS3

. Game Rankings

. Retrieved on [[2007-11-16]]. </ref>

IGN reviewed the game for each platform, though the scores are varied. The average score so far for all the systems combined is 7.1 out of 10, noting that the 24/7 mode was repetitive and a step down from the previous year's Season and GM modes respectively. <ref> Miller, Greg

     (2007-11-02)
   
.    WWE Smackdown vs. RAW 2008 (XBOX 360) review at IGN 
 (html)
 (English) 
. IGN

. Retrieved on 2007-11-01. </ref> However, Alex Navarro of Gamespot is far less generous in his review. He gives all the console versions of the game a 6.5 out of 10, a "fair" rating except for the Wii version which is rated an astonishing 4.5. While he does praise the new fighting styles and graphics, Navarro calls the game a "big disappointment." He cites the game's 24/7 mode and artificial intelligence as being among the game's shortcomings. <ref name="Navarro"> Navarro , Alex

     (2007-11-14)
   
.    WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 for the PlayStation 2 review

. Retrieved on 2007-11-16. </ref> GamePro gave the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions a 4.5 out of 5, earning it the Editor's Choice award. <ref name="GameProPS3"> WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 (PS3)

. GamePro

. Retrieved on [[2007-11-22]]. </ref><ref name="GameProXbox360"> WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 (Xbox 360)

. GamePro

. Retrieved on [[2007-11-22]]. </ref>

The "unlockable" arenas can be unlocked via the Road to the WWE Hall of Fame mode: ECW One Night Stand, ECW December to Dismember, WWE No Way Out, WWE New Years Revolution, The Great American Bash, SummerSlam & WrestleMania 23.

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Soundtrack

• 1.Nonpoint - Everybody down • 2.Puddle of Mudd - Famous • 3.8Ball&MJG - Stand Up • 4.AM Conspiracy - Welt • 5.AM Conspiracy - Right on Time • 6.Project 86 - Evil (A Chorus of Resistance) • 7.Project 86 - Put your lips to the TV • 8.Sevendust - Driven • 9.Sevendust - Feed • 10.Chevelle - Well Enough Alone • 11.Nobody Famous - Go Hard • 12.Hellyeah - You Wouldn't Know

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