Creative director talks about WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw issues: roster problems, next-gen, online features

Now that WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw (by THQ for the PS3, PS2, PSP Xbox 360, Wii, DS) is nearing its November 13 release, wrestling game fans have a lot of questions in their heads, specifically about how this year’s installment of Smackdown Vs. Raw will turn out on the next-gen consoles.

One of the biggest issues for Smackdown 2008 is the fact that the character roster is just not as updated compared to other sports games with yearly installments, such as the Madden franchise.

With the imminent November 13 release of WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw (by THQ for the PS3, PS2, PSP Xbox 360, Wii, DS), wrestling game fans have a lot of questions in their heads, specifically about how this year’s installment will turn out on the next-gen consoles. Many questions were tackled by the game’s creative director Cory Ledesma, from roster issues, expected features for the next-gen installments, and online services.

One of the biggest issues for Smackdown 2008 is the fact that the character roster is just not as updated compared to other sports games with yearly installments, such as the Madden franchise. Ledesma said that it was unfair for people to compare the turnover of WWE’s roster to other sports, since most new people in the scene will just “show up out of nowhere” within a month or two before the game’s release, when it’s already too late for them to add that new contender in the game.

When asked about why there’s a lack of game content exclusive to the next-gen consoles, Ledesma said that aside from better graphics, Xbox 360 gamers can fight online via Xbox Live, which cannot be supported by PlayStation 2. They will also be able to customize their music for their entrance sequences with music stored in their Xbox HDD, among others.

The idea of having an online e-fed mode is tantalizing, and would most certainly beef up the action, especially for both PS3 and Xbox 360 versions. However, Ledesma refused to comment on any such future online feature, but assured that THQ recognizes the importance of online gaming, and will offer more online game features.

Check out the entire interview in the Via link!

Via IGN blogs