New additions to the WWE game franchise can be found in the Smackdown vs. Raw series entry for 2008, released in 2008. The Extremists of ECW, including The Sandman, Marcus Cor Von, and CM Punk, are included in this installment for the first time in the series.
In addition, there is a brand new struggle submission system, additional weapon options (such as guitars), and eight different superstar fighting styles (such as Showman, Powerhouse, High-Flyer, and more). Every participant can now select their primary and secondary fighting styles. It follows the theme of legends and introduces new arenas, such as Wrestlemania 23, Unforgiven, and Summerslam, featuring legendary superstars such as Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, and Ric Flair. The roster is heavily dependent on the platform, with some versions including wrestlers not available in other game versions.
It is now possible to create a new superstar, play as an existing one, or select someone to manage in the WWE 24/7 mode available on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Previously, these game types were known as the season mode and the general manager mode, respectively. This mode, called Main Event in the Wii edition, cannot control any wrestlers.
In addition to that, a new Tournament mode with a variety of obstacles has been added. Match types include Iron Man, Battle Royal, Hell in a Cell, Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match, Hardcore, Ladder, Elimination Chamber, and Royal Rumble. Other match types include Hardcore, Ladder, and Royal Rumble. There are a total of five different match types that may be played in the Wii version of the game. These include Single (One on One), Tag Team (Two on Two), K.O. Match, Triple Threat, and Hardcore. It does not include the WWE Shop and has a limited move set, but it includes motion-sensing attacks based on the controls and Mii integration (menu displays and in-game HUD).
The first-person view is available throughout the entrance sequences on the PlayStation 3 version, while the Xbox 360 version lets players use their creative music during those sequences. Both of them are the only ones that have an online multiplayer component.
