WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2009 - 360/PS3

Being a games reviewer, you occasionally have to take a look at games you would never normally pick up. This is the case with WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2009, the latest wrestling game from THQ. My wrestling knowledge is limited to say the least, and the last game I remember playing was WCW vs NWO World Tour on the Nintendo 64 roughly 11 years ago with a bunch of friends.

Of course wrestling is all about theatre and entertainment, and if you can look past some of the more cringeworthy aspects of the 'sport' and are willing to take an objective look at what's on offer here, you'll uncover a decent and very playable game.

PS3 - WWE Smackdown v's Raw 2009

Upon loading the game, the first thing you'll notice is the staggering amount of gameplay options. Exhibition, for instance, has dozens of events for single player and multiplayer. If that wasn't enough, there are many other modes for fans to try, such as King of the Ring tournament, the obligatory Royal Rumble and the game's focal point, Road To Wrestlemania - where you choose a wrestler, and lead them through a story-driven structure to the pinnacle of the wrestling year.

The actual fighting mechanic is solid, with decent collision detection and meaty hits delivered with gusto. Even for a novice such as myself, it was easy to pick up individual wrestler's moves and execute them. For the pro players, though, many hours will be invested in honing skills, and perfecting their favourites moves.

PS3 - WWE Smackdown v's Raw 2009

Graphically, the game looks above avarage. The character models are decently animated and are facially accurate to their real-life counterparts. The TV-style presentation is also very impressive, with each wrestler entering the arena with typical bravado.

Commentary, while not perfect, is entertaining and adds to the big occasion atmosphere. There's even a bit of backstage banter between the wrestlers and a load of video clips to sit back and watch. It all adds up to an extremely impressive and well-rounded package.

It's highly doubtful that non-wrestling fans will look twice at this on shop shelves, but for WWE fans who are looking for a decent wrestling game to play over the winter months, Smackdown vs Raw 2009 hits the spot.