WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Preview

With the release for THQ's WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2009 fast approaching, the publisher has released a bunch of exclusive assets and info on the all-new Career Mode.

Career Mode will be open to all playable characters, including created Superstars, Divas and hidden characters. Exactly where players start will depend on which character is selected, but you'll begin on the first championship path. This requires moving to the top of the pecking order in in a group of contenders and getting a title shot at one of WWE's Pay-Per-View events. Everything from rosters to rules can be customized, and additional match types will be unlocked in new paths.

Players won't only be required to win, but will need to do so in style. Matches will be rated on a five-star scale, and a certain total number of stars are required to continue along the championship paths. Earning three stars in a bout is good, but higher ratings will require being involved in more exciting matches - stick to repetitive, consistent game plans and you won't get far.

Career Mode will feature 10 championships to earn, one is open to Divas and another is male exclusive, but the rest are open to all comers. Throughout the year special events will pop up, which if won could provide a fast track to a title shot.

The mode won't be entirely focused on winning championships, with character progression also being important. Superstars will start with modest attribute levels, with every match being an opportunity to gain experience across eight different areas: durability, strength, speed, submission, technical, stamina, charisma and hardcore. Each attribute score is combined to form an overall wrestler score. The experience will be a little different if players choose to create their own Superstar. Here special Superstar abilities will be unlocked, such as Submission Specialist and Move Theft.

Career Mode will also be packed full of statistics, offering records for wins and losses and stats such as finisher-per-match average, successful reversal percentage, time spent out of the ring and many more.

End-of-match awards will blend Superstar attributes with stats. If a player manually stops the referee's pin count four times in one match a Continue the Pain award will be given. This grants a one-time boost to a Superstar's charisma attribute. Going an entire match without striking earns the One Strike award and gives the Superstar a strength boost. There's approximately 100 awards hidden in the game.

You can see the new mode in action by heading over to the VideoGamer.com video player and if you head elsewhere you'll also find a bunch of new screen shots for PS3 and Xbox 360.

SmackDown vs Raw 2009 is scheduled for release on November 7.