Genre: Wrestling / Sports
Developer: Yuke’s
Publisher: THQ
Year: 2007
Platform: Xbox 360
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 is a professional wrestling game developed by Yuke’s and published by THQ, released in 2007 for multiple platforms including Xbox 360. It is part of the long-running SmackDown vs. Raw series and the first installment to feature the ECW brand alongside WWE’s Raw and SmackDown rosters.
The game includes a wide selection of WWE and ECW superstars, each assigned one of eight fighting styles such as Brawler, High-Flyer, or Submission Artist. These styles determine available moves and abilities, adding strategic depth to matches. Players can compete in various match types including standard bouts, hardcore matches, and specialty matches like Money in the Bank or Hell in a Cell.
The Xbox 360 version features enhanced visuals, an improved control scheme, and online multiplayer support. A key gameplay addition is the new Struggle Submission system, which uses analog stick movement to control submission pressure, making grappling encounters more interactive. The 24/7 mode blends career and general manager gameplay, allowing players to manage a superstar’s schedule both in and out of the ring.
Reception was mixed to positive. Critics praised the game’s expanded roster, inclusion of ECW, and improved mechanics, but some noted issues with pacing and a lack of significant innovation compared to previous entries.
