Dan Ryan, Associate Creative Manager on WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009, talks about the return of the popular wrestling series.
You have been creating wrestling games for many years now; what do you find so appealing about WWE?
Simply watching the over-the-top world of World Wrestling Entertainment on television every week is such an exciting experience. We then get to take that excitement to the next level by adding interaction and recreating the WWE universe in our games.
How do the improvements you've made to tag team matches work?
In WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2009, we have added a ton of improvements to tag team matches, including the Hot Tag, new double team moves and finishers, along with a variety of offensive attacks that can be executed by the tag partner while waiting on the apron.
How closely do you work with WWE in creating storylines and match types?
Our relationship with WWE is invaluable, from deciding what direction to go with a storyline in Road to WrestleMania Mode to picking their brains as to what new match types we can add each year.
Can you explain Inferno matches?
The Inferno match was made to settle scores between two rival Superstars by surrounding the ring apron with searing hot fire and flames. The object is simple: to weaken your opponent and actually set him on fire by throwing him through the ropes into the wall of flames.
Wrestling has its villains and its crowd favourites. Is this integrated into the game?
It sure is! For instance, there is a Fan Favorite and Dirty Pin ability, amongst many others. The Fan Favorite ability allows a Superstar to rally the crowd behind him in order to gain an advantage over an opponent, while the Dirty Pin causes your Superstar to cheat and put his feet on the ropes, making it extremely difficult to kick out of a pin.
What kind of online play do you provide for PS3 and PSP?
For PS3, up to four players can play together online through the PlayStation Network in virtually every match type. PSP players can play head-to-head against an opponent via Ad Hoc Mode on a Wireless local area network.
Do the wrestlers have much input in terms of how they look and move?
The Superstar’s performance as seen on WWE programming serves as the ultimate inspiration and reference for us to recreate their uniqueness in the game. In addition, we’re lucky enough to be able to use actual WWE Superstars for motion capturing their movements.
How have you expanded on the create a wrestler modes from previous games and will you be able to take your creations online (PS3)?
Create-A-Superstar is back and better than ever with more parts, clothes, hairstyles, accessories and more! You can then take your Created Superstars online and make a name for yourself by defeating any and all challengers.
Wrestlers often seem to change their look or their personality; will you be supporting these changes with downloadable updates?
We can’t say too much about it at this time, but we will be offering downloadable content in WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2009.
What other plans do you have for downloadable content?
Fans of the series can look forward to exciting and up-to-date content that will soon be available to enhance the WWE SmackDown vs Raw experience.
What aspects of professional wrestling make for a good videogame?
The WWE Superstars and Divas, their performances and personalities make a perfect platform to recreate in a videogame that is a blast to play.
Which features of the game make for the greatest challenges?
Probably thinking of new ways to outdo ourselves from the previous year. And with additions like Road to WrestleMania, Create-a-Finisher and the Highlight Reel, we feel that we have done certainly done so with WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2009.
