Last year's WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2007 shipped 3.6 million copies worldwide -- the largest number to date for the franchise. Its successor, WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 elevates wrestling action with the inclusion of several new features bound to raise an eyebrow -- maybe even the Rock's.

Smackdown vs. Raw makes its debut on three new platforms this year -- the PlayStation 3, the Nintendo DS and the Nintendo Wii. Xbox 360, PS2 and PSP owners needn't worry -- they'll receive the game as well. Most of the versions should run similarly, with the exception of the Nintendo ones. Wii owners act out their wrestling movements using the Wii remote and Nunchuk, while those with the DS version can draw out their strategies -- literally -- using the touch-screen.

Some of the game's content bears a similarity to last year's game, including a strong roster of fifty-plus superstars from the Smackdown and Raw brands and online play. However, THQ and Yukes have implemented four additions that should make 2008 stronger than previous WWE releases.

Game play will improve tremendously with the introduction of eight new fighting styles. Each wrestler comes with two styles automatically assigned to them, primary and secondary. These can differ, as they vary between Hardcore, High-Flier, Submission Artist, Powerhouse, Dirty, Technical, Showman and Brawler styles. These should make the contests much more interesting, especially when pitting the likes of a High-Flier (such as Rey Mysterio Jr.) against a cunning Dirty wrestler (such as Randy Orton). THQ showed this feature in action, with Orton shoving a referee into his opponent and grabbing steel chairs from outside the ring to pulverize his opponent. Mysterio had a small presentation as well, launching off the ropes and swinging opponents around with huracaranas.

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 also employs a brand new submission system. Instead of relying on last year's meter-based system, it now works more in real-time. Whenever a wrestler has their opponent in a submission hold, the power of the hold actually works with the analog sticks, instead of madly tapping buttons. Players choose to apply varying amounts of pressure in an attempt to get the submission victory, or apply lesser pressure to do long-term damage to their opponent, affecting them over the course of the match. However, the recipients of these brutal holds have the opportunity to "power out" of the submission move. The camera zooms in and out during this segment, showing the wrestler's raw emotions as he or she carries out the move. It actually looks like a great addition to the game, and hopefully some kind of rumble capacity implements the feel of the move's pressure.