SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain: PS2 Controls Guide

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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 classic, and mastering the controls is key to dominating your opponents. So, let's dive into a comprehensive guide to help you master the moves, from basic grapples to high-flying maneuvers, so you can become a true WWE champion. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from the core mechanics to the nuances of each superstar's unique moveset. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to unleash your inner wrestler. Get ready to learn the ropes, execute devastating finishers, and experience the thrill of the ultimate wrestling showdown. Let's get started and make sure you're ready to bring the pain!

Basic Controls and Movement

First things first, let's get down to the basics. Knowing how to move your wrestler around the ring is fundamental. The analog stick is your best friend here. Use it to navigate the arena, position yourself for attacks, and avoid your opponent's strikes. The face buttons are where the action happens, controlling your strikes, grapples, and other interactions. The shoulder buttons and the D-pad provide additional options, adding depth to your moveset. Mastering these basic controls is like building a solid foundation before constructing a skyscraper. Without these core skills, you'll be stumbling around like a rookie.

  • Movement: Use the Left Analog Stick to move your wrestler around the ring. This is your primary navigation tool, allowing you to position yourself for attacks, dodge incoming moves, and control the flow of the match.
  • Strikes: The X button usually executes a light strike. Tapping it repeatedly can unleash a flurry of quick attacks. On the other hand, the Square button delivers a more powerful, heavy strike. Knowing when to use each type of strike is crucial; light strikes are good for disrupting your opponent, while heavy strikes can set up grapples or knock them off their feet. Timing is everything!
  • Grapple: The Circle button initiates a grapple. When you're close to your opponent, pressing Circle will trigger a grapple sequence. This is where you can perform a variety of holds and maneuvers. Grappling is a cornerstone of the game, allowing you to perform throws, submissions, and other powerful attacks. The effectiveness of your grapples depends on the position of your opponent and your wrestler's specific moveset.
  • Run: The R1 button allows your wrestler to run. This is essential for quickly closing the distance to your opponent, performing running attacks, and escaping from tricky situations. Running also plays a role in some grapple moves, adding power and momentum to your attacks. Use it wisely – excessive running can tire out your wrestler.
  • Dodge/Block: The R2 button lets you dodge or block incoming attacks. Blocking can absorb some damage, while dodging can help you avoid strikes altogether. Knowing when to block and when to dodge is critical for surviving a match. Timing is key; block right before an attack lands, or dodge to avoid it completely.
  • Pick up Weapon/Interact: The Triangle button is your all-purpose button for picking up weapons and interacting with objects around the ring, like the steel steps or the announce table. It's also used to pin your opponent after a successful pinfall attempt. This button is critical for winning matches. Remember, a well-placed weapon shot can turn the tide of a match in an instant. Use it wisely, but be aware of the referee!

Practice these basics and you'll be well on your way to becoming a SmackDown! legend. Remember, the key is to experiment and find the combinations that work best for your wrestling style.

Grapple System: Mastering the Holds

Alright, let's get into the meat and potatoes of SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain: the grapple system. This is where you'll spend most of your time, so understanding it is crucial. The grapple system in this game is quite intuitive, but also offers a lot of depth. It's a rock-paper-scissors system at its core. You'll need to learn the different grapple positions, the various moves available in each position, and how to counter your opponent's grapples. This is where the real strategy comes into play.

  • Grapple Positions: When you initiate a grapple, you'll enter one of several grapple positions: Front Grapple, Back Grapple, and Corner Grapple. Each position has its own set of moves. The Front Grapple is the most common, allowing for a wide variety of attacks. The Back Grapple is perfect for applying submission holds and delivering devastating attacks from behind. The Corner Grapple is where you can execute special corner-specific moves.
  • Grapple Moves: Once you're in a grapple position, you can perform a variety of moves by pressing different combinations of the Circle button (grapple), the analog stick (direction), and the face buttons (X for light grapple, Square for heavy grapple). Different moves have different effects. Some will cause damage, while others will set up for future attacks or damage. Some moves are even designed to take the opponent out of the ring! Experimenting with different button combinations is key to finding the moves that suit your style.
  • Reversals: Reversals are the counter to grapples. Timing is critical, and the game provides visual cues to help you. When your opponent attempts a grapple, you'll see a prompt to press the corresponding button to reverse the move. Successfully reversing a grapple can give you the upper hand, allowing you to escape a bad situation or launch a counter-attack. Failing to reverse a grapple means you'll be at the mercy of your opponent.
  • Submission Holds: Submission holds are a critical part of the grapple system. In a Back Grapple, you can apply a variety of submission holds. The longer you hold the submission, the more damage it will do. However, your opponent can struggle to escape by button-mashing. Your wrestler's stamina plays a factor, too; the longer you hold the submission, the more drained your stamina becomes.

Mastering the grapple system is what separates the rookies from the veterans. Learn the positions, memorize the moves, and practice your reversals. If you want to be a top wrestler, you need to master the grapple game.

Special Moves and Finishers

No wrestling game is complete without special moves and finishers! SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain is no exception. These are your most powerful attacks, capable of turning the tide of a match in an instant. This is where you get to unleash your inner superstar and dominate the competition. Learning how to perform these moves and knowing when to use them is the key to victory.

  • Signature Moves: Each wrestler has a unique set of signature moves. These are powerful attacks that can do significant damage and help you set up for your finisher. Signature moves usually require a certain amount of momentum to perform, so you'll need to build up your character's momentum during the match.
  • Finishers: Finishers are your ultimate weapons. These are the most devastating moves in your arsenal, often capable of ending a match with a single successful execution. To perform a finisher, you must first build up your wrestler's special meter, which is usually done by performing successful attacks and taunts. When your meter is full, you can perform your finisher by pressing a specific button combination.
  • Momentum Meter: Your momentum meter is the key to performing special moves and finishers. The meter fills up as you perform successful attacks, taunt your opponent, and avoid damage. When the meter is full, you can unleash your most powerful attacks. The meter is a crucial part of the game's strategy, requiring you to balance offense and defense to build up momentum.
  • Taunts: Taunts are not only for show; they can also help you build your momentum meter and taunt your opponent. Each wrestler has a unique set of taunts that can be used to taunt your opponent. Taunting can also give you an advantage, like boosting your attack power, so use them wisely. However, be careful; taunting can leave you vulnerable to attack.
  • Timing and Positioning: Timing is everything when it comes to special moves and finishers. You need to wait for the right moment and position yourself correctly to execute these moves effectively. Some finishers require your opponent to be in a specific position, like lying on the mat or in the corner. Make sure you know the requirements for each move.

Knowing when to unleash these moves can be the difference between victory and defeat. Practice your timing, and learn the specific requirements for each move to become a true champion.

Advanced Techniques and Strategies

Alright, you've got the basics down, you know how to grapple, and you're ready to unleash some finishers. Now, let's take your game to the next level with some advanced techniques and strategies. This is where you start thinking like a true wrestling pro, using the environment, managing your stamina, and exploiting your opponent's weaknesses. Let's get into some advanced tactics to help you become a champion in SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain!

  • Stamina Management: Stamina is a crucial resource in the game. Performing attacks, running, and holding submission holds all drain your stamina. If your stamina runs out, you'll be slower, weaker, and more vulnerable to attacks. Learning to manage your stamina is key. Take breaks to rest when needed, and avoid excessive running or spamming attacks. The more matches you play, the better you'll become at managing your stamina.
  • Using the Environment: The environment is your playground! Use the ring steps, announce tables, and other objects to your advantage. Throwing your opponent into the ring posts, hitting them with a weapon, or performing a move off the top rope are all effective ways to gain an edge. Be creative and find ways to use the environment to your advantage.
  • Countering: Knowing how to counter your opponent's moves is crucial. This goes beyond just reversals. Anticipate your opponent's attacks and be prepared to counter with your own moves. For example, if your opponent is attempting a running attack, you can counter it with a well-timed dropkick. Countering is all about strategy and knowing your opponent's tendencies.
  • Psychology: Wrestling is as much about psychology as it is about physical prowess. Taunt your opponent, build up your momentum, and sell your moves to make them look as impactful as possible. This is where you can put on a show and get the crowd on your side. Playing mind games with your opponent can also give you an advantage.
  • Match Types: SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain features a variety of match types, from singles matches to tag team battles, steel cage matches, and more. Each match type has its own rules and strategies. Experiment with different match types to find your favorites and learn the best strategies for each one.

By mastering these advanced techniques and strategies, you'll be well on your way to dominating the ring. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep honing your skills and experimenting with different approaches.

Controls Cheat Sheet

Here's a handy cheat sheet to keep the controls at your fingertips:

  • Left Analog Stick: Movement
  • X Button: Light Strike
  • Square Button: Heavy Strike
  • Circle Button: Grapple
  • R1 Button: Run
  • R2 Button: Dodge/Block
  • Triangle Button: Pick up Weapon/Interact/Pin
  • L1: Tag Partner (Tag Team matches)
  • D-Pad: Taunt (Up, Down, Left, Right)

This cheat sheet will help you remember the controls while you're in the heat of battle. Keep it handy as you practice, and you'll be dominating opponents in no time!

Conclusion: Become a Wrestling Legend!

Well, there you have it, wrestling fans! A comprehensive guide to mastering the controls of WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain on the PS2. We've covered everything from basic movement and grapples to signature moves and advanced strategies. Now it's your turn to get in the ring, practice these moves, and show the world what you've got. Remember, the key to success is practice, patience, and a little bit of showmanship. So go out there, unleash your inner wrestler, and become a true WWE legend. Have fun, and bring the pain!