If you thought the notion of squeezing hulking great man mountains into the slender Wii was farfetched, then we've got no idea how you'll cope with the idea of the DS version of Smackdown vs Raw 2008. It's bloody tiny.
Developed by Amaze, as opposed to Yuke's, the DS version is set to offer its own distinct playing style while still meeting the key THQ "objectives" that all versions of the game are trying to adhere to. In following the golden edict that control must remain in the player's hands, the game will be completely stylus controlled. The actual scheme is under wraps - presumably because its mind-blowing awesomeness must be protected from rival developers at all costs - but the prospect of not having to paw at buttons and fiddle with the touch screen simultaneously is certainly an attractive one.
The right moves Proving that simple doesn't necessarily mean basic, the developers also promise over 80 unique holds that can be applied for various strategic purposes. Presumably this is going to be a context-based system of sorts, not too distant from the turnbuckle-style beating as mentioned with the Wii version. A more technical wrestling game on the DS would be quite a feat, and these shots demonstrate that the DS is more than capable of matching the graphics of the superior brand of wrestling titles that appeared back on the N64.
Rarrrghhhly exciting Featuring a roster of 20 wrestlers, as opposed to the 50 promised for next-gen consoles, the game incorporates wrestlers from all three strands of the WWE: Smackdown, Raw and ECW. ECW is of particular note. In previous years Smackdown and Raw's slightly unhinged step-brother has been overlooked in the games, but this year sees its debut - or as they'd put it INVASION, probably with a RARRRGHHH for good measure - in both the DS and Wii versions. New fighters, weapons, arenas and commentators - to shout the aforementioned RARRRGHHH - are part of the ECW package.
Then there's the WWE Story mode, a year-long experience (game time that is, not real time) of rising through the 'rassling ranks. Incorporating more ludicrous storylines and drama than you could shake a giant foam finger at, it goes to prove that the lovely folk at THQ are as dedicated to providing a comprehensive wrestling experience on DS as they are on the other formats. We can't wait to start tussling.
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i hope batista is going to be alright after the steel cage match with edge or otherwise reymysterio will kick some butt .
