WWE SmackDown! Vs. RAW 2008 impressions

While we have a picture of the despicable Randy Orton above, the demo I got to play had John Cena matched up against Triple H. The first thing I noticed about the game is that the graphics really do look good. When it comes to the 360 and PS3 versions, the characters tend to be really shiny. On the Wii (and PS2 I am guessing), the characters a more matted look. I actually prefer this over the next-gen offerings. It’s also great to see a third party game that really looks good.

I pretty much jumped right into the game, and learned the controls as I went along. The motion controls work in conjunction with the A and B triggers. Basically, you have various attacks depending on how you swing the Wiimote, and those change if you hold the A or B button down. It was easy enough to switch from a punch to a dropkick, and then a grab. Once you have a character in a hold, you have to lift the Wiimote and Nunchuk over your head, and then slam them down. It was a little hard to move around in the space on the show floor, but I did manage to get the throws done a number of times. Very satisfying to say the least.

One of my favorite parts was doing the character taunts. This is even better if you know the characters from the WWE. I had John Cena, so I held down the C button (this readies your taunt), and then you perform the real life motion with the Wiimote and Nunchuk. I waved my hand infront of my face to perform the “You Can’t See Me”, and was having so much fun doing it that Triple H came over and beat the hell out of me. You know how taunts are a ton of fun in Smash Bros.? It’s going to be the same thing with this game.

The only real issue I had was when it came to running. John would run outside of the ring no problem, but I couldn’t get him the charge in the ring. I am sure I was just neglecting something, as everything else worked just like a charm. Entering/exiting the ring is accomplished by just walking up to the ropes. You will have to stay there for a second before you leave, to keep from having accidents by leaving the ring when you don’t want to.

If you are a wrestling game fan, you should really look forward to the Wii offering. The game will be great for multiple players, and the controls are simple and responsive enough for anyone to jump in.