WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009 (PS3)

Status:

Complete and Play Tested

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WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 (PS3) Review

🎮 Gameplay & Mechanics

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 builds on its predecessor with tighter mechanics, faster pacing, and major tag team enhancements:

• Tag matches shine thanks to redesigned AI behaviorpartners now perform hot tags and engage the crowd momentum meter, then execute devastating team finishers via quick-time events ().

• The tag system introduces forced tags and apron grapplesgiving matches a more strategic, aggressive feel ().

• Movement and collision detection are notably improved over the prior installment; wrestlers feel more responsive, less floaty, and animations are smoother overall ().

🗣 SinglePlayer Modes

Road to WrestleMania (RTWM):
Play six bespoke storylines for stars like Cena, Undertaker, CM Punk, Triple H, Jericho, and a tagteam duo (Rey Mysterio & Batista). Each arc blends cinematic cutscenes with themed storytelling, rivalries, and mid-match objectives for replay incentive ().
Career Mode:
Choose any wrestler or created character, compete in brackets to earn stars, and unlock attributes like Resiliency. It rewards match performance and offers satisfying progressionthough lacks narrative depth of RTWM ().

🛠 Customization & Editing Tools

• CreateAFinisher lets you chain up to 10 animations into signature moves; its surprisingly deep despite some animation limitations ().

• Highlight Reel enables match clipping and editingwith camera, slow-mo, effectsfor sharing memorable moments ().

• My WWE Roster Editor allows you to modify brand assignments, titles, and attributesextending longevity and personalization ().

🌟 Presentation & Audio

• Wrestler models and ring entrances display solid detail; crowd models have also improved compared to earlier titles ().

• Audio remains weakcommentary is repetitive and generic, lacking live arena energy or personality, detracting from immersion ().

🌐 Modes & Replayability

• Exhibition & Match Variety includes over 70 match typesfrom Inferno matches to Royal Rumbles and ladder boutsoffering robust custom match options ().

• Online Multiplayer support endures in its PS3 version: players report active servers still accessible in 2025 for SVR2009 and other titles ().

🗣 Community Feedback

SmackDown vs Raw2009 for me still enjoyed it at the time, but looking back it was very mediocre.
Despite the criticism, many still fondly remember its tag mechanics and career modes ().

I recently revisited SVR 2009 it holds up really well! The soundtrack, variety of game modes and fast paced gameplay makes it better for me than todays WWE games.
Longtime players continue to enjoy its arcade-like rush and nostalgic feel ().

Pros & Cons