WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 Review (XB360)

The superstars of the WWE are back, bringing their steel chair-swinging antics and wrestling abilities to video game land in WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008. For this edition, THQ makes a few subtle changes that enhance the gameplay a bit, although some existing problems from 2007's game resurface.

One of the bigger changes is the addition of eight wrestling styles– Powerhouse, Technical, High-Flyer, Brawler, Submission, Dirty, Showman and Hardcore. Each wrestler has two to choose from, such as Mr. Kennedy and his Dirty or Showman techniques. Once the stamina bar fills up, you use it to your advantage. For instance, if you select Batista and his Brawler technique, a press of the X button and right bumper (with enough energy) turns him into a powerhouse. He's able to withstand smaller hits and break through grapples without much effort. Likewise, Randy Orton gets downright slimy with his Dirty style, using the ref as a shield and even going as far as getting the win via low blow or outside interference.

This system fits in with the mostly accessible gameplay. Various grapples are available, depending on which direction you move the right analog stick. Holding down the right bumper button while moving it gives you power grapples, in case you feel froggy enough to try a more high-impact move. The B button flings him or her into an "Irish whip", where an opponent goes running across the ring or the floor, only to run into a stationary object. This works very well, although it's a bit easier to pull off finishing moves than expected. You just hit the Y button and Shawn Michaels launches Sweet Chin Music.

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