October 13, 2008 - There's a buzzword in the videogame world right now; it's community. True, games have always had dedicated audiences that were linked together by message boards, tin cans on string, etc., but now the merging of games and online functions is creating all sorts of ways for fans to get together and go nuts about their favs.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is no exception. In addition to the usual online matches, SVR 09 is tossing in Highlight Reel, an option where you can record parts of your matches, save them, edit them together, and then upload the file for the world to see.
OMFG.
The feature seems like it'll be easy enough to use. Players will do something cool in their matches; pause the game; and have the option to watch the last 30 seconds of gameplay while changing camera angles, manually moving the point of view, and fast forwarding and rewinding at will. If you dig a 30-second spot, you can save the clip and continue the match -- saving other replays whenever you feel like it. When the match is over, you can jump into the Highlight Reel option and get to work on your masterpiece.
Once you're in the editing tool, you're going to have a handful of options at your fingertips. You can toss in multiple clips, put transitions between them, add effects such as slow motion and filters, and pipe in sounds that include music from your system's playlist. There will be editable graphics and logos, the ability to change camera angles here as well, and more. When it's all said and done, you can create a custom, virtual DVD Cover with different backgrounds, Superstar photos, graphics, and custom text. You can even create your own screenshots -- complete with graphics, filters and more -- in the editing tool.
You'll be able to save 20 of these movies, and yes, your created Superstars and finishers will be supported in this mode. When you think you've got squared-circle gold, you can upload your videos and/or screens and hop on the SVR server to download what the other rabid WWE fans have made.