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:
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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 ().
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The tag system introduces forced tags and apron grapplesgiving matches a more strategic, aggressive feel ().
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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
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CreateAFinisher lets you chain up to 10 animations into signature moves; its surprisingly deep despite some animation limitations ().
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Highlight Reel enables match clipping and editingwith camera, slow-mo, effectsfor sharing memorable moments ().
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My WWE Roster Editor allows you to modify brand assignments, titles, and attributesextending longevity and personalization ().
🌟 Presentation & Audio
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Wrestler models and ring entrances display solid detail; crowd models have also improved compared to earlier titles ().
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Audio remains weakcommentary is repetitive and generic, lacking live arena energy or personality, detracting from immersion ().
🌐 Modes & Replayability
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Exhibition & Match Variety includes over 70 match typesfrom Inferno matches to Royal Rumbles and ladder boutsoffering robust custom match options ().
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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
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
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| Excellent tag team mechanics with hot tags and AI improvements | Removed GM/Universe modes limit long-term replayability () |
| Road to WrestleMania offers cinematic single-player storytelling | Career mode is bare-bones and lacks depth compared to prior seasons |
| Deep CreateAFinisher system & highlight editor | Commentary is flat and lacks authentic wrestling atmosphere |
| Massive variety: match types, edit tools, online play still active | Match outcomes rely on Rapid-meter exploitation (hot tag can feel unfair) () |
🎯 Final Verdict
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 represents both progression and regression in the series. While it improved core mechanics, gained creative features (CreateAFinisher, Highlight Reel), and offered compelling tag team drama and RTWM storytelling, the removal of key mode staples like GM and Universe weakens its lasting appeal.
Score: 7.8 / 10 A solid incremental evolution with standout tag mechanics and creative tools, but lacking the depth and polish of earlier franchise highs.
Good choice if: You enjoy theatrical wrestling, match creation, and nostalgic multiplayer clashes.
Skip or wait if: You miss the robust long-term planning tools from earlier titles and want richer story or mode content.
