In order to continue to deliver the definitive videogame simulation of WWE programming, WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 unleashs a brand new tag team experience, allowing players to build momentum and attributes, eliminate opponents with high impact double teams and finishers, as well as get the “hot tag” for the win. The franchise's creation system offers a brand new Create-A-Finisher option, while a new 'Road to Wrestlemania Mode' paves the way to WWE’s biggest event of the year and lets players experience co-op storylines for the first time. The game also extends the virtual WWE gameplay experience with robust online capabilities, including the highly anticipated debut of downloadable content...

In my review of WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2008, I was starting to think that the franchise had just about peaked... how wrong I was. WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2009 finally sees THQ knock the lumps out of the franchise, and it's pretty obvious that they've listened to fans criticisms (long load times, dodgy animation etc).

The biggest difference between this game and previous offerings in the franchise is the new story mode ('Road to Wrestlemania') which replaces last year's career mode. Here you can chose to battle your way to Wrestlemania from a selection of eight superstars. Each of the stars has a totally different path to follow, with different challenges. This makes it worth while playing through each character, as there's some pretty fun elements in each story.

Then there's the 'Reel Mode' editing facility that lets you capture your highlights and edit them to replay at your leisure. The amount of options is impressive too with this mode - far more than I was expecting. This is sure to be one element of the game that fans fall in love with as they create clips to show to their friends.

Or there's 'Tag Team Explosion'; 'Create-A-Finisher'; and new online options that allow you to take your skills online - as well as offering downloadable content.

Another interesting aspect is that you don't really need to be a WWE fan to appreciate this game. The game's fairly easy to pick up and play (it won't take more than a couple of matches to master the controls) and once you do it's great fun beating the life out of your friends.

One thing is certain - this is by far the best in the franchise to date and will keep WWE fans happy for a long time.

9

Ray Thompson