In addition to all this there is also a really nice replay mode, which gives players the option of saving and editing replays of their best match wins. Not only can you edit the movies, adding in a ton of different sound effects and graphics, but you can then upload the video to THQ servers for all to enjoy. WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 features the same online mode from last year with all the new features and upgrades of this version, nothing to complain about there. The simple fact of the matter is that none of these amazing features and game modes would mean anything if the controls and simple gameplay mechanics were not solid. Thankfully the developers fixed most of the problems from previous next-gen versions and tweaked everything else. The game controls fantastically, allowing both veterans of the series and complete newcomers to compete with skill.
Graphically the game is done really well, easily making it the best looking wrestling game ever released by leaps and bounds. The character models featured in WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009, especially the major superstars, are just amazingly realistic looking. My four-year old nephew had a hard time deciding whether I was playing a video game or watching a television show, that’s quality looks. The team at Yuke’s also did a fantastic job with loading times, easily reducing the times by 50% or more over last year’s catastrophe (install the game on your HDD and its even better). Lighting effects, model collision, and the blood all look better than 2008 as well. The audio department has a nice improvement also, featuring almost all of the WWE talent and soundtracks. Having the option to customize your entrances with your own music is nice, although it would have been great to have the ability to interact during them via specific button presses (ala the Wii version).
To be completely honest I was not a huge wrestling fan before playing this game, having not tuned into a on-air television WWE program in over 10 years but just last week I sat down and enjoyed myself watching an entire event. WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 has the single best story mode I have ever played in a sports game, mainly because it features interactive storylines and well written dialogue and superstar match-ups with an exciting climactic ending. This whole game only excited me more to see what the team at Yuke’s will come up with for future WWE games and more importantly what they will do with my other obsession: the UFC franchise (coming out early next year). If you are a wrestling fan on any level there is no reason why you should not run out and pick up this video game right now, and even if you could care less about the WWE there are still plenty of reasons to give it a good play-through.
