Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. 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. 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]
  4. 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.
  5. SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 successfully returns to the fundamentals of realistic WWE action and easy-to-use creation tools.
  6. THQ has done a pretty good job at brining the whole WWE experience home once again.

Awards & Rankings

6
30
#30 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2008
2
#2 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2008
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 54 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 54
  2. Negative: 6 out of 54
  1. 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. 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. 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 »