He's old and mean, but The Undertaker has never looked better than he does in THQ's WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008.

Whether you're a diehard wrestling fan, an avid gamer or just swinging by your cousin's house to kill some time, I promise you that you will find "Smackdown vs. Raw 2008" a multiplayer game you'll never forget.

You should know that I've been a loyal wrestling fan ever since I was a tiny Hulkamanic — training, saying my prayers and taking my vitamins. I have played my share of wrestling video games and listened to Bobby "The Brain" and Gorilla Monsoon do the color commentary. From back in the day from "Pro Wrestling" on the NES all the way to THQ's "Smackdown vs. Raw 2008," (SVR 2008) what a road wrestling has taken.

This is definitely a game for your library if you love local four-player multiplayer action. Yes, SVR 2008 has online capabilities and a career mode (which you'll have to play to unlock some of the wrestlers and arenas) but you'll never find more fun than playing with your buddies during a Hell in the Cell match.

With over 100 different match variations and a hefty roster full of wrestlers (including old schoolers like Rowdy Roddy Piper — sorry, no Piper's Pit feature) you will never be without that special main event match you've been waiting for. The developers have done a great job creating a game that you're able to pick up and play as one of your favorite superstars without a ton of skill required but still packs a ton of advance techniques for those looking for a more serious experience.

The simple controls make this an easy game to get into, even for folks who haven't picked up a controller since "No Mercy." (See sidebar.) Each button is mapped out for punching/kicking, picking up objects, whipping the opponent into the ropes or your finishing move. While the left trigger is used to reverse punches and kicks, the right trigger will reverse grapples if timed correctly.

The game incorporates an interesting grappling system by using the right stick. A simple push in any direction will perform a quick grapple and a move usually landing your opponent flat on the mat. However, if you want to take it to the next level, try adding in the right bumper with the stick and you'll perform a strong grapple and a much more devastating move from a spinning neck breaker to a monster power-slam ALA the Junkyard Dog.

Each wrestler has their own style and technique. From high flyer, submission specialist or a brutal brawler, you are rewarded for performing as your wrestler would in real life. The more moves you do and more damage delivered to your opponent the higher you build your power meter.

While a face (good guy for you non-wrestling fans) will be rewarded for appealing to the crowd or taunting their opponent, a heel (bad guy) will be rewarded for choking, using the ropes, or the occasional foreign object ... sledgehammer anyone?

Just be careful not to get caught by the ref or you'll end up in the showers. Of course, this also depends on the match rules. If it's a hard-core match, say goodbye to the Spanish announcer's table. When your power meter is finally full you can unleash your finisher and try to put away your opponent.

But be careful, if timed correctly, your opponent can reverse your finisher and there is nothing more frustrating than just about putting away your opponent only to see him duck out of the way or find yourself flipped over on to your back.

Back to multiplayer: There's nothing quite like climbing up the side of a ladder with someone racing up the other and just as you reach the top to grab the belt your buddy pushes the ladder over sending both of you flying to the concrete floor and not getting up anytime soon only to watch them climb up the ladder to get the win. You would swear it was all scripted. (Hmmm?)

Once you have become accustomed to the game you'll find yourself pulling off maneuvers that you never dreamed of. There are enough "oh my gawd" moments that keep the game fresh and exciting.

No match is the same and the details are up to you. Do you want to bring the match into the crowd? You can. Maybe you'll grab something from a fan and use it to beat your opponent into submission. How about pulling out the steel stairs and power bombing your opponent on them? Not enough? OK, try an ECW rules match with flaming tables and two-by-fours. You make the choices and create your own main event.

Do yourself a favor and pick up this game. This will be money well spent and your friends will thank you. Why? Because Stone Cold said so!

"WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008"

For: XBOX 360, Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 2

Reviewed on: XBOX 360

Score: 4 out of 5

Why: It's hard to get a 5 out of 5 around here, but this one was close. For fans, it truly satisfies. Non-fans will enjoy it, but not as much.

Rated: T for Teen (Alcohol reference, blood, mild language, suggestive themes, violence)

Published by: THQ

By Steve O'Blenis