WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. 1UP
    91
    To all the SmackDown haters out there: If you're going to jump back in the ring, this is the year to do it. Both of these exciting new additions, along with the aforementioned improvements -- and the upcoming downloadable content -- make SVR09 this year's grapple-game champ.
  2. Cheat Code Central
    88
    This feels nothing like a dulled-down next-gen title, and wrestling fans will love the variety of wrestlers, match types, moves, and creative features to toy around with. SvR 2009 is one of the best titles released on the PSP or PS2 in months.
  3. Games Master UK
    86
    A competitive effort, but the prospect of DLC seals it for the next-gen. [Dec 2008, p.57]
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  5. Cynamite
    80
    More than 60 fighters, six non-linear careers and nearly 50 match types. No other wrestling game has offered so much variety yet. Now I would like to see slightly refurbished graphics and no more clipping errors, then I would be in wrestling heaven.
  6. GameSpot
    75
    SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 successfully returns to the fundamentals of realistic WWE action and easy-to-use creation tools.
  7. Da Gameboyz
    75
    THQ has done a pretty good job at brining the whole WWE experience home once again.
  8. IGN
    70
    A fun game that falls short of its potential. The Roster Editor is a welcome addition, Create-A-Finisher could be deeper but is a great first effort, the Inferno Match is over-the-top but fun, and Road to WrestleMania is one of the best story modes I've seen in a wrestling game in years. However, I can't shake the feeling that I'm playing last year's game when we get down to the nitty gritty match mechanics.
  9. GameZone
    70
    Smackdown Vs. Raw 09 wouldn't be a hard game to praise...if the 08, 07 and 06 editions had never existed. It's really hard to look at this game, which is almost entirely a rehash, and tell wrestling fans to buy it.
  10. Game Chronicles
    60
    SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is a solid release for wrestling fans to enjoy, but for the casual gamer thinking about purchasing a new copy, it would probably be better advised to wait to find a used copy or to save the extra dough and get a cheap copy of 2008.

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best PS2 Game of 2008
30
#30 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2008
2
#2 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 54 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 54
  3. Negative: 6 out of 54
  1. MLB2007man
    Nov 2, 2014
    8
    About the same as 2008 but better graphics and gameplay. yes this game is old now but it's better than most new WWE games. These older WWEAbout the same as 2008 but better graphics and gameplay. yes this game is old now but it's better than most new WWE games. These older WWE games seem much funner too play.… Full Review »
  2. KendylKlownfish
    Apr 24, 2011
    6
    Pros: Visually impressive; simplified controls improve some of the gameplay; varied roster. Cons: Again, it lacks any kind of innovation orPros: Visually impressive; simplified controls improve some of the gameplay; varied roster. Cons: Again, it lacks any kind of innovation or change; removal of General Manage Mode.… Full Review »
  3. The_D4RknesS
    Jun 18, 2023
    7
    Today in 2023 after having played the first time for 4 hours in a row I can say that this game is fun and cool because I was with 2 otherToday in 2023 after having played the first time for 4 hours in a row I can say that this game is fun and cool because I was with 2 other friends but this game is a long way from being as good as WWE 2011 on PS2… Full Review »
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