WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008

Also known as: N/A

Developer: Yuke's

People don't like change…and ultimately, I think that's why WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 gets a bad reputation with some. While SvR 2008 isn't perfect, it wasn't even close to being the "worst wrestling game ever made" at the time, like some folks claimed. Basically, this game was a game of changes. Some good, some bad, but nothing that made this game absolutely terrible. The most noteworthy change is probably the addition of the then-resurrected ECW brand…but like the Pet Cemetery, sometimes dead is better. Other changes include various mode changes, the debut of a "fighting style system," a changed way to apply and break out of submission holds, and the debut of the "weapon wheel" found in modern WWE games, allowing you to select a specific weapon to pull out from under the ring. The end result of all of those changes either results in an improved game or a disaster, depending on the player. I, personally, felt like it made this game a step backwards from the previous games in the series. Not a huge step backwards, mind you, but a step backwards nonetheless. I still enjoyed my time with it, though, and I think most fans of wrestling games will find something to enjoy here as well.

Review added: 09/12/2024