WWE SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain PS2 Controls Guide

Hey guys, remember WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain on the PS2? Man, that game was a classic! If you're diving back into it or picking it up for the first time, you're probably wondering about the controls. Don't sweat it, because we're about to break down everything you need to know to dominate the virtual squared circle. Getting a handle on these controls is super important, whether you're trying to pull off a killer finisher or just trying to escape a painful submission hold. This guide is your one-stop shop to becoming a SmackDown legend. We'll cover all the buttons, combos, and special moves that made this game so legendary. So, grab your DualShock 2 controller, and let's get ready to rumble!

Basic Movement and Actions

Alright, let's start with the absolute basics, guys. You've got your analog stick for all your movement needs. This is how you'll be pacing around the ring, getting into position for your next attack, or making a quick dodge. It's pretty intuitive, just like moving your character in any other PS2 game. But here's where it gets interesting: mastering the ring requires more than just walking around. You need to know how to interact with your opponent and the environment. The X button is your primary action button. We're talking about Irish Whips, picking up opponents, and initiating grappling. Tapping X usually does a quick grapple or a quick whip, while holding it down might lead to a stronger whip or allow you to reposition your opponent. Experiment with it – it's your bread and butter for most offensive maneuvers. The Circle button is your go-to for striking. A quick tap might throw a jab or a forearm, while holding it down can charge up a more powerful blow. Combining Circle with directional inputs on the analog stick allows for a variety of different strikes, from kicks to clotheslines. Don't underestimate the power of a well-timed strike; it can stun your opponent and open them up for bigger moves. Remember, practice makes perfect. Spend some time just moving around, grappling, and striking to get a feel for the responsiveness of the controls. It's all about building that muscle memory so you can react instinctively when the pressure is on. We'll get into more advanced stuff later, but for now, just focus on getting comfortable with moving, grabbing, and punching. This foundational knowledge is key to unlocking the deeper mechanics of the game and truly understanding how to play WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain. So, get in there, mess around, and have some fun with the basic controls!

Grappling and Reversals

Now, let's talk about the nitty-gritty of grappling, because this is where the real action happens in WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain. Once you've got your opponent in a grapple (usually by pressing X), you've got a whole host of options. Pressing X again while in a grapple will initiate a basic grapple move. What move you do often depends on the direction you're holding on the analog stick. For example, moving towards your opponent and pressing X might initiate a headlock, while moving away could lead to a body slam. Holding down X while grappling will allow you to reposition your opponent, maybe to set them up for a move near the ropes or in the center of the ring. This is crucial for setting up your signature moves and finishers. But here's the kicker, guys: grappling isn't just about you dishing out the punishment. Your opponent is going to try and do the same to you! That's where reversals come in. This is arguably the most important mechanic to master in the entire game. When your opponent is about to perform a grapple move on you, a prompt will appear, usually indicating which button to press for a reversal. Typically, the Square button is used for reversals, but the timing is everything. You need to press Square just as their move is about to connect. Mess up the timing, and you'll likely take the hit and potentially be in a world of hurt. Mastering reversals will allow you to turn the tables on your opponent, escaping their holds and setting them up for your own offense. It's a constant back-and-forth, a dance of offense and defense. Don't get discouraged if you miss a few – it takes practice! Spend time in exhibition matches just focusing on reacting to your opponent's grapples and trying to reverse them. Learning the different reversal prompts and timings for various moves will make you a much more formidable player. It's the difference between being a jobber and being a main eventer, trust me!

Striking and Combos

Moving on to the art of striking in WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain, we're going to focus on the Circle button and how to string together some devastating combos. As we mentioned, a simple tap of Circle throws out a quick strike, like a punch or a forearm. But the real magic happens when you start combining Circle with directional inputs and other buttons. Pressing Circle repeatedly can often lead to a basic combo, like a jab-jab-clothesline. The key is to find openings and exploit them. If your opponent is stunned or recovering from a move, that's your window to unleash some damage. Holding down Circle charges up a more powerful strike. This is great for breaking an opponent's guard or dealing significant damage when they're down. Experiment with different directions while holding Circle – you might unleash a powerful kick or a spinning back fist. Now, here's where it gets really cool: combining Circle with the Square button can lead to some of the most effective combos. For instance, a quick strike (Circle) followed by a stronger strike (Square) can often stun your opponent. You'll need to learn the specific button combinations through trial and error or by checking out move lists in the game. Some wrestlers have unique combos that are particularly effective. Pay attention to your wrestler's strengths and weaknesses. Are they a powerhouse who relies on heavy strikes, or a speedster who uses quick flurries? Tailor your striking game to match their style. Remember, landing strikes isn't just about dealing damage; it's also about setting up your grapples and submissions. A good combo can leave your opponent dazed, making them easy prey for a powerful body slam or a painful submission hold. Don't be afraid to get creative! Try different sequences and see what works best for your wrestler. The more you practice stringing together these strikes and combos, the more fluid your offense will become. It's all about flow and momentum, guys. Keep the pressure on, and wear your opponent down with a relentless striking game!

Advanced Techniques

Alright, you've mastered the basics, you're reversing like a pro, and your strikes are landing. Now it's time to level up your game, guys, with some advanced techniques in WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain. These are the moves that separate the champions from the pretenders. First up, let's talk about the running attacks. While holding R1 (the sprint button), you can perform different attacks by pressing Circle or X. A running attack with Circle often results in a clothesline or a shoulder tackle, while a running grapple (R1 + X) allows you to drive your opponent into the turnbuckles or perform a powerful carry. These can be devastating when timed correctly, especially if your opponent is recovering or near the ropes. Another crucial advanced technique is using the environment. The ropes, the turnbuckles, the steel steps, and even the announce table can all be used to your advantage. While grappling near the ropes, you can often perform specific moves by pressing Square or Circle. Irish whipping your opponent into the turnbuckle can stun them, setting them up for a top-rope move. Don't forget about the grapple breaks. If you're caught in a submission or a difficult grapple, you need to mash buttons quickly or perform a specific reversal to escape. Learn which buttons are most effective for breaking holds – sometimes it's a combination of mashing X and Circle, other times it's a directional input. This is where your endurance meter comes into play, so keep an eye on it. Also, pay attention to the special meter. As you perform moves and reversals, your special meter fills up. Once it's full, you can perform special moves (usually L1 + a directional input or L1 + a face button) and eventually your finisher (usually L1 + Circle when the finisher icon appears above your opponent's head). Mastering when and how to use your special moves and finisher can often be the deciding factor in a match. Don't waste them! Save them for a crucial moment when you need to turn the tide or seal the victory. Finally, let's not forget about taunting (D-pad Up). While it might seem like just showing off, taunting can actually build momentum and sometimes even stagger your opponent, making them more vulnerable. Use it strategically when you have the upper hand. Mastering these advanced techniques will take time and dedication, but the payoff is immense. You'll be pulling off incredible maneuvers and winning matches in style!

Signature Moves and Finishers

Now, let's dive into the most exciting part of WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain: signature moves and finishers. These are your show-stoppers, the moves that can instantly change the momentum of a match and get the crowd on their feet. Signature moves are powerful maneuvers that your wrestler can perform, often when they have a good amount of momentum or have stunned their opponent. They're usually tied to specific button combinations, often involving holding down L1 and pressing a face button or a directional input. Each wrestler has a unique set of signature moves, so it's worth checking out the move list in the menu to see what your chosen superstar can do. Think of signature moves as high-impact attacks that can set up your finisher or deal significant damage. They're crucial for wearing down your opponent and getting them ready for the end. Finishers, on the other hand, are the ultimate game-changers. These are the most devastating moves in the game, capable of ending a match in an instant. To perform a finisher, you'll typically need your finisher meter to be full, indicated by a special icon above your opponent's head (usually a star or a symbol). Once this icon appears, and you have your opponent in the correct position (often a grapple), you can unleash your finisher by pressing L1 + Circle. Again, the specific inputs and conditions can vary slightly depending on the wrestler and the move, so always consult the in-game move list. Learning your wrestler's finisher and the best opportunities to use it is paramount. Don't just spam it! Wait for the right moment, maybe after a successful reversal or a devastating combo, to ensure it connects. The satisfaction of hitting a perfectly timed finisher is unmatched. It's the culmination of all your hard work and skill in the ring. Remember, guys, building up your momentum and filling that finisher meter requires consistent offense, successful reversals, and strategic taunts. So, keep the pressure on, play smart, and when the opportunity arises, unleash your inner superstar with a show-stopping signature move or a match-ending finisher! It's what makes WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain so incredibly fun and addictive.

Using the Environment and Weapons

Let's talk about getting a little dirty, shall we? In WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain, the environment and weapons are your best friends when it comes to inflicting maximum pain. Don't just stay in the ring; take the fight outside! The area around the ring is littered with potential weapons and environmental hazards that can drastically change the course of a match. You can pick up chairs, kendo sticks, trash cans, and more by simply walking over them and pressing X. Once you have a weapon, you can swing it with Circle for quick hits or slam it down with Square for more powerful blows. Be careful though, as the referee might eventually take the weapon away if you're not careful, or your opponent might snatch it right out of your hands! Using the turnbuckles is another key aspect. When your opponent is near a turnbuckle, you can Irish Whip them into it (X + direction towards the turnbuckle). This will stun them, allowing you to climb up for a spectacular aerial attack. Different wrestlers have different top-rope moves, so explore what your character can do from the top rope. The steel steps outside the ring can also be used. You can slam an opponent onto them, or even pick them up and use them as a makeshift weapon! Just be aware that using weapons and the environment excessively can sometimes lead to disqualifications if the referee catches you doing something too egregious. However, in most match types, it's part of the strategy. The announcer's table is also a prime target. If you can get your opponent onto it and perform a powerful move, it can inflict massive damage and create a memorable moment. Mastering the use of weapons and the environment requires a bit of risk-taking and quick thinking. You need to spot opportunities, grab weapons quickly, and use them effectively before your opponent retaliates or the ref intervenes. It adds a whole layer of strategic depth to the game, making every match feel dynamic and unpredictable. So, go ahead, guys, explore the arena, grab whatever you can find, and make your opponent wish they'd stayed home!

Conclusion

And there you have it, guys! We've covered the ins and outs of the controls for WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain on the PS2. From basic movement and strikes to intricate grappling, devastating combos, and game-changing finishers, you're now equipped with the knowledge to truly dominate. Remember, practice is key. Spend time in exhibition matches, experiment with different wrestlers, and get comfortable with all the buttons and combinations. Mastering reversals is crucial, as is understanding when to use your signature moves and finishers. Don't forget to utilize the environment and weapons to your advantage – it's all part of the spectacle! WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain is more than just a wrestling game; it's an experience that rewards skill, strategy, and a little bit of showmanship. So get out there, hit those moves, nail those reversals, and become the legend you were always meant to be in the WWE universe. Thanks for reading, and happy wrestling!