THQ has issued the following press release:
WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2009 Playable Demo Now Available for Download via PlayStation®Network
Leading Fighting Videogame Franchise Offers Consumers Game Sample and Exclusive Retail Incentives Prior to November Launch
AGOURA HILLS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) today announced the WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2009 playable demo is now available for free download
via PlayStation®Network exclusively for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. In addition, consumers may obtain a demo copy and take advantage of exclusive gift-with-purchase promotions by pre-ordering the game at select retailers. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is currently scheduled for a North American release on November 9 for the Xbox 360
® videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Wii┢ home videogame system and Nintendo DS┢. The mobile version of the game is slated to launch on various carriers throughout November.
âOur exclusive PLAYSTATION 3 system playable demo and North American retail program will allow consumers to embrace the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 experience in several unique ways prior to the November 9 launch,â said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. âThe strength of this yearâs campaign demonstrates retailâs continued support of the brand as we prepare to deliver the next installment in our leading fighting videogame franchise.â
âAs we approach the launch in November, we are pleased to offer fans the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 playable demo exclusively for the PLAYSTATION 3 system,â said Nelo Lucich, vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific. âFans are certain to enjoy the new options available in this yearâs tag team match, including â~hot tags,â building team momentum and unique tag team finishing moves in the most advanced WWE videogame experience to date.â
About the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Playable Demo
The WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 playable demo for the PLAYSTATION 3 system will allow consumers to sample exhibition and tag team matches using the RAW arena. Superstars Triple H®, Shawn Michaels®, Jeff Hardy┢ and Matt Hardy® are available for battle as players explore new game features, including the revitalized tag team experience. Players can now build momentum and attributes as a team, devastate opponents with high impact double teams, pull off new bone-crunching tag team finishers and get the âhot tagâ for the win.
About WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 upholds the franchiseâs commitment to delivering the definitive videogame simulation of live WWE programming. Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, PlayStation 2 system and PSP system versions of the game will unleash a brand-new tag team experience, allowing players to build momentum and attributes, eliminate opponents with high impact double teams and finishers, as well as get the âhot tagâ for the win. The franchiseâs renowned creation system offers a brand new Create-A-Finisher option, while a new Road to WrestleMania® Mode paves the way to WWEâs biggest event of the year and lets players experience a franchise-first co-op storyline. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 also extends the virtual WWE gameplay experience with robust online capabilities, including the debut of downloadable content.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Wii builds upon its inaugural offering by significantly expanding its match type options, giving players more ways to enjoy the platformâs unique pick-up-and-play experience. Gameplay advances to the next level, giving players more Superstar control with interactive entrances and victory scenes. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Wii will also include a wide variety of new weapons, the debut of online gameplay and much more.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Nintendo DS
returns with new gameplay controls that utilize the stylus and D-pad to deliver a compelling handheld fighting game experience. The redesigned Season Mode takes a role-playing approach, allowing players to interact with Superstars, upgrade their abilities and complete missions on a quest toward legendary goals. In addition, a larger Superstar roster, new match types and the inclusion of Create-A-Superstar will provide players with a variety of intriguing options to enhance gameplay.
More information about WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 can be found at www.smackdownvsraw.com and www.thq.com.