WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008
GamingRing.com Q&A
Interview Conducted 08/13/2007
By Mike Regan
GamingRing.com recently had the chance to sit down with THQ's WWE Smackdown vs. RAW 2008's product development staff members Bryan Williams and Dan Ryan. In this exclusive interview, we asked a few questions about the three console versions of the game. You can expect even more coverage of what promises to be the best WWE wrestling game ever released. Keep your eyes peeled for more videos, screens and interviews. We are just getting started.
Nintendo Wii
Q: Will there be an option to play the game using the Gamecube controller instead of the Wii Wand and nunchuck controls?
A: Dan Ryan: Our main goal when creating the Wii version of the game was to offer players a completely different experience than on the other SKUs. In achieving this, we tailored the gameplay so that it fully utilized the Wii's unique controls, so much so that we didn't see any reason to make the game playable via the GameCube controller. Once players get in the ring with the Wii Remote for the first time, playing the game on a standard game pad will be the last thing on their minds.
Q: Besides what was shown, can you give us some other examples of the Wii Wand and Nunchuck controls for the game?
A: Dan Ryan: Since E3, we've been implementing many of the Environmental Grapple-type moves that were such a hit in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007. For example, some Superstars can Irish Whip their opponents into the corner by waving the Nunchuk, then hold the B button while waving the Wii Remote to set their opponents up for some Ric Flair-style chops to the chest. Players can then repeatedly wave the Wii Remote in a backhand motion, right along with their Superstars onscreen, as they brutally slap their hands against the chests of their opponents.
Sony Playstation 3
Q: Is there any use of the Sony SIXAXIS tilt controls in this years game?
A: Bryan Williams: This is arguably the most frequently asked question, and for obvious reasons. While I would love to put an end to all of the speculation and Internet rumors right here and now, I can't. As much as it pains me, the fans are going to have to wait just a little bit longer before a statement is released regarding any possible SIXAXIS tilt functionality.
Q: Will this years online play be as fully featured as the Xbox 360 version?
A: Bryan Williams: Information regarding our online feature set, for both the PS3 and 360, will be forthcoming.
Xbox 360
Q: In the closing moments of the trailer, there was a scene of Sandman lighting a table on fire. Is that a cutscene, or is that a player intiated move? And if so, how would the player perform the move?
A: Bryan Williams: The ability to light tables on fire is in fact a player initiated move, and it's not just tables that you can light on fire either! Superstars will also be able to ignite barbed wire 2x4's as well. Lighting one of these objects on fire is as simple as having a maxed out momentum meter. When your Superstar's momentum meter is maxed out, simply stand next to a set table and press the finisher button to set the table ablaze. Igniting the barbed wire 2x4 is performed the same way. While holding a barbed wire 2x4 with a maxed out momentum meter, press the finisher button to turn an already dangerous weapon into a flaming, dangerous weapon!
Q: What are the differences between the Xbox 360 version and the PS3 version?
A: Bryan Wiliams: While there may or may not be differences between each console, fans should feel rest assured that whether you own a 360 or PS3, you'll experience all of the fantastic gameplay that WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 has to offer.
General Info
Q: I realize that your not yet ready to reveal the full roster, but can you give us a rough percentage of new superstars vs. returning superstars and legends?
A: Bryan Williams: We’ll be making more announcements about our roster soon, so stay tuned!
Q: If you had all three systems and had to make a choice of picking one version of the game which one would you pick?
A: Bryan Williams: I couldn't pick! That's like asking me to choose favorites between my own children. In all honesty, it's the game, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, that is the star of the show. The console is simply the tool in which to play it on.
Q: Computer AI has long been a difficult thing to master with the series. Will this year's addition of different fighting styles finally allow the computer controlled characters to play like their real life counterparts?
A: Bryan Williams: That's the plan. From the outset of pre-production, AI improvements were pegged as one of the highest priorities for this year's game. AI is always tricky, but I feel that the current state of our AI is miles ahead of where we were last year when we shipped.
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Special thanks go out to Bryan and Dan for answering our questions. You can discuss this interview and any other aspect of this game absolutely free in our message boards. With a growing community of almost 30,000 registered users, it's never been easier to register.
http://www.gamingring.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=257
