New Smackdown game on the way

THQ plans to unleash the next instalment in its WWE Smackdown vs. Raw series this autumn.

It's in development for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PSP and DS. Fresh features for 2009 include downloadable content for the 360 and PS3 versions, plus a tag team system for 360, PS3, PS2 and PSP games.

This lets your duo of burly grapplers build up your momentum and attributes before unleashing high impact double teams and finishers. It also sounds like you can uncover co-operative storylines as you plod down the road to Wrestlemania.

Wrestlemania, incidentally, was where Ricky Hatton-beater Floyd "Money" Mayweather fought and bested wrestler Big Show last night. Which was a bit strange.

The Wii version will build on its debut release by adding online support as well as more match type options and interactive victory scenes and entrances.

Meanwhile, the DS offering is to be turned into a role-playing-type affair. There will now be character interaction and quests or missions to complete, and your abilities will improve as you go along.

On top of this there will be a larger roster to pick from, fresh match types, and the Create-A-Superstar system from the console games.

All six versions of the game will undergo the usual bout of technical tidying, so expect more realistic sweat, chairs, biceps and grunting.

Pop over to our WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 Xbox 360 and PS3 galleries to see how it's shaping up.