SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain: PS2 Controls Guide

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SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain: PS2 Controls Guide

Hey wrestling fanatics! Ready to step back into the squared circle and relive the glory days of WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain on the PlayStation 2? This game was a absolute banger, wasn't it? Well, before you start suplexing your friends (virtually, of course!), you'll need to master the controls. Don't worry, guys, I've got you covered. This guide breaks down all the moves, from basic grapples to those devastating finishers, so you can dominate the ring like a true WWE superstar. We'll explore everything from the button layouts to the nuances of each wrestling maneuver, ensuring you're ready to lay the smack down! So, lace up your boots, grab your controller, and let's get ready to rumble!

Basic Controls: Getting Started in the Ring

Alright, let's start with the basics, shall we? Understanding these fundamental controls is key to building a solid foundation for your SmackDown! experience. These are the moves that will help you start your journey into the world of wrestling. These actions are also the most common ones that you will use during a match, so make sure you master them. Without mastering them, you will have a hard time winning any match.

  • Movement:
    • Left Analog Stick: This is your best friend for navigating the ring. Use it to move your wrestler around, position yourself, and chase down your opponent. Practice your footwork, guys, and learn how to anticipate your opponent's movements.
  • Attacking:
    • X Button: This is your primary attack button, responsible for your punches and kicks. Keep mashing it to unleash a flurry of strikes, or tap it strategically to create some space for yourself.
    • Square Button: This is the grapple button, the key to taking control of the match. Getting close to your opponent and pressing the square button initiates a grapple. You can then perform different grapples, depending on the position of your opponent and the direction you hold the analog stick. This is very important, because without grappling, you cannot execute moves.
    • Circle Button: Use this button for running. When you combine this with the analog stick you can move at high speed, but keep in mind that doing this for too long will make your wrestler out of breath.
    • Triangle Button: This is your signature button, used for your special moves and taunts. Each wrestler has their own unique taunts, so experiment with them. Make sure that your special meter is full before attempting to execute one.
    • L1 Button: This is the button that you must use to perform a block. Blocking is crucial for defense, reducing the damage from your opponent's attacks.
    • R1 Button: This is the button that you use to pick up a weapon. If you are in a weapon match, this is very important because with a weapon you can do devastating attacks.
    • D-Pad: The D-Pad is used for different actions, like taunting your opponent, or getting your manager involved. Each wrestler has their own unique taunts, so experiment with them. Using the D-Pad can be important in order to make your special meter fill up faster.
  • Other actions:
    • R2 Button: This is the button that you use to pin your opponent after you get them down. This is how you win a match by getting a 3 count.
    • L2 Button: This button is used to reverse moves. Mastering this technique is very important because you can get out of a lot of bad situations.
    • Start Button: Used to pause the game.
    • Select Button: Used to change the camera angle.

Mastering these basic controls is the first step toward becoming a SmackDown! champion. Spend some time in the training mode, guys, and get a feel for how your favorite wrestlers move and react. The more you practice, the more intuitive the controls will become, and the more fun you'll have.

Grapple System: Mastering the Art of the Hold

Now, let's dive into the heart of the game: the grapple system. This is where you'll really start to feel like a WWE superstar. The grapple system in Here Comes the Pain is complex but rewarding. Understanding how to grapple effectively is essential for controlling the match and setting up those devastating power moves. Don't be afraid to experiment with the different grapple combinations to see what works best for you. The more you experiment, the more you'll uncover the depth of the gameplay.

  • Initiating a Grapple:
    • To initiate a grapple, you need to get close to your opponent and press the Square button. Once you're in a grapple, you'll have a variety of options.
  • Grapple Positions:
    • Standing Grapple: Once you're in a standing grapple, you can perform a variety of moves by pressing the analog stick in different directions and then pressing either the X, Square, or Circle button. Pressing X results in strikes. Pressing square results in a grapple. Pressing circle results in a running attack.
    • Front Grapple: When in a front grapple, you can execute moves like suplexes, slams, and other powerful attacks. The variety of moves depends on your wrestler's moveset, the opponent's size, and your position. To perform a front grapple, get close to your opponent and press Square.
    • Rear Grapple: In a rear grapple, you can perform moves like German Suplexes and DDTs. To perform a rear grapple, get behind your opponent and press Square.
  • Grapple Moves:
    • Light Grapple: By pressing the direction on the analog stick and pressing the X button you can perform a light grapple. These moves are quick, and they don't do a lot of damage, but they can be used to set up the next attack.
    • Strong Grapple: By pressing the direction on the analog stick and pressing the Square button you can perform a strong grapple. These moves are slower and do more damage, so you must use them carefully, because they can be easily reversed.
    • Running Grapple: By pressing the direction on the analog stick and pressing the Circle button you can perform a running grapple. This type of grapple is mostly used to attack when you have some distance with your opponent.
  • Reversals:
    • Timing is key, guys! Learning to reverse your opponent's grapples is a crucial skill. Press the L2 button at the right moment to counter their attacks and turn the tables in your favor.

The grapple system is the engine that drives much of the gameplay in Here Comes the Pain. By understanding how to initiate grapples, what moves are available in each position, and how to reverse your opponent's moves, you'll be well on your way to becoming a SmackDown! legend.

Special Moves and Finishers: Unleash the Fury

Alright, let's talk about the big guns – special moves and finishers! These are the moves that define the superstars and bring the crowd to their feet. Each wrestler in Here Comes the Pain has their own unique finisher, a move designed to end the match with a bang. Knowing how to execute these moves is crucial for winning and putting on a show.

  • The Special Meter:
    • Before you can unleash a special move, you need to fill up your special meter. You can fill the special meter by performing different moves, taking damage, and taunting your opponent. Once the meter is full, you can execute a special move.
  • Executing Finishers:
    • To execute a finisher, you need to be in the correct position. For example, some finishers can only be performed on a standing opponent, while others require your opponent to be grounded. Once you're in the correct position, you press Triangle.
    • Strong Grapple: Once the special meter is filled you can perform a Strong Grapple and inflict massive damage on your opponent. These moves are slower and do more damage, so you must use them carefully, because they can be easily reversed.
    • Running Grapple: If your opponent is running, you can perform a running grapple. This attack is devastating and hard to reverse, so make sure you use it at the perfect moment.
    • Other Moves: There are other special moves that require other conditions, like being outside of the ring, or using an object. Make sure you read the instructions for each wrestler to be sure how to execute their special moves.
  • Signature Moves:
    • Every wrestler has his own unique signature moves. These moves don't inflict as much damage as the finisher, but they can still be devastating. To use a signature move, your special meter has to be partially filled. Usually, the signature moves are used to prepare the opponent for the finisher, or to set up the next move.

Mastering the timing and execution of special moves and finishers is the key to victory in Here Comes the Pain. These moves are your opportunity to bring the crowd to their feet and secure your place as a WWE champion.

Advanced Techniques: Taking Your Game to the Next Level

Now that you've got the basics down, let's explore some advanced techniques that can give you an edge in the ring. These techniques are what separates the rookies from the veterans. By mastering these, you'll be able to dominate your opponents and win more matches.

  • Reversals:
    • We touched on this earlier, but let's emphasize it again: timing your reversals is absolutely crucial. The L2 button is your best friend when it comes to defense. Practice anticipating your opponent's moves and hitting the reversal button at the last possible moment. This can turn the tide of a match in an instant.
  • Chain Wrestling:
    • Chain wrestling is all about linking moves together. By chaining moves together, you can keep your opponent off balance, control the pace of the match, and set up your finishers. Experiment with different move combinations to find what works best for you.
  • Using the Environment:
    • Here Comes the Pain features a variety of interactive elements in the ring and in the arena. You can use these elements to your advantage. For instance, you can throw your opponent into the turnbuckle, use weapons, or take the fight outside the ring. Using the environment adds another layer of strategy to the game.
  • Match Specific Strategies:
    • Steel Cage: In a steel cage match, you must climb out of the cage to win. You can climb when your opponent is down, but keep in mind that they can prevent you from climbing, so use your moves to keep them down.
    • Table Match: In this match, you must throw your opponent through a table to win. This is easier said than done, since your opponent can escape your grapple.
    • Ladder Match: In this match, you must grab the belt that is hanging above the ring. To do that, you must place the ladder in the center and climb it. But be careful, because you can get thrown off it.

By incorporating these advanced techniques into your gameplay, you'll be able to outsmart, outmaneuver, and outlast your opponents. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a true WWE legend.

Troubleshooting and Tips: Mastering the Controls

Sometimes, even after you've mastered the controls, you might encounter some challenges. Here are some troubleshooting tips and general advice to help you on your journey to becoming a SmackDown! champion.

  • Controller Issues:
    • Make sure your controller is properly connected and functioning. Check the batteries, and try resetting the controller. If you're using a third-party controller, make sure it's compatible with the PS2.
  • Game Difficulty:
    • If you're finding the game too difficult, try adjusting the difficulty settings in the options menu. You can also practice in the training mode to get a better feel for the controls and the timing of your moves.
  • Experimentation:
    • Don't be afraid to experiment with different wrestlers and move combinations. Each wrestler has their own unique moveset, so explore what each one has to offer. Trying new techniques might be what sets the tide of the match.
  • Practice and Patience:
    • Mastering the controls of Here Comes the Pain takes time and patience. Don't get discouraged if you don't master the controls right away. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually get the hang of it. Remember to have fun, and enjoy the experience.

Conclusion: Become a WWE Legend!

Well, guys, there you have it! You now have the knowledge and skills to dominate the ring in WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain. Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep experimenting, keep having fun, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a true WWE legend. So go out there, lay the smack down, and show everyone who's boss!