SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain: PS2 Controls Guide

Hey wrestling fans! Ready to step back into the ring and relive the glory days of WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain on the PS2? This game was a classic, and a big part of that was the smooth and intuitive controls. But, let's be honest, sometimes remembering all those button combinations can be a pain – pun intended! So, this guide is here to refresh your memory and get you back in the game, dominating the competition like Brock Lesnar, The Rock, or John Cena. We'll cover everything from basic movements to advanced grapples, ensuring you can execute your favorite finishers and become the ultimate champion. Get ready to unleash your inner Superstar and experience the adrenaline-pumping action of SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain all over again! This article will be your ultimate companion to mastering the ring.

Basic Controls: Walking, Running, and Basic Attacks

Before we get into the fancy moves, let's nail down the fundamentals. Knowing how to move around the ring and land a few punches is the foundation of any good wrestling strategy. So, let's break down the basic controls for WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain on the PS2:

• Movement: The left analog stick is your best friend here. Use it to move your wrestler around the ring. You can walk, run, and even perform subtle movements to get into the perfect position to launch an attack or avoid your opponent's moves.
• Running: To run, hold down the R2 button while using the left analog stick. Running is essential for building momentum, delivering powerful attacks, and getting out of sticky situations. Be careful, though, as running can also leave you vulnerable if you're not careful.
• Grapple: The Circle button is your grapple button. Pressing it near your opponent will initiate a grapple, allowing you to perform various moves. We'll dive deeper into grappling in the next section.
• Strike: The X button is your primary strike button. Repeatedly pressing it will unleash a series of punches and kicks. These strikes are useful for wearing down your opponent and setting up a grapple.
• Block: The Square button allows you to block your opponent's attacks. Blocking is crucial for defense, as it minimizes the damage you take from strikes. Mastering the timing of your blocks can make the difference between victory and defeat.
• Irish Whip: Pressing the Circle button while running towards the ropes will initiate an Irish Whip, sending your opponent flying towards them. This is a great way to create distance or set up a running attack.

Mastering these basic controls is the first step towards becoming a true wrestling champion in SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain. Make sure you practice these movements, getting comfortable with how your wrestler responds to each input. Once you have a firm grasp of these fundamentals, you'll be ready to move on to the more advanced techniques and build a winning strategy. Remember, practice makes perfect, so head into the ring, experiment with the controls, and start honing your skills. From there, you'll be suplexing and clotheslining your way to victory in no time!

Grappling and Advanced Moves: Unleashing Your Inner Superstar

Alright, now that we've covered the basics, let's get into the exciting stuff: grappling and advanced moves. This is where you really start to express your wrestling prowess in WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain. Grappling allows you to perform a wide array of maneuvers, from simple slams to devastating finishers. The key is understanding the different grapple positions and the corresponding button combinations.

• Grapple Positions: When you initiate a grapple (Circle button), you'll enter a grapple position. This position determines which moves you can perform. There are various grapple positions, including:
  • Tie-Up: A basic grapple position where you and your opponent are standing face-to-face.
  • Front Grapple: Where you are facing your opponent directly.
  • Rear Grapple: When you're behind your opponent.
  • Ground Grapple: When your opponent is lying on the mat.
• Grapple Moves: Once in a grapple position, you can perform various moves using a combination of buttons and directions. The type of move you perform depends on the grapple position and the button combination. Here's a breakdown:
  • Tie-Up: Press the Circle button again for a quick move or use the direction buttons + Circle for more specific moves.
  • Front Grapple: Use the direction buttons + Circle for different grapple moves.
  • Rear Grapple: Use the direction buttons + Circle for different grapple moves. This is where you can unleash German Suplexes and other back-attack maneuvers.
  • Ground Grapple: Use the direction buttons + Circle to perform moves while your opponent is down.
• Signature Moves and Finishers: These are the moves that define your wrestler. Finishers are often performed when your opponent is in a weakened state. You can execute your wrestler's signature moves and finishers by pressing specific button combinations when your opponent is vulnerable. These combinations vary depending on the wrestler, so be sure to check the in-game move list or online resources to find out the specific button inputs for your favorite wrestlers. These are often the key to winning matches!
• Reversals: Reversals are a crucial part of the game. They allow you to counter your opponent's moves and turn the tide of the match. To perform a reversal, you must press the R1 button at the precise moment your opponent initiates their move. Timing is everything here, so practice your reactions to master reversals. Successfully reversing a move can be a game-changer, allowing you to launch a counter-attack and gain the upper hand.

Experiment with different moves and combinations to discover what works best for you and your chosen wrestler. Remember to familiarize yourself with your wrestler's signature moves and finishers. Mastering these techniques will elevate your game and help you dominate the ring, leaving your opponents wondering what hit them. The heart of the game is mastering these advanced moves, so get out there and start wrestling like a pro!

Special Actions and Match Dynamics: Power-Ups and Ring Awareness

Beyond basic and advanced moves, WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain offers a range of special actions and match dynamics that add depth and excitement to the gameplay. These elements can significantly impact the outcome of a match and allow you to strategize and outmaneuver your opponent. Let's explore these special actions:

• Taunts: Use the D-pad to taunt your opponent. Taunts can serve multiple purposes: they can be used to taunt your opponent, build up your momentum, and sometimes even have effects on your opponent. Taunts can be a psychological tool to get in your opponent's head and gain a mental edge during the match.
• Running Attacks: These attacks are performed by running towards your opponent and pressing the Circle or X button. Running attacks can be powerful and can quickly change the momentum of a match, so utilize them wisely.
• Using Weapons: If weapons are available in the match type, you can pick them up by walking over them and pressing the Circle button. You can then use them to strike your opponent. Be careful though: using weapons can lead to disqualification in some match types.
• Pinning: After you've weakened your opponent, you can attempt to pin them for the win. Press the Circle button while standing over your downed opponent. You'll need to hold them down for a three-count to secure the victory. Timing is crucial, as your opponent can kick out before the count of three.
• Submissions: You can make your opponent submit by applying a submission hold. Use the direction buttons + Circle to apply various submissions. You'll need to wear down your opponent's health to successfully make them tap out.
• Environmental Interactions: You can use the environment to your advantage. For example, you can throw your opponent into the turnbuckle or the steel steps. You can also climb the turnbuckle and perform aerial attacks.
• Momentum and Stamina: Pay attention to your wrestler's momentum and stamina. Momentum builds up as you perform successful moves, while stamina depletes as you perform moves. Managing your momentum and stamina is crucial for staying competitive throughout the match.

Understanding these special actions and match dynamics is essential to master the game. Utilize taunts to build momentum, take advantage of the environment, and strategically use weapons to gain an advantage. Remember to manage your stamina and be aware of the match's flow. These are the tools that separate the casual players from the true champions. The more you play, the better you'll become at recognizing opportunities and executing strategies that lead to victory. So go out there, experiment, and become a true wrestling master in SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain!

Troubleshooting Common Control Issues and Tips for Success

Even with a solid understanding of the controls, you might encounter some issues. Don't worry; we're here to help you troubleshoot common problems and offer tips to help you succeed in WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain. Let's dive in:

• Control Responsiveness: If you're experiencing lag or delays in your controller's response, make sure your controller is properly connected. Also, check for any interference that might be affecting the signal. Sometimes, a simple restart of your PS2 console can resolve any responsiveness issues.
• Button Mapping: Double-check your button mappings in the game's options menu. You can often customize the controls to suit your preferences. This allows you to tailor the experience to your specific needs. Experiment with different control schemes to find what works best for you.
• Timing is Everything: Timing is crucial in SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain. Whether it's executing a grapple, performing a reversal, or landing a pin, your timing can make or break your performance. Practice makes perfect, so be patient and keep honing your timing skills.
• Master the Reversals: Reversals are a game-changer. Spend some time practicing your reversal timing. Understanding when to press R1 is key to surviving and taking control of the match. Being able to reverse your opponent's moves will significantly increase your chances of winning.
• Know Your Wrestler: Every wrestler has unique moves, strengths, and weaknesses. Familiarize yourself with your chosen wrestler's signature moves and finishers. Understanding your wrestler's capabilities will help you develop effective strategies.
• Utilize the Environment: The environment is your weapon! Throwing your opponent into the turnbuckle or steel steps can inflict serious damage and create opportunities. Don't be afraid to utilize the ropes for running attacks or climb the turnbuckle for high-flying maneuvers.
• Manage Your Stamina: Pay attention to your wrestler's stamina bar. Running out of stamina can leave you vulnerable. Rest when necessary, and avoid spamming moves. Managing your stamina is essential for staying competitive throughout the match.
• Learn from Your Mistakes: Don't get discouraged by losses. Every match is a learning opportunity. Analyze your matches to identify areas for improvement. Watch replays of your matches to learn what worked and what didn't.

By addressing these common issues and following these tips, you'll be well on your way to dominating the ring in WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain! Remember to practice, experiment, and most importantly, have fun! The more you play, the better you will become, and the more you will enjoy the thrill of wrestling.

Conclusion: Re-enter the Arena!

Well, there you have it, folks! With this comprehensive guide to the WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain PS2 controls, you're now equipped to unleash your inner wrestling superstar. From mastering the basic controls to executing devastating finishers and strategizing like a pro, you've got everything you need to dominate the ring. So, dust off your PS2, grab a controller, and prepare to relive the glory days of wrestling. Remember to practice your moves, experiment with different wrestlers, and most importantly, have fun! Let the action and the memories flood back as you experience the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat once more! Get back in the arena and show everyone who's boss!