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 on the PS2? This game was a massive hit back in the day, and for good reason. The gameplay was smooth, the roster was stacked, and the action was intense. But let's be honest, even if you've played it a million times, remembering all the controls can be a bit of a challenge. That's why I'm here, your friendly neighborhood wrestling guide, to break down all the WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain PS2 controls! Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, this guide will have you suplexing your opponents in no time. So, grab your controller, fire up your PS2 (or emulator!), and let's get ready to rumble!

Basic Controls: Getting Started in the Ring

Alright, let's start with the basics. These are the fundamental controls you'll need to know to move your wrestler around, lock up with your opponent, and get the match started. Mastering these is key to your success in the ring. So pay attention, guys!

• Movement:
  • Left Analog Stick: This is your best friend for moving your wrestler around the ring. Use it to walk, run, and position yourself for attacks. Get a good feel for how your wrestler moves, as different wrestlers have different speeds and agility. Some are lumbering giants, while others are lightning-fast. The better you know your wrestler, the better you will perform in the ring.
• Attacks:
  • X Button: This is your light attack button. Use it for quick strikes and punches. It is perfect for wearing down your opponent.
  • Square Button: This is your heavy attack button. It delivers more powerful strikes, but takes longer to execute. Be careful using it, as you'll be vulnerable to counters. It can be devastating if timed right. Landing a powerful blow can change the momentum of the game.
  • O Button: This is your grapple button. Pressing this near your opponent will initiate a grapple, allowing you to perform a variety of moves. This is where you will do moves such as suplex, body slam, and other power moves.
  • Triangle Button: This is your run button. Hold this down and the character will run until they run out of stamina or get hit. Running is great for getting close to an opponent to perform a move.
• Other Actions:
  • R1 Button: This is your block/defense button. Use it to protect yourself from your opponent's attacks. Timing your blocks is crucial, as a well-timed block can lead to a counter attack.
  • L1 Button: This is your taunt button. Use it to taunt your opponent and increase your momentum meter. This button will also allow you to get out of the ring, climb the turnbuckle and run when in a certain position.
  • Select Button: This button will show your character stats. This can be very useful to check which part of the body your opponent is hurting.
  • Start Button: Pauses the game, brings up the menu.

Grapple System: Mastering the Art of Wrestling

Now, let's dive deeper into the grapple system. This is where the real fun begins, folks! In WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain, the grapple system is more complex than in many other wrestling games, giving you a lot of options. You'll need to learn how to lock up with your opponent, perform different grapple moves, and even counter your opponent's grapples. So, let's break it down, shall we?

• Locking Up:
  • To initiate a grapple, walk up to your opponent and press the O button. Your wrestlers will lock up, and you'll be presented with a variety of grapple moves. This also begins the process of the opponent's signature or finisher.
• Grapple Moves:
  • Once you're in a grapple, you'll have a range of moves to choose from, each mapped to different directions and button combinations. Here's how it works:
    • Direction + O Button: This will perform a variety of grapple moves depending on the direction you press on the left analog stick and the position of your wrestler. Experiment with different directions to see what moves you can pull off.
    • Direction + X Button: This will perform quick grapple attacks, such as punches and kicks, to wear down your opponent. These types of attacks are really useful to disrupt your opponent's offense or to prevent them from hitting their finisher.
• Strong Grapples:
  • Strong Grapples are initiated by pressing O while the character is on a certain health or momentum status. This is when the best moves can be performed, such as piledrivers, and other powerful attacks that can quickly end the match.
• Grapple Counters:
  • The key to the WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain is the ability to counter your opponent's moves. To counter a grapple, press the R1 button at the right time. Timing is key here, as a well-timed counter can shift the momentum of the match. You can counter grapples, strikes, and even running attacks.
  • Counters are really important to know, to gain advantage against your opponent and to avoid serious injury. Make sure to learn the timing of the different attacks, and don't get frustrated if you miss a few. With practice, you'll be countering like a pro in no time.

Special Moves: Unleashing the Pain

Alright, now for the good stuff! WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain lets you perform signature and finisher moves. These moves are crucial for winning matches. If you want to put your opponent down for the three count, you'll need to master these techniques. So, how do you do it?

• Momentum Meter:
  • Before you can unleash a special move, you'll need to build up your momentum meter. You can fill the momentum meter by:
    • Performing successful attacks.
    • Taunting your opponent with L1 button. (be careful tho, as this leaves you open to attack)
    • Taking damage from your opponent.
    • Reversing your opponents moves.
• Signature Moves:
  • Once your momentum meter is partially full, you can perform your wrestler's signature moves. These moves are powerful and often set the stage for a finisher. These are a great way to wear down your opponent and begin setting up for your finisher.
• Finisher Moves:
  • When your momentum meter is completely full, it's time to unleash your finisher! This is your wrestler's most devastating move, and it's usually enough to win the match. The finishers are different depending on your wrestler. You'll need to learn the button combinations for your favorite wrestlers.
• Performing Special Moves:
  • The button combinations for signature and finisher moves vary depending on the wrestler. However, they generally involve a combination of the direction + O button when the opponent is in the right position. These moves also require you to be in certain positions, so make sure to get familiar with the moves of your favorite wrestlers.

Advanced Controls and Techniques: Taking Your Game to the Next Level

Alright, you've got the basics down, but you want to be a true SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain champion, right? Here are some advanced techniques to take your game to the next level.

• Running Attacks:
  • Running attacks can be devastating, so here's how to use them to your advantage. Press the Triangle Button to run and then press either the X or Square Button while running to perform a running attack. These attacks can be very hard-hitting and cause significant damage, especially if you get the momentum and distance just right.
  • You can also perform running grapples by running into your opponent and pressing the O button. These are particularly effective at catching your opponent off guard.
• Using the Ring:
  • The ring is your battleground, so use it to your advantage! Here's how to make the most of the ring:
    • Irish Whip: Press X or O + direction to Irish whip your opponent into the ropes. This stuns them for a moment, giving you an opening.
    • Turnbuckle Attacks: Climb the turnbuckle with the L1 button + direction and perform diving attacks. These are high-risk, high-reward moves that can change the momentum of the match. You can also whip your opponents to the corner of the ring.
    • Ring Out: Try throwing your opponent out of the ring using the Irish whip or by performing a grapple near the ropes. This can lead to a count out or a brawl outside the ring.
• Stamina Management:
  • Stamina is a crucial factor in SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain. Running, performing grapples, and taking damage will drain your stamina. Be mindful of your stamina, as running out of it will make you slow and vulnerable. You can recover stamina by standing still or using certain taunts.
• Using Weapons:
  • The use of weapons can be used to cause massive damage to your opponent. You can grab weapons such as chairs and kendo sticks from under the ring, and use them to strike your opponents. Be careful when doing so, however, as using weapons may lead to disqualification.

Conclusion: Dominate the Ring

Alright, wrestling fans, that's a wrap! You've got the lowdown on the WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain PS2 controls. From the basic moves to the advanced techniques, you're now equipped to dominate the ring and become the champion you were always meant to be. Remember to practice these controls, experiment with different wrestlers, and most importantly, have fun! So go out there, raise some hell, and show everyone who's boss. The road to WrestleMania starts here! Remember, whether you're playing on a PS2 or using an emulator, the excitement is still there. Now go on, and make sure your opponent feels the pain!