SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain: PS2 Controls Guide

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SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain: PS2 Controls Guide

Hey wrestling fans! Ever wanted to relive the glory days of WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain on your trusty PlayStation 2? Of course, you have! This game was a classic, and knowing the controls inside and out is key to dominating the squared circle. So, let's dive into a comprehensive guide to the controls, ensuring you can execute those signature moves and powerbombs with ease. This guide is your ultimate playbook for mastering the game, from basic movement to the most devastating finishing maneuvers. Get ready to step into the ring and become a champion!

Basic Controls and Movement

Alright, guys, let's start with the basics. Understanding how to move your wrestler around the ring is the foundation of everything. You can't perform any cool moves if you can't even get to your opponent, right? The following are the core controls for moving around, grappling, and performing basic actions within the game.

  • Movement:
    • Left Analog Stick: This is your primary tool for navigating the arena. Use it to move your wrestler forward, backward, and sideways. Precise movement is crucial for positioning yourself to execute moves and avoid your opponent's attacks.
    • D-Pad: You can also use the D-Pad for movement, but the analog stick offers more nuanced control, especially when trying to run or position your wrestler with precision. However, you can use it to taunt as well if you have not used the special taunt command, and can also be used during cut scenes to change the camera angles.
  • Running:
    • R1 Button: Hold down the R1 button, and use the Left Analog Stick to run. Running is important to get to your opponent quicker, perform running attacks, and gain momentum to launch yourself over the top rope or use a springboard maneuver. Remember to watch your stamina bar, because running will drain your stamina.
  • Grappling:
    • X Button: This is your go-to button for grappling. When close to your opponent, press the X button to initiate a grapple. The game will prompt you to choose a grapple move (more on this later) based on your wrestler's position and the direction you press the analog stick.
    • Square Button: This button is used for light attacks, punches, and kicks. Useful to stun your opponent so you can set up a grapple.
  • Blocking and Reversals:
    • Circle Button: Press the Circle Button to block your opponent's attacks. Blocking helps you to reduce the amount of damage you receive. However, you are vulnerable to grapple attacks if you block. Blocking takes away stamina as well. Be sure to time your blocks.
    • L1 Button: Timing is everything! Pressing L1 just before an opponent's attack will trigger a reversal. Reversals are essential to turning the tide of a match and can lead to spectacular counterattacks. Mastering the timing of reversals will greatly increase your chance of winning.
  • Picking Up Weapons/Objects:
    • R2 Button: This is the button used to pick up weapons and other objects near the ring. If an object is lying around the ring, this is how you pick it up.
  • Climbing and Jumping:
    • Triangle Button: Triangle is used to climb the turnbuckle or jump over the top rope or outside of the ring. Using the right timing will help you execute a high flying move or help you to avoid getting hit by your opponent.

Mastering these basic controls is the first step towards becoming a true SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain legend. Practice these moves in the game's training mode to get comfortable with the feel of the controls. Then, you will be able to move on to more advanced moves.

Grapple System and Offensive Maneuvers

Now that you're comfortable moving around, let's talk about the heart of the game: grappling! The grapple system in Here Comes the Pain is complex, allowing for a wide variety of attacks. The grapple system in this game is iconic, and it is something that fans of the game still talk about. The grapple system in the game allows you to have a great and fun experience. Let's break it down, shall we?

  • Grapple Types:
    • Weak Grapple (X Button): This initiates a series of weak grapple moves. These moves often set up the more powerful strikes and attacks.
    • Strong Grapple (X Button + Up/Down/Left/Right): When you grapple your opponent, you can press a direction on the left analog stick to perform a specific grapple move. The direction you choose will determine the move, and each wrestler has a unique set of grapple moves.
  • Grapple Moves:
    • Front Grapple: When you're facing your opponent, you can perform several front grapple moves such as a suplex, a DDT, or a powerbomb.
    • Rear Grapple: When behind your opponent, you have access to a different set of moves, such as a german suplex or a schoolboy pin.
    • Irish Whip: Press the X button and the Left Analog Stick towards the ropes to Irish Whip your opponent. Irish Whips can be used to set up attacks when your opponent bounces off the ropes.
    • Ground Grapple: When your opponent is on the ground, you can perform ground grapple moves to inflict even more damage.
  • Executing Offensive Maneuvers:
    • Using the Analog Stick: During a grapple, the direction you push the Left Analog Stick combined with the X button determines the move. Experiment with different directions to see the variety of moves your wrestler can perform.
    • Stamina: Be mindful of your wrestler's stamina. Executing strong grapple moves will consume stamina. If your stamina is low, your attacks will be less effective.
    • Chain Wrestling: Here Comes the Pain rewards smart gameplay. Use chain wrestling to link multiple moves together, wearing down your opponent and keeping them off balance.
  • Special and Signature Moves:
    • Signature Moves: Each wrestler has a specific signature move that deals significant damage. These moves are often unique to the wrestler and are crucial to winning matches. You can perform these moves by building up your special meter, and they are usually a variation of grapple moves.
    • Finisher Moves: These are your most devastating attacks, capable of ending a match. You can perform a finisher when your opponent is significantly damaged. Finishers are performed by pressing a combination of buttons once your special meter is full.

Defensive Techniques and Reversals

Alright, it's not all about offense, right? Knowing how to defend yourself is just as important as knowing how to attack. Your ability to defend yourself will help you win in the ring. Let's delve into the defensive strategies and counter-attacks you'll need to survive and thrive in the chaotic world of SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain.

  • Blocking:
    • Circle Button: Press the Circle button to block attacks. Blocking reduces the amount of damage you receive, but you are still vulnerable to grapple moves, so use it strategically.
    • Stamina Cost: Blocking drains your stamina. Over-reliance on blocking can leave you vulnerable when you need it most.
  • Reversals:
    • L1 Button: This is your primary defense against your opponent's attacks. Timing is everything! Press L1 just before your opponent's move connects to reverse it. Mastering reversal timing is key to controlling the match.
    • Reversal Types: Reversals come in many forms, from simple counters to impressive acrobatic moves. Some reversals lead to immediate offense, while others create space for you to breathe.
  • Breaking Pins and Submissions:
    • Pin Breaks: When pinned, rapidly tap buttons to kick out. The more damaged you are, the harder it is to kick out. The game is designed to build the tension of the match.
    • Submission Escapes: When caught in a submission hold, rotate the Left Analog Stick to escape. The game allows for a great tug-of-war experience.
  • Avoiding Attacks:
    • Running: Use R1 to run and avoid incoming attacks. Timing your run is crucial to dodging blows and setting up counterattacks.
    • Dodging: Some wrestlers have dodge abilities (check their stats). Use this to avoid attacks in the game.
  • Using the Environment:
    • Turnbuckle: Irish whip your opponent into the turnbuckle for a running attack.
    • Ropes: Irish Whip your opponent into the ropes, then hit them when they are coming back. Be careful, because they can reverse it as well.

Advanced Techniques and Strategies

Time to step up your game, guys! Now that you've got the basics down, it's time to learn some advanced techniques that will take your SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain skills to the next level. Let's look at strategies that can help you win your matches.

  • Chain Wrestling:
    • Linking Moves: Use chain wrestling to string together multiple attacks. This keeps your opponent off-balance and increases your chances of scoring a pinfall.
    • Stamina Management: Be mindful of your stamina, because stringing together too many moves will drain your stamina. Be aware of the stamina bar and manage it carefully to maximize your offense.
  • Taunts:
    • Psychological Warfare: Use taunts to taunt your opponent. Taunting can increase your special meter. It can also be used to get into your opponent's head, which can lead them to making mistakes. It also helps you get a sense of who your wrestler is.
  • Using Weapons:
    • Weapon Attacks: Pick up weapons like chairs and kendo sticks and use them to inflict maximum damage. Be careful, because using weapons can lead to disqualification in some match types. Using weapons is a strategic option, so use them wisely.
  • Managing Your Special Meter:
    • Building Your Meter: Perform successful grapples and taunts to build your special meter.
    • Using Special Moves: Once your special meter is full, unleash your signature moves for a major advantage. Using the special meter at the right moment can mean the difference between winning and losing the game.
  • Match Specific Strategies:
    • Ladder Matches: Learn to climb the ladder to retrieve the championship belt.
    • Steel Cage Matches: Use the walls of the cage to your advantage and wear down your opponent.
    • Hell in a Cell Matches: These matches will allow you to do just about anything. Use the cell as a weapon.
  • AI Strategies:
    • Adaptation: The AI in this game is quite advanced. Pay attention to your opponent's moves and adapt your strategies accordingly. The more matches you play, the better you will get at the game.
    • Exploiting Weaknesses: Analyze your opponent's weaknesses and exploit them. Some wrestlers are more vulnerable to certain types of attacks.

Conclusion

Alright, folks, that wraps up our comprehensive guide to the PS2 controls for WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain! Hopefully, with these tips and strategies, you'll be dominating the ring in no time. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned veteran, there's always something new to learn in this classic wrestling game. Keep practicing, experiment with different wrestlers, and most importantly, have fun! Now go out there and show them who's boss!