SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain: PS2 Controls Guide

Hey wrestling fans! Ready to step back into the squared circle and relive the glory days of WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain? This PS2 classic is a fan favorite for a reason, and a big part of that is its engaging gameplay and the control scheme. If you're dusting off your old PlayStation 2 or diving in for the first time, you'll need to know the ropes. So, buckle up, and let's break down the controls to help you become a SmackDown! legend.

Basic Movement and Actions

Let's start with the basics, guys. Moving your wrestler around the ring is super important. You'll use the left analog stick for that. Pressing it in different directions lets you move forward, backward, left, or right. It's pretty intuitive, but mastering the nuances of movement can take your game to the next level. You'll need to learn how to position your wrestler, whether it's setting up a signature move or avoiding a pin.

Now, the X button is your main interaction button. It's used for several things: picking up weapons, interacting with the environment (like using the ropes or turnbuckles), and performing various actions. When you're near an opponent, you'll use it to grapple. But, when you're away from them, you can perform other actions based on your wrestler's position. This one button is crucial for setting up your offensive strategy.

The Circle button is typically used for running. Tap it to sprint across the ring, crucial for executing your big moves or getting away from a dangerous opponent. However, be careful, because running can drain your stamina, so it's a double-edged sword! You can also use the Circle button for quick reversals during the match when timed correctly.

Next up is the Square button, which is typically used for striking. This is how you'll throw punches and kicks. Repeatedly pressing it throws out a series of strikes. Combining strikes with movement is a great way to control the pace of the match and wear down your opponent. Timing and precision are key to landing the perfect blow.

Finally, the Triangle button is your special move button. This is your chance to shine and perform your signature moves. Once your special meter is full, you can use Triangle to unleash your devastating finishers. Think about hitting that F-5 as Brock Lesnar, or delivering the Rock Bottom as The Rock. Landing these moves is a huge part of your winning strategy!

Mastering these basic controls is the foundation of becoming a SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain champion. Remember to practice and get a feel for the timing and positioning. You'll be dominating the ring in no time!

Grappling, Reversals, and Combos

Alright, let's get a little deeper into the grappling, reversals, and combos, because this is where the real fun begins, guys! This is the part that separates the rookies from the veterans. You’ll be spending a lot of time grappling in WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain, so understanding how to initiate and execute these moves is essential. When you're near an opponent, you'll press the X button to grapple. This will initiate a grapple sequence, which then gives you several options, depending on your wrestler's moveset and position.

After you grapple, you'll typically use the directional buttons along with the X button to perform different grapple moves. Each direction will trigger a different move, and the variety is incredible. You might see a suplex, a DDT, or a powerbomb, depending on your wrestler's moveset. Knowing your wrestler's moves is key to maximizing your effectiveness in the ring. You'll want to study your wrestler's moveset in the game menus to fully realize their potential.

Timing your reversals is another crucial element in WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain. Reversals can change the momentum of the match in an instant. This is when your opponent is grappling you, about to perform a move. The game gives you a brief window to reverse your opponent’s move. You can reverse their moves to gain a quick advantage, or simply to survive. This is done by hitting the R1 button at the right moment. The timing window can be tight, so you'll need to develop your reflexes and anticipate your opponent's actions.

Now, let's talk about combos, because who doesn't love stringing together a series of attacks to dominate your opponent? To execute combos, you'll typically use a combination of the Square button (striking) and directional buttons. You can chain together punches, kicks, and other attacks to overwhelm your opponent. Experiment to find out which combos work best for your wrestler and your style. You'll quickly see that the more you mix up your attacks, the harder it will be for your opponent to mount a defense.

Another important aspect of the grappling system is the stamina meter. Your wrestler's stamina depletes with every move, grapple, and run. If your stamina runs low, your wrestler will move slower, and their attacks will be less effective. Managing your stamina is crucial to surviving the long matches. Try to pace yourself, and don't overdo the running and high-impact moves. This can also influence your ability to reverse moves. Mastering these elements will elevate your gameplay and transform you into a true Here Comes the Pain champion!

Special Moves and Finishers

Okay, let's get to the good stuff: special moves and finishers! They're the showstoppers, the highlight reels, and the reason we all love WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain. Learning how to execute these powerful maneuvers is essential if you want to become the champion. First, you'll need to build up your special meter. You'll see a meter at the bottom of the screen, which fills up as you perform offensive moves and take damage. Once it’s full, you're ready to unleash your finisher!

Once your special meter is full, you can execute your wrestler's signature finisher by pressing the Triangle button when your opponent is in the right position. However, knowing the right time to do it is also important. The positioning is key, because each finisher requires a specific setup. This might involve your opponent being on the ground, in the corner, or in a specific grapple position. You can discover the setups for your wrestler's finishers by checking the move-set list in the game menus.

There are tons of finishers in WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain. From the Stone Cold Stunner to the Spear, these moves can turn the tide of a match in an instant. The impact of these finishers is also enhanced by the game's animations and sound effects, making them super satisfying to execute.

However, it's not all about offense. WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain also provides you with defensive options against special moves. If you can anticipate when your opponent is about to unleash their finisher, you can reverse it. Anticipating the finisher can be very important. If you can time the reversal correctly, you can turn their signature move against them, setting up your own offensive advantage.

Moreover, the environment plays a role in special moves and finishers. For example, you can perform certain moves on the announce table, or even through the turnbuckles. These spots add excitement to the matches, providing unique moments and match finishes. They require the proper setup, and the positioning, but the reward is often a spectacular, match-ending moment. Finally, the ability to successfully execute special moves and finishers adds an element of excitement to matches and contributes to the overall immersive experience of the game.

Advanced Techniques and Tips

Alright, let's level up our gameplay, guys! We're moving from the basics to some advanced techniques and pro tips that will help you dominate in WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain. First, let's discuss the strategic use of taunts. Taunting your opponent does more than just showboat; it can also affect their momentum. Pressing the D-pad in different directions, will allow your wrestler to perform various taunts. Some taunts can help you build up your special meter faster, while others can demoralize your opponent, temporarily affecting their stats. When used strategically, taunts can be a valuable tool in gaining an advantage.

Another advanced technique is the use of the environment. The ring, the turnbuckles, and even the crowd can be used to your advantage. You can Irish whip your opponent into the turnbuckle for a powerful impact, or send them over the announce table for a high-risk maneuver. The use of weapons is also important. You can grab chairs, steel steps, and other objects to deal extra damage. Remember, though, that using weapons comes with risks, as you could be disqualified if you’re caught. Mastering the environment can offer you more options and depth in combat.

Controlling the pace of the match is also very important. Varying your attacks, switching between strikes and grapples, and knowing when to go on the offensive and defensive are critical. Watch your stamina, and be sure to vary your attacks. Don’t get predictable, or your opponent will be able to anticipate your moves and counter them. You should also utilize reversals, and try to get a feel for the timing so that you can create moments of momentum.

Finally, the key to becoming a SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain master is practice. Experiment with different wrestlers, learn their movesets, and figure out what works best for you. Don't be afraid to try new things and make mistakes. The more you play, the better you'll become. So, get in the ring, try out different strategies, and have fun! The more you play, the more you'll learn the timing, the techniques, and the strategies that define this awesome game.