Game Review: WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2009 for Nintendo DS

Easily the worst of version of last year’s game, the Nintendo DS version of WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2009 has a lot of work to do to make up for last year’s dreadful outing. Does is it finally become a serious contender this year?

In a word, No. But, it does come closer than it did last year, and it ultimately takes some huge steps forward, but some of it is still seriously in need of repair.

Let’s start with the good. The game’s graphics have been improved, though I have to believe we are nearing the limit of what the DS is capable of. Even with the enhancements, this is not the prettiest version of the game. That being said, I love the face that they have chosen to add create-a-wrestler mode to the game. Obviously the options are not what they would be on the other systems, but the fact that the mode is here at all is proof that THQ has been listening to fan requests and feedback. And, that can only be a good thing.

Also, there are a ton of match types in the DS version as well. They are: Single, Last Man Standing, Ladder, Steel Cage, Table, TLC and Hardcore. This is a big improvement over last year.

As I said, the graphics are much improved and nowhere is this more evident than during the entrances. The Superstar models on the DS look great given the system’s limitations. Also, There is a full voice introduction from the ring announcer. There is no commentary in the game. There are 17 Arenas in the game, each faithfully recreated. They are: RAW, SmackDown, ECW, Backlash, Judgement Day, One Night Stand, Vengeance, The Great American Bash, SummerSlam, Unforgiven No Mercy, Cyber Sunday, Survivor Series, Armegeddon, Royal Rumble, No Way Out and WrestleMania 24.

This is also the only version of the game to not feature the new “Road to WrestleMania” Story Mode. Instead, there is a Career Mode that has your wrestler attaining legendary status by capturing all 5 Major WWE Singles Titles. They are: ECW Title, United States Championship, WWE Championship, Intercontinental Championship and World Heavyweight Championship. This mode allows you to use any Superstar and is well plotted out. There is also online play available through the DS Wi-Fi Service.

Finding someone to play with you, however, may be a problem, as the game’s biggest drawback this year was it’s bigegst last year: The controls. There is no easy way to say this, THE CONTROLS ARE STILL AWFUL! Whether you are simply trying to lock up with someone in a normal match or trying to put your opponent through a table, the controls will have you PULLING YOUR HAIR OUT! They have added D-Pad functions this year, which are a help. But, the developers still insist on using the touch screen for ALL OF THE MAJOR MOVE INPUTS! To strike, you tap the touch screen. To grapple, you draw a circle on the touch screen, two circles for a heavy grapple. you then touch a direction on the d-pad to perform moves. The problem with this system is that there is a lag time for the system to recognize your input, which the AI is more than happy to take advantage of. This makes even the simplest match a real chore. And forget about table matches. To put your opponent through a table, you have to tap a target that appears on his body in a lockup until a meter at the top of the screen is depleted, then slide the stylus up to complete the action. If your opponent depletes the meter first, they can reverse teh move and you have to start over. And, to climb out of a cage, you have to tap icons on your player’s hands and alternate sides. I have said it once, and I will say it again: THIS CONTROL SCHEME HAS TO GO! This game will not be enjoyable until people can actually PLAY IT! So, I guess I’ll have to see if they get it right next year.