WWE SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain
Encyclopedia
WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain (Known as Exciting Pro Wrestling 5 in Japan) is a video game released on the PlayStation 2
console
by THQ
on October 27, 2003. It is a sequel to WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth
and is part of the WWE SmackDown! (later renamed WWE SmackDown vs. Raw, now simply WWE) series based on World Wrestling Entertainment's weekly TV show
of the same name. It was the first SmackDown! game to feature a catchphrase not linked back to The Rock in its title. It was also the final WWE game under the SmackDown! name and it was succeeded by WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw
.
Here Comes the Pain had rejuvenated the series in the eyes of many, many fans, and anticipation was unlike no other for Here Comes the Pain, a game that promised much and was slated to be the series' finest hour, with a brand new grappling system among the inclusions. THQ announced in April 2003 that they had been working on Here Comes the Pain even before the release of Shut Your Mouth, and the first pictures were released among details that the grapping system would be overhauled. Instead of the 4 moves one could pull, there were now four different stances (Power, Technical, Speed, Submission) that each had four moves, making it into 16.
This was also the first game to feature "WWE Legends" into the roster, thus starting a tradition that would follow suit with future SmackDown! titles.
The game also has a variety of match types. The Bra & Panties match, the First Blood match, and the Elimination Chamber
make their debut in the series.
This was the last WWE SmackDown! title since WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role
to not feature any commentary.
The game was released in October 2003 and it was critically hailed as one of the best games in the series. The game went on to sell millions and became one of the best selling sports-related games of its time.
. This new grappling system also included were body damage meters, individual character scales that consisted of stats such as strength, endurance and speed, and submission meters for both the person applying the move and the person breaking out of the move. As well as the ability to break the submission hold when being close to the ropes.
In addition, the game does away with the audio commentary feature that was used in its predecessors WWE SmackDown! Just Bring It and WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth
as well as eliminate ring announcers. The only in-game voice featured is the ref's voice, which is the same for both Earl Hebner
and Mike Chioda
. It would be the last game to not feature voice-over of any kind until it was fully implemented in its successor WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw
.
This would be the final SmackDown! game that featured Brock Lesnar
,(until WWE 12) Val Venis, and Rikishi, as well as the only WWE licensed game to feature Ultimo Dragon and Sean O'Haire
as playable characters. Kevin Nash
,Who appers in WWE 12 It is also the first game in the SmackDown! series to have John Cena
, Batista
, Chavo Guerrero
and Rey Mysterio as playable characters. This also marks the final time that Stone Cold Steve Austin
and The Rock would appear in a SmackDown! game as non-legends, as well as the first and only game in the series to show The Rock's new tattoo
until WWE '12. Aside from the Smackdown! series, The Rock does sport his tattoo in WWE WrestleMania XIX
and WWE Day of Reckoning
for the Nintendo GameCube. This is also the first and final game of the SmackDown! series to have Goldberg
as a playable chracter due to his contract expiration.
The development version, though, featured Jeff Hardy
, Hulk Hogan
(along with his alter-ego Mr. America) and Ultimate Warrior
. Hardy was removed when he left WWE for TNA
. Hogan and his Mr. America character were also deleted when he left the company. Warrior was removed after he threatened the WWE with a lawsuit.
based on 27 critics.
IGN
rated the game a 9.1/10, calling it: "One of the best wrestling games we've ever played...With its ultra-improved gameplay mechanics, enhanced visual engine, smarter career mode, and established create-a-character feature, Yukes and THQ are definitely the track to success." GameSpot
rated it a 9/10, stating: "What the game lacks in innovation, however, is more than made up for in sheer playability." Eurogamer
gave the game a rating of 9/10, calling it: "A superb blend of traditional and wrestling-specific fight mechanics, and there's so much variety here that it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say you could play this one from now until the next SmackDown without getting bored or running out of things to do." 1UP.com
gave the game a B+ grade, stating: "The total package is solid, and while it's not the holy grail fans have hoped for since the N64's "No Mercy," it's light-years beyond what THQ used to try and sell under the SmackDown! name."
However, Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine called it: "The first game in the series that tries to accommodate both sides by combining quick action with the technical elements of wrestling, and it works -- almost."
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
console
Video game console
A video game console is an interactive entertainment computer or customized computer system that produces a video display signal which can be used with a display device to display a video game...
by THQ
THQ
THQ Inc. is an American developer and publisher of video games. Founded in 1989 in the United States, the company develops products for video game consoles, handheld game systems, as well as for personal computers and wireless devices...
on October 27, 2003. It is a sequel to WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth
WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth
WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth is a professional wrestling video game released on the PlayStation 2 console by THQ and developed by Yuke's. It is part of the WWE SmackDown! WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth (Known as Exciting Pro Wrestling 4 in Japan) is a professional wrestling video game released...
and is part of the WWE SmackDown! (later renamed WWE SmackDown vs. Raw, now simply WWE) series based on World Wrestling Entertainment's weekly TV show
Television program
A television program , also called television show, is a segment of content which is intended to be broadcast on television. It may be a one-time production or part of a periodically recurring series...
of the same name. It was the first SmackDown! game to feature a catchphrase not linked back to The Rock in its title. It was also the final WWE game under the SmackDown! name and it was succeeded by WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw
WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW
WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw , is a professional wrestling video game released on the PlayStation 2 console by THQ and developed by Yuke's. It is part of the WWE SmackDown vs...
.
Here Comes the Pain had rejuvenated the series in the eyes of many, many fans, and anticipation was unlike no other for Here Comes the Pain, a game that promised much and was slated to be the series' finest hour, with a brand new grappling system among the inclusions. THQ announced in April 2003 that they had been working on Here Comes the Pain even before the release of Shut Your Mouth, and the first pictures were released among details that the grapping system would be overhauled. Instead of the 4 moves one could pull, there were now four different stances (Power, Technical, Speed, Submission) that each had four moves, making it into 16.
This was also the first game to feature "WWE Legends" into the roster, thus starting a tradition that would follow suit with future SmackDown! titles.
The game also has a variety of match types. The Bra & Panties match, the First Blood match, and the Elimination Chamber
Elimination Chamber
The Elimination Chamber is a professional wrestling elimination-based match held in the WWE promotion. It features a large chain-linked circular steel structure or "chamber" which encloses the ring. The chamber's floor is platformed over the ringside area which elevates it to ring level and within...
make their debut in the series.
This was the last WWE SmackDown! title since WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role
WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role
WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role is a professional wrestling video game released on the PlayStation console by THQ and developed by YUKE's Future Media Creators. It is part of the WWF SmackDown! WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role (Exciting Pro Wrestling 2 in Japan) is a professional wrestling video...
to not feature any commentary.
The game was released in October 2003 and it was critically hailed as one of the best games in the series. The game went on to sell millions and became one of the best selling sports-related games of its time.
Features
The game introduced a more traditional grappling system while retaining the series’ fast gameplayGameplay
Gameplay is the specific way in which players interact with a game, and in particular with video games. Gameplay is the pattern defined through the game rules, connection between player and the game, challenges and overcoming them, plot and player's connection with it...
. This new grappling system also included were body damage meters, individual character scales that consisted of stats such as strength, endurance and speed, and submission meters for both the person applying the move and the person breaking out of the move. As well as the ability to break the submission hold when being close to the ropes.
In addition, the game does away with the audio commentary feature that was used in its predecessors WWE SmackDown! Just Bring It and WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth
WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth
WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth is a professional wrestling video game released on the PlayStation 2 console by THQ and developed by Yuke's. It is part of the WWE SmackDown! WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth (Known as Exciting Pro Wrestling 4 in Japan) is a professional wrestling video game released...
as well as eliminate ring announcers. The only in-game voice featured is the ref's voice, which is the same for both Earl Hebner
Earl Hebner
Earl William Hebner is a professional wrestling referee currently working for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, and the twin brother of Dave Hebner...
and Mike Chioda
Mike Chioda
Michael Joseph "Mike" Chioda, is a senior referee who is currently signed to WWE. While not refereeing, Chioda, as well as the other referees in WWE, help set up the arena before shows, constructing the ring and stage areas.-WWF:...
. It would be the last game to not feature voice-over of any kind until it was fully implemented in its successor WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw
WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW
WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw , is a professional wrestling video game released on the PlayStation 2 console by THQ and developed by Yuke's. It is part of the WWE SmackDown vs...
.
This would be the final SmackDown! game that featured Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar
Brock Edward Lesnar is an American mixed martial artist, actor and a former professional and amateur wrestler. He is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and is ranked the No.5 Heavyweight in the world by Sherdog...
,(until WWE 12) Val Venis, and Rikishi, as well as the only WWE licensed game to feature Ultimo Dragon and Sean O'Haire
Sean O'Haire
Sean Christopher Haire is an American mixed martial artist and former professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, Sean O'Haire.-World Championship Wrestling:...
as playable characters. Kevin Nash
Kevin Nash
Kevin Scott Nash is an American professional wrestler and actor. As of 2011, Nash is signed to a five year contract with WWE under their WWE Legends program and appears as part of their Raw brand roster...
,Who appers in WWE 12 It is also the first game in the SmackDown! series to have John Cena
John Cena
John Felix Anthony Cena is an American professional wrestler, actor, rapper, and television personality. He is currently signed to WWE as a member of its WWE Raw brand....
, Batista
Batista
Batista is a Spanish or Portuguese languages surname , literally meaning "baptist"...
, Chavo Guerrero
Chavo Guerrero, Jr.
Salvador "Chavo" Guerrero IV also known as Chavo Guerrero and Chavo Guerrero, Jr., is a third generation Mexican-American professional wrestler and member of the famed Guerrero wrestling family who was well known for working with World Wrestling Entertainment and World Championship Wrestling...
and Rey Mysterio as playable characters. This also marks the final time that Stone Cold Steve Austin
Stone Cold Steve Austin
Steve Austin , better known by his ring name "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, is an American film and television actor and retired professional wrestler...
and The Rock would appear in a SmackDown! game as non-legends, as well as the first and only game in the series to show The Rock's new tattoo
Tattoo
A tattoo is made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment. Tattoos on humans are a type of body modification, and tattoos on other animals are most commonly used for identification purposes...
until WWE '12. Aside from the Smackdown! series, The Rock does sport his tattoo in WWE WrestleMania XIX
WWE WrestleMania XIX
WWE WrestleMania XIX is a video game released for the Nintendo GameCube by THQ in late 2003. It's the second of four annual WWE licensed video games for the console....
and WWE Day of Reckoning
WWE Day of Reckoning
WWE Day of Reckoning is a professional wrestling video game released for the Nintendo GameCube console in 2004. The game is based on World Wrestling Entertainment and many of the wrestlers who were on the WWE roster at the time of release were included as player characters...
for the Nintendo GameCube. This is also the first and final game of the SmackDown! series to have Goldberg
Goldberg
- People :* Goldberg , people with the surname Goldberg* Whoopi Goldberg, Actress, Comedienne* Bill Goldberg, Former Professional Wrestler- Entertainment :...
as a playable chracter due to his contract expiration.
The development version, though, featured Jeff Hardy
Jeff Hardy
Jeffrey Nero "Jeff" Hardy is an American professional wrestler, who is currently signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling , where he is a former two–time TNA World Heavyweight Champion...
, Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan
Terrance Gene "Terry" Bollea , better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, is an American Semi-retired professional wrestler, actor, television personality, and musician currently signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling ....
(along with his alter-ego Mr. America) and Ultimate Warrior
Warrior (wrestler)
Also see Warrior .Warrior is an American retired professional wrestler who notably performed under the ring names The Ultimate Warrior and Warrior...
. Hardy was removed when he left WWE for TNA
TNA
TNA may refer to:*Tamil National Alliance, a political coalition in Sri Lanka*The National Archives, in the United Kingdom*The New Amsterdams, a band*Threose nucleic acid, an analog of the nucleic acid DNA*Tonga Nurses' Association...
. Hogan and his Mr. America character were also deleted when he left the company. Warrior was removed after he threatened the WWE with a lawsuit.
Reception
The game received favourable reviews and high scores from the critics. It gained an aggregate score of 86.46% from GameRankings based on 50 reviews, and an aggregate score of 85/100 from MetacriticMetacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
based on 27 critics.
IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
rated the game a 9.1/10, calling it: "One of the best wrestling games we've ever played...With its ultra-improved gameplay mechanics, enhanced visual engine, smarter career mode, and established create-a-character feature, Yukes and THQ are definitely the track to success." GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
rated it a 9/10, stating: "What the game lacks in innovation, however, is more than made up for in sheer playability." Eurogamer
Eurogamer
Eurogamer is a Brighton-based website focused on video games news, reviews, previews and interviews. It is operated by Eurogamer Network Ltd., which was formed in 1999 by brothers Rupert and Nick Loman. Eurogamer has grown to become one of the most important European-based websites focused on...
gave the game a rating of 9/10, calling it: "A superb blend of traditional and wrestling-specific fight mechanics, and there's so much variety here that it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say you could play this one from now until the next SmackDown without getting bored or running out of things to do." 1UP.com
1UP.com
1UP.com is a video game website owned by IGN Entertainment, a division of News Corporation. Previously, the site was owned by Ziff Davis before being sold to UGO Entertainment in 2009....
gave the game a B+ grade, stating: "The total package is solid, and while it's not the holy grail fans have hoped for since the N64's "No Mercy," it's light-years beyond what THQ used to try and sell under the SmackDown! name."
However, Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine called it: "The first game in the series that tries to accommodate both sides by combining quick action with the technical elements of wrestling, and it works -- almost."
See also
- Rumble RosesRumble Rosesis a professional wrestling video game that was developed by Yuke's Future Media Creators and Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo, and published by Konami in 2004 for the PlayStation 2. The game uses the same engine as Yuke's 2003 release WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain...
- An all-female wrestling game by KonamiKonamiis a Japanese leading developer and publisher of numerous popular and strong-selling toys, trading cards, anime, tokusatsu, slot machines, arcade cabinets and video games...
that uses the same game engine.