WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008

A mild improvement for PSP, but you really want to play on a big telly. [Dec 2007, p.46]

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 pushes the series marginally forward with a focus on creating a more personal touch with the unique fighting styles and updated visuals. This doesn’t mean Yuke's is out of the clear, the really buggered up the merger of the 24/7 and GM modes in this edition which causes the season mode to feel out of synch and unfocused.

SVR 2008 does quite a few things right, the new fighting styles and ECW content really add quite a bit to the gameplay experience. However, the disappointing 24/7 mode, outdated graphics, and sometimes frustrating control scheme holds it back from living up to its full potential.

As far as SvR 2008 is concerned, it makes for a decent rental but either of the previous entries of the series can just as well satisfy your wrestling fix.

I found the controls off-putting and the lack of detail sad, but the big name modes -- Tournament, Money in the Bank, TLC, GM, etc. -- that make up the console versions are packed in here for you to digest on the go.

Even with the few good changes and the inclusion of the ECW stable, the awful controls, murky graphics and a rushed 24/7 Mode just hold this game back from being a franchise favorite among fans.

There's no excuse for the clumsy control system that saps the joy from the experience. [Jan 2008, p.79]

There's potential here but it's sadly squandered thanks to a frustrating control system and needlessly repetitive game modes. One for hardcore WWE fans only.

If you're a WWE fan (or only own a PSP) then you need to think hard before parting with your cash for this game - you're better off just picking up a copy of WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006, because it's so much better than this latest release.