Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PSP, Wii, DS
Developer: Yuke’s
Publisher: THQ

One of the most difficult challenges in gaming is the production of an annual title. Sports titles have the unenviable task of creating a new and fresh experience for gamers, even though they typically have the shortest development cycle. Wrestling games, because of their rabid fan base, are some of the most difficult games to iterate. THQ made the educated decision to listen to what fans were clamoring for: more modes, more wrestlers, and more customization.

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 is a game that can be defined as redemption for THQ. In honor of the franchise’s 10th anniversary, THQ has done an amazing job in re-creating the look and more importantly the feel of WWE programming. From the all-new Road to Wrestlemania, (which chronicles seven different wrestlers on their quest for the ultimate pay-per-view), WWE Highlight Reel to the innovative Create-A-Finisher, and the copious amounts of unlockable content, there is almost too much to do in the game.

Play control has stayed faithful to WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008, with some important changes. One of the things added to help make the game more accessible are cues for everything from reversing strikes and grapples to unleashing finishing moves.

Building up the momentum meter is achieved by mixing up attacks, grapples and strikes to gain the crowd’s favor. Once one of the meters has been filled up, you can unleash a signature move or store it. After storing a signature move, you’re free to use it at will, but you can also fill up the meter again to perform a finisher. This balancing act between unleashing signature moves now or saving it for finishing moves adds a little bit more strategy to the matches.

The overall AI is vastly improved over previous years’. The best example of this is evidenced during Tag-Team Matches. Previously, during a single player Tag-Team match, the User would control one player, while the computer would pretty much just stand around, clapping their hands and begging to be tagged in. Tag Team Matches are now high energy, referee distracting, tag-team move performing gems. That’s right folks: Tag-Team Matches are now one of the most entertaining matches to be found in the game.

Road to Wrestlemania is the featured single player mode; seven unique WWE Superstars follow storylines written by actual WWE writers, on their quest for glory at Wrestlemania. There is even a Co-op storyline, featuring Rey Mysterio and Batista, a wrestling game first. Looking at the crowds signs that reference previous matches, the absolutely decadent camera work, as well as the disturbingly accurate light and smoke shows represent a level of authenticity never before seen in a WWE videogame. The announce teams also contribute to the atmosphere; making comments about each storyline, and referring to various events leading up to each match.

Graphically, the Superstars have received the obligatory upgrade in almost every area; most notably in the texture of skin and musculature. No longer will the player models stretch and their arms end up looking strangely contorted; the animation and smoothness overall is quite good, and realistic. Take a look at Ken Kennedy, when he is moving throughout the ring during his entrance. You can clearly see muscles flexing as he moves; even Chris Jericho’s pecs flex as he enters the ring – cool stuff, indeed.

In the ring, the referees are noticeably more physical and animated. I laughed out loud when the ref asked me if I wanted to tap out while Jon Cena had me in a submission hold, just another subtle touch to add to the overall feeling of immersion.

The main addition to the Create-a-Wrestler mode is the ability to create finishing moves. The process is very straightforward. There are ten slots for you to choose and select one of over 500 animations. You can manually adjust the speed of each segment of the move. Once complete, you can then name your finisher, or use one of the pre-selected names to assign. Custom finishers can be assigned to both created wrestlers, as well as any WWE Superstar.

Career mode allows you to use either a created wrestler or WWE Superstar. The goal is simple: go for the gold and try to win every belt in the WWE. During your journey, you will win attribute points to distribute to your wrestler, and build them up to become the next wrestling legend.

The real draw of WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 is that it keeps a nice balance between being insanely fun and addictive in single player, while offering a multitude of depth in multiplayer and creation modes. Someone will always complain that this game doesn’t have this, or that. Well, we didn’t have much when Wrestlemania 2000 came out, and yet it’s still respected as the greatest wrestling game of it’s time. I hope there’s room at the top, because WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 is an instant classic – by paying homage to the Aki developed titles of yesteryear, while incorporating modern technology. WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 is highly recommended and a must buy for any wrestling fan.