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 PlayStation 2? This game was a classic, and a big part of that was the intuitive, yet complex, control scheme. If you're dusting off your old PS2 or diving in for the first time, this guide is for you. We'll break down all the controls, from basic moves to advanced techniques, so you can dominate your opponents and become a true WWE champion. Let's get started, guys!

Basic Controls: Getting Started in the Ring

First things first, let's go over the basic controls that you'll need to know to move around and interact in the ring. Understanding these fundamentals is key to building a solid foundation for your gameplay. Without these, you're toast! Here’s a quick rundown of what each button does:

• Movement: Use the Left Analog Stick to move your wrestler around the ring. This is your primary navigation tool, allowing you to control your wrestler's positioning and movement. It's crucial for everything from getting into striking range to avoiding attacks. The responsiveness of the analog stick allows for precise movements, which is especially important during fast-paced matches. Practice moving around the ring to get a feel for how your wrestler handles. Different wrestlers have different speeds, so you'll need to adjust your strategy based on who you're playing as.
• Running: Press the Left Analog Stick twice in any direction or press the R1 Button to make your wrestler run. Running is essential for performing running attacks, quickly closing the distance to your opponent, or getting out of a bad situation. Running can also be used to enhance the power of some moves. Timing is crucial here; running at the right moment can be the difference between a successful attack and a missed opportunity. Be careful, as running can also leave you vulnerable if you're not careful. Stamina also plays a role in running. The more you run, the more tired your wrestler becomes, which can affect their performance. Remember, running also affects your wrestler's ability to perform other actions, so use it strategically.
• Striking: The X Button is for light strikes, while the Square Button delivers a strong strike. Mastering the timing and placement of your strikes is a fundamental part of the game. Combining light and strong strikes can create different attack combinations. Mixing up your strikes will keep your opponent guessing, making it harder for them to block or counter. Timing is everything, so pay close attention to your wrestler's animations and the opponent's reactions to know when to strike. Using strikes to weaken your opponent before going for a grapple is a solid strategy. These basic strikes set the pace of the match and can be chained to keep the momentum.
• Grappling: The Circle Button initiates a grapple. There are different grapple moves based on your wrestler's position and the direction you press on the Left Analog Stick. Grappling is where you'll unleash a variety of holds, throws, and submissions. The grapple system in Here Comes the Pain is quite deep, offering a lot of options. You'll need to be aware of the different grapple positions (front, back, etc.) and what moves are available in each. Successfully executing grapples requires precise timing and a good understanding of your wrestler's move set. This is where you can perform signature moves and finishers. Timing is crucial in grappling, as you'll need to predict your opponent's actions to secure a successful grapple. Grappling is a critical aspect of your strategy.
• Blocking: The L1 Button allows you to block your opponent's strikes. Timing your blocks is essential to avoid taking damage. Blocking is your primary defense against strikes. The better you are at blocking, the longer you can stay in the match. Blocking consumes stamina, so you can’t rely on it indefinitely. You must be able to recognize your opponent’s attacks to know when to block effectively. If your timing is off, you may still take damage. Blocking is often necessary during the earlier portions of a match.
• Irish Whip: Press the Circle Button and the Left Analog Stick towards the ropes to Irish Whip your opponent. This move sends your opponent towards the ropes. Irish whips are great for setting up other attacks. Use the Irish whip to put your opponent in a vulnerable position. Mastering this technique helps you control the flow of the match. You can follow up with a running attack when your opponent is returning from the Irish whip. Irish whips are often combined with other attacks. They can also create exciting moments and dynamic shifts in the match.
• Picking up weapons and items: Press the Triangle Button to interact with objects such as steel chairs. This is another crucial skill in the game. Weapons can turn the tide of a match in an instant. Be careful, though, as using weapons can lead to disqualification in some match types. The right moment to introduce a weapon is key to gaining an advantage. Knowing when to use a weapon can be a game-changer. Weapons can be used to set up powerful moves or to break an opponent's defense.
• Taunting: Use the D-Pad to taunt. Taunts can boost your wrestler's stats, but they also leave you vulnerable to attacks. Using taunts at the right time can be a strategic move. Taunts can affect your wrestler's momentum. Overusing taunts may give your opponent the chance to strike. The timing of a taunt can affect your match's pace.

Grapple System: Unlocking Powerful Moves

The grapple system is where Here Comes the Pain really shines. It's not just about pressing a button; it's about positioning, timing, and knowing your wrestler's moveset. Let's delve deeper into how to grapple effectively:

• Entering a Grapple: Press the Circle Button when close to your opponent to initiate a grapple. The game will then transition into a grapple state. Pay close attention to your position relative to your opponent. The position determines the type of grapple moves available to you. Understanding the dynamics of the grapple is essential to mastering the game. It is the core gameplay loop. You can transition from a strike to a grapple. Timing your entry is key to gaining an advantage.
• Grapple Positions: There are various grapple positions, including front grapple, back grapple, and ground grapple. The available moves depend on the position. Getting familiar with all of these positions is essential. Switching between positions can give you more moves to choose from. Each position opens a unique set of attacks. The back grapple is useful for submission moves. Different moves and attack combos are available in each position. You must be able to read the situation to select the proper grapple move.
• Grapple Moves: Press the Left Analog Stick in a direction along with the Circle Button to perform different grapple moves. Different wrestlers have their own set of grapple moves. Each direction on the analog stick performs a different grapple. The moves range from basic holds to devastating slams. Experimenting with different directions helps you discover various moves. Be ready to react when in a grapple. Selecting the correct move is the difference between success and failure. Familiarity with your wrestler's moveset is vital.
• Breaking a Grapple: Repeatedly press the Circle Button and wiggle the Left Analog Stick to escape a grapple. Knowing when to escape a grapple is vital to survival. You must know your opponent's moves. You can quickly escape a grapple by button-mashing. Stamina affects your escape ability. A fast escape can get you back in control.
• Signature and Finishing Moves: These are the most powerful moves. Signature moves require a certain amount of momentum. Finishing moves require a full momentum bar. Build momentum by performing successful moves. These moves often turn the tide of a match. Signature moves set up the finishing moves. Timing is crucial when using signature and finishing moves. The crowd often responds with these moves.

Advanced Techniques: Taking Your Game to the Next Level

Now that you have the basics down, let's explore some advanced techniques to truly master the game. These tips will give you the edge and help you dominate in the ring.

• Reversals: Reversals are the bread and butter of defense in Here Comes the Pain. To reverse an attack, you must press the R2 Button at the precise moment the opponent's move connects. Timing is crucial; it requires practice and experience. Successfully reversing an attack allows you to counter it with a move of your own. Reversals can swing the momentum. Being able to read your opponent’s move is key. High-level players master the art of reversals. Reversals make the game dynamic. Practice makes perfect. Knowing your opponent's attacks makes you better at reversals. The right reversal can stop a finishing move.
• Chain Wrestling: Link strikes, grapples, and other maneuvers to create complex and devastating attack combinations. Chain wrestling is about using your moves in sequence. Combining attacks can keep your opponent off-balance. This is where you can begin to show your skill. You can build up momentum by stringing together these moves. Learning which attacks flow together is essential. You want to control the pace of the fight. Anticipate your opponent's response and react accordingly. Chain wrestling makes matches look and feel more dynamic.
• Using the Environment: Here Comes the Pain allows you to use the environment to your advantage. Throw your opponent into the turnbuckle or the steel steps. You can utilize the ring for attacks. These moves can do significant damage. A well-timed attack with the environment can change a match's course. Use the ropes to launch yourself for a move. Be creative, and use your surroundings. A surprise attack with an environment element can turn the tables. These environmental attacks often inflict more damage.
• Stamina Management: Pay attention to your wrestler's stamina bar. Running, striking, and grappling consume stamina. Stamina affects the speed and power of your moves. Managing your stamina is crucial to winning. Overexertion will affect your performance. Using taunts can restore stamina. Know when to conserve your stamina. Strategic stamina management is the difference between victory and defeat. Watch your wrestler to be aware of their stamina.
• Momentum: The momentum bar is a vital resource. Build momentum by landing successful moves. Signature moves require a certain amount of momentum. Finishing moves require a full momentum bar. Building momentum allows you to perform powerful moves. Taunts and special moves can build momentum. Momentum affects your wrestler's overall performance. Losing momentum can mean losing control of a match. The crowd's reaction often gives you hints of your momentum.

Special Moves: Finishing with Flair

Every wrestler in Here Comes the Pain has signature and finishing moves. These are high-impact maneuvers that can turn the tide of any match. Let's look at how to use them effectively:

• Signature Moves: Signature moves are powerful moves that can be performed after building up enough momentum. They inflict substantial damage and often set the stage for your finishing move. Performing a signature move will give you an advantage. The crowd reacts with enthusiasm when you perform a signature. Each wrestler has unique signature moves. Understanding your wrestler's signature moves is key to their strategy. Use signature moves when the opportunity arises. Successfully landing a signature will impact the match. Signature moves can change momentum.
• Finishing Moves: Finishing moves are the most devastating attacks in the game. They require a full momentum bar. They can often end the match. Performing a finishing move requires perfect timing. It often results in a pinfall. The crowd explodes when you perform a finishing move. Each wrestler has their unique finishing moves. Knowing your wrestler's finishing moves is essential. Timing is everything when executing a finishing move. Successfully landing a finishing move dramatically impacts the match. These are the moves that will make you a champion.
• Executing Signature and Finishing Moves: To perform a signature move, you'll generally need to press L2 + the Circle Button when you have enough momentum. Finishing moves usually require the same button combination when your momentum bar is full. The specific button combinations might vary depending on the wrestler. Read the in-game tutorials or the move list to determine the exact input for each wrestler. Make sure your opponent is in the right position before attempting a finisher. Precise timing is the key to successfully performing these game-changing moves.

Pinning and Submissions: Winning the Match

Ultimately, the goal is to win the match. This means either pinning your opponent for a three-count or making them submit. Mastering these techniques is crucial.

• Pinning: After performing a successful finishing move, you can pin your opponent. Quickly run toward the opponent and press the Up Directional Button. Time the pin correctly to prevent your opponent from kicking out. The pin animation will begin. You have to press the Up Directional Button to attempt a pinfall. Pinfall attempts also involve the mini-game. The more damage your opponent has sustained, the easier the pin will be. Your opponent can kick out. Pinning is how you get the win.
• Submission: To make your opponent submit, you need to apply a submission hold. Use the grapple system to lock in a submission move. You then have to wear down your opponent's submission meter. The submission meter appears on the screen. The longer you hold the submission, the more damage you do. The Left Analog Stick controls the tightness of the hold. Different moves have different submission strength. Make them tap out to win. Submission is a crucial tactic. If your opponent does not escape, they must submit. This is a battle of will and endurance.
• Breaking a Pin: To break a pinfall, rapidly press the Circle Button at the correct moment. Timing is crucial to kicking out. Knowing when to kick out can save you from a loss. Failing to kick out means defeat. A well-timed kickout can change the momentum. Learn your wrestler's kick-out animation. A last-second kick-out is exciting. A kickout can swing momentum. Knowing the timing is vital. Breaking a pin can be a game-changer.

Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect!

There you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to the controls of WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain on the PS2. Remember, practice is key. The more you play, the more comfortable you'll become with the controls and the more effectively you'll be able to dominate in the ring. Experiment with different wrestlers, try out different combinations, and have fun! Now go out there and show everyone who's boss!