For years the WWE games remained unchallenged in the wrestling genre, with the 'SmackDown' series reigning supreme. Each new game built on the foundation of the very first one for the PlayStation; introducing new features without really tweaking old ones.

The game's graphics are proof of this. The "superstars" are meticulously recreated, right down to the sweat on their bodies, but there are a few grapplers that look nothing like themselves (I'm looking at you Paul London).

As such, 'SmackDown's' character models can't compete with those in 'TNA Impact', but it more than makes up for this by having twice as many characters.

The animations from previous iterations have been retained, which is not a bad decision considering how smooth they looked for the most part. Diving attacks stick out like a sore thumb though, and are almost as painful to look at. Nothing is more annoying than diving off the top rope, only to witness a jarring animation snap. Nowhere is this more evident than in the much-vaunted highlight reel feature.

The highlight reel is a pretty robust video editing tool, allowing one to create music videos of your matches. From adding your own music, to splicing clips together, it's a pretty versatile tool that allows you to do almost anything - but not quite everything. The most glaring problem is that you're only allowed to use clips from the same match.

Another innovative and eagerly anticipated feature is the Create-a-Finisher mode. The feature is easy to use, allowing you to create many different moves by combining strikes, holds, taunts and finally the impact to create a unique finisher. Unfortunately, it's not as robust as it could've been, but is nevertheless a good foundation for future iterations to build upon.

The Create-A-Superstar function still reigns supreme as the best create mode, bar none. From the ability to add tattoos, to choosing your eye colour; every single detail is represented at a level that no other game has come close to touching. So if you want to create a pixel-perfect version of yourself, you're provided with all the tools to do so. The biggest oversight is the fact that one has to finish the career mode with each created character in order to increase their abilities, an issue THQ seeks to rectify with a soon-to-be-released patch.

'SmackDown 2009's' biggest improvement over previous iterations is the introduction of two play modes: A career mode, which sees you take your wrestler through various tiers in an attempt to claim all belts, and the Road to Wrestlemania mode.

Before its release, the Road to Wrestlemania was derided by many fans since it only allows you to play with six characters. Thankfully, this was the right decision, as each story feels fully fleshed out, unique and extends replayability. There is also a co-operative storyline for those not wanting to experience the game alone.

The 'SmackDown vs. Raw' games have been using the same engine for years and its beginning to show its age. Moves often look robotic and the aforementioned animation issues are proof of this.

It's reflected in the gameplay as well, simply being last year's version with a few minor adjustments. A welcome change, however, is the omission of fighting styles. Instead, one is now able to choose six abilities derived from the fighting styles.

Perhaps I played too many WWE games on the Gamecube, but the countering system still needs a bit of work. While a great improvement on previous iterations, counters still feel random and oftentimes I would knowingly hit the wrong button and witness a counter. However, in career mode, the AI will often counter most moves thrown at it, a minor annoyance but nowhere near as frustrating as in 'TNA Impact'.

Multiplayer is where most wrestling games excel and 'SmackDown 2009' follows suit. Featuring a staggering array of match types for up to four players - both online and offline - the series is no slouch in that department. The addition of the aforementioned co-operative story mode, featuring Rey Mysterio and Batista, serves to emphasise the multiplayer focus.

'WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009' brings a number of new features to the franchise, and for the most part they work extremely well. However, one can't help but think that THQ should create a new engine to take advantage of the current generation of consoles. The additions to the series will please WWE fans, but if you already have last year's iteration, then don't bother getting this year's one.

7.9/10