by THQTHQ continues its exclusive relationship with the WWE in this installment of the best-selling SmackDown! vs. Raw franchise. For its third appearance on PlayStation 2, the series features an updated roster of Raw and SmackDown! wrestlers, a cast of WWE legends, and signature moves for each star. Dynamic 3D crowds make their presence known throughout each match with cheers and jeers, and they will even supply wrestlers with weapons outside the ring. A new analog-based control scheme simplifies the action by letting players flick the right stick in different directions to perform various situation-specific grappling moves. Each arena features 20 interactive hot spots, from turnbuckles to ropes to guard rails, allowing players to slam heads, rub faces, and perform other "friendly" maneuvers. Players can lead their favorite star through multiple branching story lines over a full season, or take on a Vince McMahon-type role in the general manager mode. The latter has you hiring writers, choosing from multiple plot threads, managing a salary cap, and setting up matches for weekly television broadcasts. Schedules, e-mail, rosters, reports, and budgets are all accessed from the GM desk inside a 3D locker room, where you'll try to turn a profit and deliver big ratings to increase the popularity of your grappling group. More than 60 male and female wrestlers are available to play as or against, including such past and present stars as John Cena, Rey Mysterio, Tris...