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

PopCultureShock recently headed over to THQ to checkup on the status of WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2009. Not only did we thoroughly vet the PS3 and 360 versions of the title, but we also have all the improvements that Nintendo fans should expect as well.

Yuke’s has rolled out the Red Carpet Treatment for this year’s WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2009. In addition to the expected graphical and presentational improvements, the hardcore fans are going to enjoy the additional features and modes.

Both the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 versions share the same architecture, with the same changes and features.

The first thing that THQ did this year was listening to the fans’ opinions. Starting with one of the major fan gripes, a new ground based defensive position has been added to counter players who never let other players get up off the ground. By holding the L and R Triggers, when knocked down by an opponent, your WWE Superstar now will now go into a position that allows you to block or counter the opposing players’ strike or grapple. Anyone who played this title online last year was bound to be frustrated sooner or later by someone who wouldn’t let them off the ground, and repeatedly beat them to a pulp. With the advent of the new defensive position, however, strategy will be more important than ever in each match.

The next-gen versions also received some other interesting new features. The Highlight Reel allows you to save and upload your favorite moments from matches, and share them online with the community.

Inferno matches are battles in a ring surrounded by flames. WWE Superstars perform special moves to raise the temperature to 500 degrees. The match is won when one superstar sets the other on fire.

This year, the CPU controlled tag partner is smarter and more involved in each match. From blind tags, to distracting the ref, even pulling down the ropes to injure an opponent; the CPU controlled A.I has never been more dynamic.

In an attempt to make the character customizations even deeper, Yuke’s has come up with Create-A-Finsher. Sure to be a fan favorite, players can select from over 500 animations to create a custom finishing move.

Some of the biggest sports videogames out there have made pushes this year to be more accessible to beginners (i.e. Madden). WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2009 is adding more on-screen prompts to help players learn when to block and counter, or attempt reversals.

The Wii version of the game has undergone an impressive transformation as well. It is the first Wii wrestling title built from the ground up, and it shows. The developers had a clear focus on improving the gameplay; interactivity in-and-out of the ring, as well as full featured gameplay modes

Fans of the series rejoice; the Wii version supports an all-new career mode, as well as the “Road to WWE” mode. There is a comprehensive roster editor, to help keep the rosters up-to-date (changing factions, etc) with current WWE storylines.

In regards to gameplay, there is a considerable amount of “Wii-specific” content. Starting with your superstar’s entry into the ring, players are rewarded with the ability to gain momentum points by performing various controller movements. These moments appear at various points throughout the walk to the ring. By performing signature movements the crowd will react to the Superstar, and gradually fill up the momentum meter. This momentum can be used during the match to unleash special moves on your opponent, or stored and used later for a devastating finishing move. This feature is uniquely tied to the Wii version only, and is a shining example of a third party developer creatively supporting the Wiimote and Nunchuk.

In the ring, Wii users will find that the control scheme has been redesigned to encourage a quicker style of wrestling. Not to be confused with being arcadey, this control scheme largely revolves around the use of the A button for various moves. A blue health meter and red momentum bar are also new this year, and having balanced matches between the characters has never been more evident.

The overall game speed has been improved. On top of that, smoother and more varied animations have been added as well giving the game a more organic and natural feel.

Wii gamers now have the ability to block or counter grapples. The analog stick easily allows you to change the opponent focus. The ability to interact with the ref post-match should add plenty of fun moments. And lastly, the Wii will not be left out of online multiplayer matches.

So far, this title is shaping up to be one of the most comprehensive and immersive wrestling titles since WWF Wrestlemania 2000. Features such as the Highlight Reel will bring a community aspect to wrestling games that has been sorely missed previously. The massive improvements, coupled with fantastic presentation and downloadable content will make anyone who loved the Aki produced WWE games of yesteryear proud.