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 PS2 classic is still a blast to play, and understanding the controls is key to dominating your opponents. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, this guide will break down all the moves, maneuvers, and mechanics you need to know to become a champion. So, grab your controller, lace up your boots, and let's get ready to rumble!

Basic Movement and Grappling

Movement in Here Comes the Pain is pretty straightforward, but mastering it is crucial. The left analog stick controls your character's movement. You can walk, run, and even perform quick dashes to evade attacks or get closer to your opponent. The right analog stick is used for taunts, adding that extra bit of showmanship to your matches. Remember, movement is more than just running around; it's about positioning yourself to land those devastating moves and avoid getting caught in a submission hold. You can also use the D-pad for basic movement. Understanding your character's speed and agility is paramount to a successful match.

Grappling is the heart and soul of Here Comes the Pain. The X button is your primary grapple button. Pressing X near your opponent initiates a grapple. What happens next depends on the direction you hold the left analog stick and the corresponding grapple button. There are four basic grapple positions: front grapple, rear grapple, weak grapple, and strong grapple. Each position opens up a unique set of moves. For example, a front grapple lets you perform moves like a suplex, piledriver, or DDT, while a rear grapple is perfect for a German suplex or a sleeper hold. You can also press the circle button to perform a quick attack, such as a punch or a kick, and use the square button to perform a running attack. Learning to chain these grapples and strikes together is how you'll start dominating.

Grapple positions are important, but so is your timing. The game uses a grapple system based on levels of damage, so when your opponent is less damaged you will start with weak grapples, and as you damage your opponent you will start to have access to stronger grapples. If you are struggling, you may want to focus on quick attacks and running attacks. Then when your opponent is damaged you can focus on the grapple moves that you know. Don't worry, even if you are not very good at the game, you will learn the mechanics over time.

Button Layout Breakdown

• Left Analog Stick: Movement
• Right Analog Stick: Taunts
• X Button: Grapple
• Circle Button: Quick Attack
• Square Button: Running Attack
• Triangle Button: Special/Finisher
• L1 Button: Block/Submission Defense
• R1 Button: Irish Whip/Quick Strike
• L2 Button: Focus/Targeting
• R2 Button: Running
• D-Pad: Basic Movement

Offensive Maneuvers and Advanced Techniques

Now, let's dive into the more advanced techniques that will elevate your game. Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to learn how to unleash a world of pain on your opponents! Here Comes the Pain offers a wide variety of offensive maneuvers that are sure to leave your opponents reeling. From devastating power moves to high-flying aerial attacks, there's a move for every situation.

Strikes and Running Attacks: Besides your quick attacks (circle button), you can perform running attacks by pressing the square button. These are great for catching your opponent off guard or setting up a grapple. Combining strikes with grapples is crucial for keeping the momentum on your side. Make sure to choose the right moment to strike. Watch your character's stamina bar. Running and performing moves will deplete this bar, and when your character is fatigued, they will move slowly. This will set you up to be an easy target for your opponent. You can control the direction of your running attack with the left analog stick. You can change directions in the middle of a running attack. This can make the attack more difficult to anticipate.

Irish Whip and Reversals: The Irish Whip (R1 button) is a classic wrestling move that sends your opponent bouncing off the ropes. It's a great way to set up a running attack or a grapple. But remember, your opponent can reverse it. Press the L1 button to block the attack and perform a reversal. Reversals are essential for turning the tide of a match. You'll need to learn the timing to avoid getting caught in a devastating move. The window for a reversal is tight, so practice makes perfect. Try to anticipate your opponent's moves and hit that L1 button at the right moment. The more you play, the better you will become.

Signature and Finisher Moves: Every wrestler in Here Comes the Pain has a unique set of signature and finisher moves. These are the most powerful moves in the game and are crucial for winning matches. To perform a signature move, you need to build up your special meter. Once the meter is full, you can perform the signature move. Finishers are even more powerful. After you have filled your special meter, press the triangle button to unleash a finisher and secure the victory. Knowing when to use your finishers is also vital. Be sure to use these at the perfect moment to maximize the impact. Remember, the game has a lot of content, and each character has their own style, so each time you play, you will learn more and get better.

Advanced Button Combinations

• Running Attack: Square Button while running (R2)
• Irish Whip: R1 Button near an opponent
• Reversals: L1 Button
• Signature Move: Special Meter Full + Triangle Button
• Finisher: Special Meter Full + Triangle Button

Submissions and Pinning

Submissions add another layer of strategy to Here Comes the Pain. When you've worn down your opponent, you can put them in a submission hold. The submission system in Here Comes the Pain is different from other wrestling games. When you are in a submission hold, you'll need to rapidly tap the buttons to escape. The attacker will need to also rapidly tap buttons. The submission hold will either cause the opponent to tap out, or cause the submission hold to be reversed. Successfully defending against submissions is crucial for surviving. You'll need to mash buttons to escape. This tests your button-mashing skills and adds an exciting element of tension to matches.

Pinning is the ultimate goal of every match. After you've weakened your opponent with a series of moves, you can try to pin them for the win. Get your opponent down on the mat, get into position, and press the right combination of buttons. Pay attention to the referee's count and try to time your button mashing with the count. Timing is everything when it comes to pins. Press the buttons too early, and you will not break the pin, or you may not be able to do anything. Too late, and you may fail to reverse the pin.

Submissions and Pinning Breakdown

• Submission Holds: Grapple and press a direction and X
• Submission Defense: Mash buttons
• Pinning: Position opponent, get in place, and mash buttons with timing.

Game Modes and Strategies

Here Comes the Pain offers a variety of game modes to keep you entertained. From singles matches to tag team battles and even a career mode, there is something for everyone. Mastering the controls in each of these modes will help you dominate your opponents and climb the ranks.

Singles Matches: These are the bread and butter of Here Comes the Pain. Knowing the core mechanics is key to success in these one-on-one battles. Singles matches allow you to focus on developing your skills and strategies against a single opponent. Use the knowledge you have learned from this guide to beat your opponent. Develop and find different combos to maximize your moves.

Tag Team Matches: Tag team matches add a whole new dimension of strategy. You'll need to master the tag team mechanics and learn to work with your partner. Coordinating attacks, making quick tags, and isolating opponents are keys to victory. Take advantage of tag team maneuvers to inflict more damage. The more you and your partner work as a team, the more success you will have in this game mode.

Career Mode: The career mode lets you create your own wrestler and take them from rookie to WWE superstar. You'll need to manage your character's stats, choose your matches wisely, and build up your popularity. The career mode is your chance to build a legacy and experience the world of professional wrestling from the inside out. Develop your character and learn the more advanced mechanics of the game. This will give you the chance to improve and become the best wrestler you can be.

Game Mode Tips

• Singles Matches: Focus on fundamentals and mastering combos.
• Tag Team Matches: Coordinate with your partner and master tag team maneuvers.
• Career Mode: Build your character and manage your stats.

Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect!

Alright, guys! That wraps up our guide to the WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain PS2 controls. Remember, the best way to master these controls is to practice. Play through different match types, experiment with different wrestlers, and find the strategies that work best for you. With enough practice, you'll be delivering finishers and dominating the squared circle in no time. So, get out there, have fun, and enjoy the thrill of Here Comes the Pain!

Whether you're executing a perfect German Suplex, reversing a submission, or delivering a bone-crushing finishing move, understanding the controls is the first step toward victory. So, grab your controller, hit the ring, and start your journey to wrestling superstardom. Good luck, and may the best wrestler win!

Now go out there and show them what you've got! Don't forget to experiment with different wrestlers. Each wrestler has their own unique move set and stats. See what you like. The more you play, the more you will understand the mechanics and be able to play better. Have fun!