WWE makes its premiere on the Nintendo Wii with Smackdown vs. RAW 2008, a game all about larger than life characters, beat downs and loads of smack talking.

Like all WWE games, Smackdown vs Raw focuses on big moves using a risk and reward system, where more complicated moves score the most points. The Wii version follows a similar, formula, but geared more toward casual play. Anyone can pick up the controller, choose their favorite character and get right into the brawl without button mashing. All moves involve relatively simple motion controls, holding down a button and swinging the remote. The rest takes care of itself. Wrestlers pick up opponents and slam them to the ground, and then they can follow up with a taunt. All wrestlers have their signature taunt moves programmed into the game, so players can enjoy victories in style.

The game maintains a quick pace, so characters that get thrown to the ground get back up pretty quickly. However, Smackdown vs. Raw doesn't forget that it's on the Wii, and Miis show up in the game's HUD, wincing whenever the wrestler takes a hit. Players will be able to pull off reversals with relative ease against long combo moves and grapple each other for control.

We won't know how well people will take to the casual arcade style of Smackdown vs. RAW until the game releases in November, but the four player tag team mode should get a lot of people on board. Even though the complexity was trimmed down, none of the over-the-top moves and personality were lost in the translation.