Post by #HEEL Dark Lord on Mar 29, 2007 23:10:54 GMT -5
March 29, 2007 - THQ is expanding its wrestling horizons. Expected to formally announce WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 tomorrow, the Southern California-based publisher has confirmed with IGN that the series will be playable on more platforms than ever.
In addition to the PlayStation 2, Sony PSP, and Xbox 360 systems on which it has already appeared, the next iteration of SmackDown will also debut on the PlayStation 3, Wii, and Nintendo DS this fall.
In years previous, Nintendo had typically received original GameCube and Game Boy-specific WWE titles instead of the SmackDown franchise, while the Xbox console had the same type of arrangement until 2006 (when SVR moved over). A PlayStation 3 version of last year's WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 was in development at some point, but was ultimately cancelled due to undisclosed reasons.
"We are extremely pleased with the success of the SmackDown vs. Raw franchise and its continued growth to a widespread audience, particularly in our European markets," said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. "With the addition of fresh, innovative game play on the Wii, the tremendous capabilities of the PlayStation 3 system and unique handheld experiences for Nintendo DS and wireless devices, gamers can now truly live the life of a WWE Superstar and choose from numerous ways to play."
In addition to confirmation that the game is coming, THQ has also revealed the first few gameplay details. At the top of the feature list is the inclusion of eight "Superstar Fighting Styles" that differentiate wrestlers from one another. Another key addition is the new "Struggle Submission System" that gives users analog grappling control and the ability to adjust how much pressure their holds have.
The inclusion of ECW arenas, weapons, and superstars have also been verified, as have new rosters, more environmental hotspots, a combined Season and General Manager mode, and touch screen control for the DS version.
For more on WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, follow the link below for our interview with THQ Creative Manager Cory Ledesma. The first screenshots can be found on our media gallery below.
In addition to the PlayStation 2, Sony PSP, and Xbox 360 systems on which it has already appeared, the next iteration of SmackDown will also debut on the PlayStation 3, Wii, and Nintendo DS this fall.
In years previous, Nintendo had typically received original GameCube and Game Boy-specific WWE titles instead of the SmackDown franchise, while the Xbox console had the same type of arrangement until 2006 (when SVR moved over). A PlayStation 3 version of last year's WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 was in development at some point, but was ultimately cancelled due to undisclosed reasons.
"We are extremely pleased with the success of the SmackDown vs. Raw franchise and its continued growth to a widespread audience, particularly in our European markets," said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. "With the addition of fresh, innovative game play on the Wii, the tremendous capabilities of the PlayStation 3 system and unique handheld experiences for Nintendo DS and wireless devices, gamers can now truly live the life of a WWE Superstar and choose from numerous ways to play."
In addition to confirmation that the game is coming, THQ has also revealed the first few gameplay details. At the top of the feature list is the inclusion of eight "Superstar Fighting Styles" that differentiate wrestlers from one another. Another key addition is the new "Struggle Submission System" that gives users analog grappling control and the ability to adjust how much pressure their holds have.
The inclusion of ECW arenas, weapons, and superstars have also been verified, as have new rosters, more environmental hotspots, a combined Season and General Manager mode, and touch screen control for the DS version.
For more on WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, follow the link below for our interview with THQ Creative Manager Cory Ledesma. The first screenshots can be found on our media gallery below.
