WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 (Xbox 360, 2007)

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 featuring ECW is an amazing addition to the hit selling wrestling franchise. With outstanding new additions and improvements, '08 dominates '07 in many ways. There aren't any new match types, except for ECW extreme rules match, but I have to say this match is the best part of the game. Extreme rules allows you to choose, before you start the match, the weapons that are going to be under the ring, for example you can replace the default kendo stick with a guitar. Also, only for this kind of match, there is a scrolling wheel that will let you choose what weapons you want to take out. Not like SvR 2007, garbage cans, crutches, etc. aren't only seen in the audience area. Plus, you can take out more than one table, which in '07, you could only get more than one table if it was a tables match. Moreover, now that the ECW brand has come to the WWE, the hardcore styles come with it. You can now, with a saved finisher icon, set tables and barbed wire 4x4s on fire, which will inflict twice as more damage if used. Now onto chairs, chairs can be used in so many ways now in '08. Instead of just smashing it across the opponents face, you can open up the chair and put it on your opponents leg or neck and than stomp it to inflict a lot of damage. But that is not all, you can also put the chair in the turnbuckle and then irish whip the opponents head into the chair. Lastly, by using two chairs, you put one under their face and smash the other chair in the back of the head. Before I finish talking about the weapons, the bell now makes a bell sound! when used and finally once again you can use steel steps. With a ultimate grapple move, you can powerbomb, suplex, etc. your opponent onto the top of the steel steps. Furthermore, this year each superstar has a different style of wrestling, for example, Batista is a powerhouse, Jeff Hardy is a high flyer, and of course Sandman is hardcore. I'm not going to talk about this so much because there is too much to say, so I'm going to keep it nice and short. Each style allows you to do different moves. So if your a hardcore superstar you can do those chair maneuvers that I explained earlier but if your not a hardcore superstar you can't. High fliers have the possum pin, powerhouse has rampage mode, and etc. If you want to know everything about the wrestling styles look for the video on youtube. Moreover, every game has a down side to it, in this case it's the 24/7 mode. This year THQ combined the season mode and manager mode together as one. But that's not the problem, if your superstar gets injured and your doctor says to take sometime off, but you really can't so you must fight in the matches with the injured shoulder, leg, or whatever, while trying to both win the match and by trying your best to not get the area already injured more hurt than it is. It may sound good, but in my opinion, it just sucks the fun out of season mode. So trying to earn money or trying to get your created characters stats up is a huge hassle. Also new to 24/7 mode is now you can go into interviews, appeare in movies, autograph signing, and much more to boost your popularity. Other than that, there is one new tournament added this year which is beat the clock. WWE Shop is back if you remember it from N64 WWF No Mercy. You can purchase, titles belts (WWF Attitude Championship, WCW Classic Championship, etc.), kits for player type (powerhouse, high flyer, etc.), legend superstars (Sabu, Terry Funk, Stone Cold, etc

This game is perfect for WWE fans. It is especially fun to play with friends in multiplayer wrestling matches. The wrestlers look real and the moves are exactly like real life. You can make your own wrestler which is a great feature. I love playing it and going through the career mode the most.

This game is basically the 2007 version with a few updates. I really like the new submission system, and the 24/7 career mode fun too. But the roster is horrible. Instead of using the same roster as last year and building on it, the roster is reduced, taking away some favorite stars, Hulk Hogan for one. Basically next year needs to be totally rebuilt, and thats that.

Let me First say after playing this game its great. You can finally upload your own music as a entrance which is something I have been waiting for. Also there's so much to do in carrier mode its a very great game. New submission controls, very easy for beginners to novice. The downside, if you bought last years I feel the interaction was a little better. You don't really get to pick your own way by answering questions like last year. More of a pre-assembled path which is ok. Also alot of the same commentary and after playing last years it gets old hearing Jr and King saying the same stuff over again this year. But all in all I give it a 8.5 out of 10.

Overall this is a decent game if your into wrestling. Graphics's are great and the 24/7 mode is pretty cool. Aside from just having matches, you also have to play mini-games in order to raise levels (stamina, speed, strength ect.). Which has it's pluses and minuses over last years assigning points where ever you see fit.
The roster now includes ECW, but even with the addition it seems alittle thin over last years roster.
My general feeling is that this game was rushed and offers very little improvement over 2007's SD vs. Raw. If you dont own either, I'd say buy 2007, it's basically the same thing and you can get it dirt cheap (under $10). But if you have to have it, wait for a deal, especially if you already own 2007, because like I said, it's more like an add on than a whole new title. I'd say it was worth the $15+ I won it for, but any more and I would probably feel alittle cheated.
Good luck and have fun!