Overview
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 is a professional wrestling video game published by THQ and part of the long-running SmackDown vs. Raw series. Launched in November 2007, it brought an updated roster, new modes and platform-specific control options to players on a wide variety of systems. The release was notable for being the first in the series to include the relaunched ECW brand as an official in-game roster and mode.
Platforms and release
The game was released across major home and portable systems of the era. Available platforms included:
A mobile edition was also produced for handheld phones. Release dates varied by region: early November 2007 in Europe and mid-November 2007 for North America and Australia, with some portable releases following the same window. For more information on editions and updates consult the publisher or platform pages here.
Gameplay and features
The core gameplay follows traditional arcade-style wrestling with an emphasis on matches, story progression and character customisation. svR2008 expanded the series' mode list with enhanced career/season progression, a larger create-a-superstar and create-a-move set, and brand-based competition reflecting WWE television: Raw, SmackDown and ECW. Several platform-specific control schemes were included, such as motion-oriented controls on the Wii and touch-based interactions on the Nintendo DS.
Modes and multiplayer
Players could engage in single-player story and season modes, exhibition matches, and various speciality match types reflecting televised wrestling formats. Local multiplayer remained a staple, while some console versions also offered online multiplayer options and downloadable content opportunities available through platform services. The ECW integration allowed themed arenas, rulesets and championships tied to that brand (ECW).
Reception and legacy
Critics and players generally praised the game for its breadth of roster, variety of modes and the inclusion of the ECW brand, though some reviews noted minor technical issues and a degree of repetitive match flow common to wrestling titles. As an instalment in the SmackDown vs. Raw series, it helped set expectations for subsequent entries by refining presentation and expanding character creation tools. For archival and community resources, see additional reference material PS2, PSP, DS, or platform support pages Wii and Xbox 360.
Fans interested in the game's roster, modes or how it compares to earlier and later WWE titles can consult official and fan-run guides for match lists, customisation tips and troubleshooting advice publisher information or community hubs PS3 resources.