Old school rasslin’ holds a fond place both in my memory and heart.  So when the Hulkster and his pythons staved off the deadly camel clutch of the Iron Sheik, I was a Hulk-a-maniac 100% along for the turnbuckle ride.

A similar fondness lies with the arcade and console classics of ‘Wrestlemania,’ where my beloved Ultimate Warrior annihilated all who crossed his war feather path.

Over the years, however, the WWF became the World Wildlife Federation, Owen Hart and Andre the Giant met early deaths, and the ECW a household name. The times they are a’ changin’, indeed.

As expected, videogame wrestling followed suit. Literally dozens of hit or miss wrestling game series accompanied the sport’s evolution. Smackdown, Raw, Superstars, Royal Rumble, King of the Ring, etc. Let’s just say there’s been no shortage of wrestling games since Roddy Pipper first flashed his kilt-ed, chalky white legs to Mean Gene.

Enter 2008 and already the third ‘Smackdown! vs. Raw’ title for the PSP…aka the first wrestling game I’ve picked up in nearly 15 years. I slapped on a pair of tights and laced up boots, and gave this sucka’ a whirl.

First impressions: damn I’m old. If not for the legends mode, I wouldn’t recognize nary a name in the very robust database of available wrestlers. Equally as impressive is the enormous roster of match types, venues, and features. There’s a lot of gaming goodness packed into this UMD.

Related, character models look terrific. ‘Smackdown! vs. Raw 2008’ (SVR 2008) packs stunning player models, the behind-the-scenes and ring antics equally impressive visually. Musical intros, a solid soundtrack and decent battle effects combine to create a nice A/V experience. SVR 2008 certainly feels authentic…well, as far as a wrestling game can be.

Thankfully there’s a whole lot to do once you get into the ring in SVR 2008. The [almost too] in-depth 24/7 mode allows you to guide any of the game’s wrestlers through a comprehensive career. Daily training, media appearances, skill development, manager tasks, etc., are all readily at your disposable. Detail obsessives will salivate over the opportunity to micro manage The Undertaker’s entire career development. Everyone loves blogging the Undertaker. Or not.

Moreover, single player and tag team modes are bursting with available match types. King of the Ring, Steel Cage, Ladder, and Money in the Bank are among the dozens of ways to grapple SVR 2008. Even the casual, exhibition mode gamer should stay entertained for weeks trying out SVR 2008’s different matches. Add the ability to play out legendary matches, and we’re talking serious replay value.

As with any wrestling maneuver, however, execution is key. This is unfortunately where SVR 2008 comes up a bit short in its title defense. The game touts an analog-based grappling system, one that – combined with the standard controls – feels as rough as Jim ‘The Anvil’ Neidhart’s goatee. Available moves are aplenty (each wrestler has two distinct, selectable styles), but none execute smoothly and/or quickly. There’s something very forced and simultaneously random about SVR 2008’s combat system. Yes, the moves eventually happen...but they appear more button mash-driven and location-independent than anything. I’m left thinking a bit more polish and this could’ve been outstanding. Legendary, in fact.

The same could be said about match length and strategy. Even the most lopsided match seems to go on forever but – to SVR 2008’s credit – all end in dramatic fashion. This game will never be accused of not being fun, control and strategy shortcomings aside.

Finally – and arguably most relevant – SVR 2008 spends a ridiculous amount of time in load screens. Be prepared to stare at load screens featuring bios of wrestlers and divas for minutes per match. Load times are so aplenty, they significantly hamper overall experience.

SUMMARY: ‘Smackdown! vs. Raw 2008’ for the PSP is a solid, portable wrestling title bursting with depth. Wrestling fans will be ecstatic, series loyalists giddy over an authentic representation of their favorite sport. Be prepared, however, for spotty controls and excessively long matches and load times.

CONCLUSION: 7.25 [JIMMY SUPERRFLY SNUKAS] OUT OF 10.