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The MMO Report: The sad, strange death of Company of Heroes Online
Bad puns, sexual innuendo and all the MMO news you can handle are crammed into yet another MMO Report, brought to us by our friends at G4TV. Casey Schreiner and his fabulous tie recall a few of the biggest stories from the previous week. First up on the docket is the cancellation of two THQ titles previously in development: Company of Heroes Online and WWE Smackdown vs. Raw Online. Both of these games were an attempt by the studio to bring its western-style MMOs to a Korean market, although THQ ultimately decided that this move wasn't at the top of its priority list. On a more upbeat note, Casey talks up LEGO Universe's Crux Prime update, which came complete with ninjas and multiplayer madness. And yes, Casey, we agree that LEGOs are "awesome." Other topics for the Report include Undead Labs' "Class 3" single-player XBLA title that's hopefully leading up to the studio's zombie MMO, robo-Batman in a new DCUO video, the announcement of BlizzCon's 2011 dates, and a Blizzard theme park called "Joy Land" in China. Face it: We have a weird hobby. Hit the jump to watch the full MMO Report!
THQ puts the Smackdown on iPhone
For those of you interested in wrasslin' on the subway, THQ has a new option that won't result in jail time or pepper spray. The publisher announced that WWE Smackdown vs. Raw is available now on the App Store for $4.99. Smackdown on iPhone allows you to pit your own fictional wrestler against eleven real (at least, the pro wrestling definition of "real") WWE wrestlers, or control one of those celebrity personalities in exhibition matches. Hopefully players won't have to grapple too much with the control scheme, which uses a combination of swipes and context-sensitive buttons, in their attempts to grapple with virtual wrestlers. %Gallery-83045% WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 ($4.99):
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 dated, detailed
Other than a recent countdown offered by THQ, we haven't heard much about the publisher's next effort in its longtime wrestling franchise, WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010. Today though, THQ announced an October 20 release date for the game, along with a clear marketing push towards online play. Nelo Lucich, a senior VP at licensor JAKKS Pacific, leads the charge, saying, "The vast array of creative and online options allow players the ability to create their own unique Superstars, right down to their tattoos and customized ring gear." He goes on to tout the game's "Community Creations interface" and other options for online play, remaining confident. And maybe he should be, considering the game's October release now has a much better chance of standing out in a delay-riddled holiday season than ever before.
THQ begins a countdown to Smackdown
This might be the weirdest variant of the reviled countdown site yet. We know exactly what the countdown is for -- WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 -- and, since it's an annual sports franchise, we don't really expect surprises. But there it is, counting down three days until we'll see the roster, media, downloads, list of features, and other areas of what promises to be a bog-standard game website. Of course, the big attraction here is what the new game will look like. However, since that was revealed on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, that leaves ... the downloads? Who will appear on the downloadable desktop wallpaper. FIND OUT in three days!
Saints Row 2 and WWE Smackdown 2009 join Greatest Hits lineup
It looks as though two more will join PS3's esteemed Greatest Hits lineup. GameStop has recently dropped the price of both Smackdown vs RAW 2009 and Saints Row 2 to the standard Greatest Hits price of $29.99. The addition of these two titles will boost the number of PS3 Greatest Hits games to over 20. [Via Kotaku] Source - Smackdown vs RAW 2009 Source - Saints Row 2
Slamming Smackdown vs. Raw DLC in January
THQ just announced a set of upcoming downloadable content for Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 that'll be releasing sometime in January of ... 2009. The 400 Microsoft point DLC will come packed with a few new wrestlers and a set of new spandex, all of which is conveniently listed below. Note too that our peeps over on the Playstation 3 will be receiving additional DLC content that's exclusive to the platform. And we thought we had something special, THQ ... ouch. Evan Bourne Ted DiBiase Jr. Charlie Haas New spandex attire for Chris Jericho
PlayStation Network gets exclusive DLC for WWE Smackdown vs. Raw
Who doesn't like the word "exclusive"? While this may not be the biggest news ever, WWE fans will certainly appreciate knowing PlayStation Network will be home to a few exclusive costumes when DLC is made available in January. The first Roster Pack will be available for $4.99 and will include the following: Evan Bourne - playable Superstar Ted DiBiase - playable Superstar Charlie Haas - playable Superstar Chris Jericho - alternate attire Kelly Kelly - holiday costume (EXCLUSIVELY ON PS3) Maria Santa - holiday costume (EXCLUSIVELY ON PS3) Masked Kane - alternate attire (EXCLUSIVELY ON PS3) MVP - alternate attire (EXCLUSIVELY ON PS3) Edge - alternate attire (EXCLUSIVELY ON PS3) [Via PlayStation.Blog]
Smackdown vs. Raw 09 gets PS3-exclusive Collector's Ed
Lesser wrestling fans may find it difficult to decide which version of the annual WWE Smackdown vs. Raw game to get this year, but the choice should be made easy for true rasslin' aficionados. THQ just announced a Collector's Edition for WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009, and it's exclusive to the PS3. The Collector's Edition includes an extra Blu-ray disc with "a behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the videogame, as well as more than two hours of WWE footage." The North American version with have a "steel cage packaging," while Europe and Asia will get their bundle in a mini-ring -- because you're not hardcore enough to step into a steel cage, son. The press release was shy on a price unfortunately; however, with a Sunday, November 9 release so close, we should have that info soon enough. [Via press release]
Smackdown vs. Raw '09 tags in with debut trailer
We didn't know wrestling was still popular enough to warrant an annual release, but over the weekend THQ dropped the trailer for WWE: Smackdown vs. Raw 2009. The video showcases the latest feature for the upcoming title, co-op story mode. While we're sure there is still a group of fans clamoring for a "chair-shot to the face" good time, we wonder if we really need another WWE game every year? Madden's annual release already gets us annoyed but we understand the reasoning behind it, but does including one new addition and swapping some characters in the roster really need another $60 price tag?
WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw 2009 announced, first details revealed
THQ's WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw series has, for the longest time, been underwhelming in terms of offering unique experiences between its annual releases. We could even say the series has been suffering from a mild case of Madden syndrome. With the announcement of this year's iteration: Smackdown! vs. Raw 2009, however, things finally look like they're going to change. First and foremost, the series is finally getting the much needed online gameplay and DLC support that fans have been clamoring for in the past years. Unfortunately, specific details on the DLC are still being kept secret. Senior creative manager Cory Ledesma does hint, however, at the possibility of updating the WWE roster via DLC. As for the second major addition, say hello to the brand new "Create-A-Finisher." This tool allows players to create unique ultimate signature moves by piecing together over 500 animations. Also, a re-vamped career mode makes its debut, now allowing for the first time a co-op season with stronger emphasis on tag team action. As for the roster, so far only Chris Jericho, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Randy Orton, Mr. Kennedy, Undertaker, and John Cena have been revealed. A final number for the roster has not been announced.
Deal of the Evening: WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 for $30
Wrestling is a strange phenomenon. There are avid fans and there are those who simply find it absolutely confusing. Not the event itself, but the fact the world has allowed it to remain for so long. This deal isn't for them -- it's for you, the fans. Amazon currently has a deal for WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 for the low price of $30. This is much less than watching a match on Pay-Per-View, so really, you'd be doing yourselves a big favor.
SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 improves on predecessors
Last year's iteration of WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2007 was hindered by long load times, lack of commentary and some embarrassingly small crowds. Well, according to IGN, developer Yukes has fixed two of those problems with loading times that are similar to its console counterparts and stadium-filled crowds that show a lot more excitement than previous years. Not only will gamers finally be able to play as their favorite ECW wrestlers, PSP owners will be treated to extra wrestlers Eddie Guerrero, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart and Sgt. Slaughter that consoles owners aren't getting. SVR '08 hits the PSP Nov. 13.
WWE: SmackDown Vs. RAW 2008 demo slams XBLM
Wrasslin' fans rejoice, for a demo of WWE: SmackDown Vs. RAW 2008 is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. Honestly, we don't know too much about the title, but the dashboard text lets us know that the latest iteration of the series features Superstar Fighting Styles and a new struggle/submission system. We also know that the game lives up to its beefy participants, weighing in at 1.21 gigabytes. So, go get yourself a protein boost and start grappling already.
Demo for WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 on Live
"Shhh, be quiet!" yelled Juliet from her balcony as Romeo clumsily climbed the nearby trellis. "But why, my love?" he replied, as he found his footing. "Because, silly, I am of Smackdown lineage, and you ... are Raw. For ages our two families have battled, making our love ... forbidden." Romeo lingered on the word for a moment before drawing a golden bauble from his pocket. "What's that?!" said Juliet with a gasp, simultaneously thinking that Romeo was moving a bit fast and how fantastic said bauble would look on her finger. "This," he replied, "is a demo. A demo for Smackdown vs. Raw 2008, now available on Xbox Live." "Oh," said Juliet, who was growing increasingly less interested. "What's it for?" Romeo laughed, "Why it's an undying symbol of our love! For years, this demo will stand as a testament to two star-crossed lovers from the Smackdown and Raw clans who could not copulate for fear that they would be found out." Juliet waited for the explanation to continue for a few moments before asking "Yeah ... but what is it?" "Oh, that," said Romeo. "... I have no idea."
Exclusive wrestlers in PSP SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008
THQ has revealed the SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 rosters on IGN, and the best roster of all might just be found on the Playstation Portable. While there are the same 42 current stars and 8 legends as the home console versions, the PSP version of is getting 3 more legends of wrestling that no one else has. Those 3 are: Eddie Guerrero Sgt. Slaughter Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart Why are there 3 more wrestlers on the Sony handheld than any other? Who cares! You know what they say about looking a gift horse in the mouth, so we'll follow suit, and hope that the promised improvements to the game make this a worthy addition to the PSP wrestling library.
Yuke's chats up improvements in next Smackdown!
Knowing the number of WWE fans that read PSP Fanboy, I'd feel wrong not sharing some details from Gamespot's recent interview with Yuke's. Here's what fans can expect in Smackdown! vs Raw 2008: A big focus this year is making more differentiated, and complex fighting styles A vastly improved and more realistic animation system, with more animations than ever before, and a motion blending system The motion blending system also allows for better controls of your wrestlers ECW's inclusion means lots more weapons in the game 24/7 mode will allow the gamer to experience the ECW invasion and as always work their way through the ranks to become WWE champ Yuke's wants Smackdown! to be one of the premier fighting games on all the systems. We'll have to wait for the title's release to see how they do.
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 first screens
THQ recently announced their latest entry into the never-ending realm of man v. man dramatic fighting known as wrestling. This one, WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008, is set to release on practically every console known to man, but we've got a good handful of screenshots for you to enjoy. Speaking of wrestling, which of the "fighting" style games do you find most enjoyable? Are you the wrestling nut? If so, what... ah... subgenre of wrestling is your pie? Prefer boxing? Or are you the classic martial arts fighter, finding the most joy in tossing out a hadoken (forgive the spelling if incorrect) and slamming your opponent with a shoryuken (again, sorry)? We asked how people felt about different racing game styles, so now we're asking you, the battling enthusiasts!
Fans get their wish: ECW coming to SmackDown vs Raw 2008
A while back, I asked what readers wanted to see from SmackDown vs Raw 2008. One of the most requested additions was that of ECW wrestlers. Well, either someone was listening or they think just like PSP Fanboy readers. THQ is saying ECW will have a "significant" presence in this year's wrestler. ECW superstars, arenas and luckily weapons will be in the game. On the gameplay front, THQ said "realism and strategy are at the forefront". There will be a new submission system, new rosters, more interaction areas, more outside the ring action, new online community additions, and finally a combined season and general manager mode. Sounds like this will be the best WWE game yet! [Via Gamespot]
Smackdown vs Raw 2008 screens are slammin!
THQ just released a few screenshots for their latest wrestling installment WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2008. Xboxygen posted all fifteen newly released screenshots and to be honest ... they are very pretty. The character models are highly detailed, accurately representing their real-life wrestlers without the facial scanning oddities. Seriously, these models are very good. We'll have to see if the environments are equally gorgeous and how gameplay works out, but these shots are promising. Anyone a huge wrestling fan and looking forward to a little WWE wrestling?
Smackdown vs Raw 2008 Announced
THQ announced to investors today that it would release WWE titles for every platform imaginable. That means the PSP will be getting its third WWE wrestling game in so many years. No real details were announced for the 2008 edition, but to anyone that has followed wrestling games, it should be painfully obvious that features will be added and the roster of wrestlers will be updated. And one can only hope that ECW will be incorporated fully. [Via IGN]
