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 game was a PS2 classic, and a lot of us spent countless hours perfecting our moves and dominating our rivals. But let's be honest, the controls could be a bit tricky at first. Don't worry, guys, I've got you covered! This guide breaks down the SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain PS2 controls so you can unleash your inner wrestling superstar and dominate your opponents. So, grab your controller, and let's get ready to rumble!

Understanding the Basics: Navigation and Movement

Before we dive into the specific moves and combos, let's get a handle on the fundamentals. Movement is key in Here Comes the Pain, allowing you to position yourself, evade attacks, and set up your own offensive maneuvers. Knowing how to navigate the ring effectively is crucial for success. Here's what you need to know:

• Analog Stick: This is your primary tool for movement. Use the left analog stick to move your wrestler around the ring. You can walk, run, and even sprint, depending on how far you push the stick. Practice makes perfect, so get a feel for how your wrestler moves and how quickly they can change direction. The ability to quickly maneuver is very vital to avoid damage and catch your opponent off guard.
• D-Pad: While the analog stick is your main movement tool, the D-pad can also be used for basic movement. However, it’s generally less precise than the analog stick, so it's more useful for minor adjustments or when you want to avoid accidentally sprinting. Many players find the D-pad useful for walking slowly or setting up certain moves.
• Camera Control: The right analog stick is used for camera control. Use this to adjust your view of the match, allowing you to see your opponent, the referee, and the overall action. Proper camera control can help you avoid being blindsided by attacks and gives you a better perspective for setting up your own moves.
• Grappling and Targeting: Understanding how to target your opponent is another fundamental aspect. To target a specific wrestler in multi-person matches, use the shoulder buttons (L1/R1 or L2/R2, depending on your controller setup). This will cycle through the available targets. Make sure you are targeting the right opponent before you execute a move; otherwise, you might end up hitting the wrong person!

Mastering these basic controls is the foundation upon which you'll build your wrestling prowess. Make sure to spend some time in the practice mode to get comfortable with moving around the ring, adjusting the camera, and targeting opponents. Once you have a firm grasp of the basics, you'll be ready to move on to the more complex aspects of the game.

Grappling and Strikes: The Heart of the Action

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of wrestling: grappling and strikes. These are your primary methods of offense, and mastering them is essential for winning matches. Here Comes the Pain offered a deep and satisfying grappling system, allowing for a wide variety of moves and interactions. Here's a detailed breakdown of the grappling and striking controls:

• Grappling: Grappling is initiated by pressing the Circle button. This will cause your wrestler to lock up with their opponent. From this position, you can perform a variety of moves. The game featured a system of grappling levels, which determined what moves you could perform. The higher the grappling level, the more powerful and devastating the move.
  • Grapple + Direction: While in a grapple, you can use the analog stick to perform different moves. Pressing the stick in a specific direction (up, down, left, or right) along with a button (X, Square, Circle) will execute a unique move. Experimentation is the key here. Try different combinations to discover all the moves your wrestler can perform. Remember to consider your wrestler's specific skills and attributes, as some moves are only available to certain wrestlers.
  • Grapple Levels: The grappling system in Here Comes the Pain was based on grappling levels. As you performed grapples and maneuvers, your wrestler would level up their grappling ability, unlocking more powerful and devastating moves. The game indicated the grapple level with the color of the grapple icon shown above your wrestler's head.
• Strikes: Strikes are your quick, direct attacks. They are essential for softening up your opponent before attempting a grapple or for keeping them at bay. The striking controls are as follows:
  • Punch (Square Button): This is your basic punch. It is fast and can be used to interrupt your opponent's attacks.
  • Kick (X Button): This is a kick. It deals more damage than a punch and is useful for staggering your opponent.
  • Running Attack: Pressing the analog stick forward and then pressing X or Square will initiate a running attack. These attacks deal more damage and can be used to knock down your opponent.

Mastering the grappling and striking controls involves understanding the timing, positioning, and context of each move. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you and your wrestler. Always keep an eye on your opponent's health, stamina, and current position to use the most effective moves at the right time. Being able to adapt your strategy on the fly is a core skill for any successful wrestler.

Special Moves and Finishers: Unleash the Power!

What's a wrestling game without those incredible special moves and finishers? They're the moments we live for, the ones that decide the outcome of the match and leave your opponent reeling. Here Comes the Pain delivered on this front, offering a vast array of unique moves for each wrestler. Knowing how to execute these game-changing moves is what makes the difference between victory and defeat.

• Building Momentum and Special Meters: Before you can execute a special move, you need to build up your momentum. This is done by performing successful moves, taunting the crowd, and avoiding your opponent's attacks. The game features a special meter, typically displayed below your health bar, which fills up as you build momentum.
• Special Moves Execution: When your special meter is full, you can perform a special move. These moves are typically more powerful and spectacular than regular moves and often involve unique animations. The controls for special moves vary depending on the wrestler and the game's specific settings, but generally involve a combination of directional inputs and button presses. Mastering the timing and execution of these moves is key to winning matches.
• Finishers: Finishers are your ultimate weapons, the most devastating moves in your arsenal. They're designed to finish off your opponent, leading to a pin or submission. Performing a finisher often requires a specific set of conditions to be met, such as your opponent being in a certain state (e.g., stunned, lying on the ground). Each wrestler has their signature finisher, and it's essential to learn how to execute it effectively. The game provides clues and prompts, so pay close attention to the instructions to trigger a finisher correctly.
• Taunts: Taunting your opponent serves a dual purpose. It can help build your special meter, allowing you to execute special moves more frequently. Additionally, taunts can sometimes have other effects, like momentarily distracting your opponent or increasing your attributes. Knowing when and how to taunt is an integral part of the game.

The strategic use of special moves and finishers is where Here Comes the Pain gets really exciting. Learning each wrestler's unique moves, mastering their execution, and knowing when to unleash them can determine the outcome of a match. Practicing these moves, understanding their effects, and experimenting with their timing will greatly improve your performance. Don't be afraid to take risks and be creative in the ring; the more you play, the better you'll get at pulling off those memorable match-winning moments.

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

Alright, guys, let's take a look at some advanced techniques and strategies that will help you take your game to the next level. These tips will give you the edge you need to dominate in the ring, whether you're playing against friends or the computer. Mastering these advanced techniques separates the casual players from the true wrestling veterans.

• Reversals: Reversals are essential for countering your opponent's attacks and turning the tables in your favor. Mastering the timing of reversals is crucial. You'll need to anticipate your opponent's moves and press the reversal button (L1/R1 or L2/R2, depending on your controller setup) at the exact moment of impact. Successfully reversing an attack can lead to a momentum swing, allowing you to regain control of the match.
• Chain Wrestling: Here Comes the Pain had a great chain wrestling system. This involves linking various moves together to create combos and wear down your opponent. By combining strikes, grapples, and other attacks in rapid succession, you can overwhelm your opponent and increase your chances of securing a victory.
• Stamina Management: Pay close attention to your wrestler's stamina bar. Running, performing many moves in a row, and taking damage deplete your stamina. When your stamina is low, your wrestler will be slower, less effective, and more vulnerable to attacks. Learning to manage your stamina effectively is crucial. Use taunts strategically to regain stamina, and avoid overusing your most energy-consuming moves.
• Ring Awareness and Positioning: Knowing your surroundings and positioning yourself correctly is crucial. Use the ropes to your advantage, and learn the layout of the ring. Being close to the ropes can provide opportunities for offensive maneuvers, such as Irish whips and rope-assisted attacks. Being aware of where you are in relation to your opponent, the referee, and the crowd can help you set up your moves and anticipate their counters.
• Using Weapons (if enabled): Depending on the match type, you might have access to weapons. Using weapons can inflict devastating damage and change the outcome of a match quickly. However, be cautious: using weapons is often risky, as you can be disqualified or have your own attacks countered. Learn when to use weapons effectively to inflict maximum damage while minimizing the risk of a penalty.
• Match Types and Rules: The different match types in Here Comes the Pain have different rules and objectives. Learn the rules of each match type to gain an advantage. For example, in a ladder match, you'll need to use the ladder to grab a championship belt hanging above the ring. In a cage match, the goal is to escape the cage. Understanding the rules and using them to your advantage is crucial for victory.

By mastering these advanced techniques and strategies, you'll be well on your way to becoming a Here Comes the Pain champion. Practice these techniques regularly, experiment with different approaches, and study the game's mechanics. The more you play, the better you'll become at strategizing and adapting to different opponents and match scenarios.

Troubleshooting Common Control Issues

Even after familiarizing yourself with the controls, you might encounter some common issues while playing Here Comes the Pain. Here's a quick guide to troubleshooting some of the most frequent problems:

• Controller Not Responding: Ensure your controller is properly connected to your PlayStation 2 console. Check the controller cable, and make sure the controller is turned on. If the problem persists, try using a different controller or checking your controller settings in the PlayStation 2 menu.
• Button Inputs Not Registering: If your button inputs aren't registering, try cleaning your controller buttons with a soft cloth and compressed air. Sometimes, dust or debris can interfere with the button contacts. You can also try adjusting the button sensitivity settings in the game's options menu.
• Movement Issues: If your wrestler seems sluggish or unresponsive, double-check your analog stick or D-pad. Make sure that the analog stick isn't drifting and that the D-pad is functioning correctly. In the game's settings, you can adjust the sensitivity of the analog stick to improve your wrestler's movement.
• Difficulty Performing Special Moves or Finishers: If you're struggling to perform special moves or finishers, ensure that your special meter is full and that you're using the correct button combinations. Review the game's instructions or the wrestler's move list to confirm the button inputs. The timing of these moves is important, so practice them in the training mode until you get the hang of it.
• Camera Problems: If you're having trouble with the camera angles, use the right analog stick to adjust the camera and find an optimal view. You can also explore different camera settings in the game's options menu to customize the camera behavior to your liking.

If you've tried these troubleshooting tips and are still experiencing problems, consider consulting the game's manual or searching online forums for more advanced solutions. Many experienced players are happy to share their knowledge and provide assistance.

Conclusion: Go Out There and Dominate!

There you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to the WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain PS2 controls. Now that you've mastered the basics, understand the advanced techniques, and can troubleshoot common issues, you're ready to hit the ring and become a champion. Remember to practice, experiment, and most importantly, have fun! So, go out there, choose your favorite wrestler, perfect your moves, and dominate the competition. And always remember,