So another year, another Smackdown vs. Raw. This time, however, the developers have really done some updates in several areas. The Smackdown series is a perennial in this particular genre, and although it has had competitors (TNA Impact), nothing can touch it—if the game was not quality, the WWE would certainly not market it. Fortunately, THQ understands this, as does Yukes, and they do their utmost to come up with new things to put in the game.

Graphics wise, SVR has come quite a ways from even last year's edition—the wrestler models look increasingly like their real-life counterparts and the animations for moves are spot on. An interesting change is that Divas and male wrestlers cannot wrestle each other, even in exhibition mode, which could possibly be due to some of the questionable videos one can find on youtube. Part of this may also be due to the WWE striving to be more PG friendly.

Sound is as clear as ever, and this time the game boasts an almost up-to-date roster, which was a short coming of previous versions. True, Tazz is no longer around and there are a couple of wrestlers that are now gone, but the main players of all the brands are here. Wrestlers' entrances are nearly identical to real life, which really helps add to the atmosphere.

The developers have really worked on the storylines this year. Road To Wrestlemania returns with some new features—this is the first year that a Diva (Mickie James) has her own storyline. Granted, the story is from a few years ago, but it is still fun to play. You can also play through as Randy Orton, Edge, or Brand Warfare, in which you have the choice of playing as Triple H or John Cena. You also have the option of playing co-op with a pal.

The devs really upped the quality for voiceovers this year. Whereas last year there were a few moments where it seemed like the actors didn't want to be there, it now feels just as if you are watching the show on TV.

So how is the gameplay? I did notice that it seemed to be more realistic in that bigger guys actually move and run according to their size and can't fly around the ring. A major improvement also comes in the form of ONE and only ONE button to block/reverse both strikes and grapples. I don't know about anyone else, but having each mapped to different buttons was confusing to say the least. You can also do chain reversals, where both you and your opponent reverse several moves like on a real show.

All the current match types are here as well, from Hell In A Cell to Royal Rumble. In another change, it is much easier to play Royal Rumble with the new quicktime events that occur when you have an opponent against the ropes.

The controls are the same as last year's version, which is good as it is very easy to come to grips with them. There is even a training center where you can learn how to change grips, move around, perform turnbuckle moves, and of course reversals.

This is a game that you don't want to miss—with the ability to create and upload your own storylines and control everything from camera angles, to speech, to matches, and more, it'll be a while before you get bored. Between Road to Wrestlemania and the Create a Wrestler mode, you will have a lot to keep you busy. You can even edit the Superstars themselves—don't like the outfit? Change it!

The SVR series has become far more realistic than in the past while still managing to keep the fun gameplay it is known for. A definite must buy.

9.0 Graphics Excellent as always, with updated models and animations. 9.0 Sound Excellent voice acting; hits sound like they hurt and entrances are spot on. 9.0 Gameplay Deep and rewarding from being able to create your own storyline to RTWM. Controls are solid and animations are smooth. 9.0 Replay Value With the ability to download new stories and characters created by other users from the PSN, you have a virtually unlimited amount of content to play with. 9.0 Overall Almost perfect. If you're a wrestling fan, you need to pick this up.