WWE Smackdown! Here Comes the Pain
Metacritic
IGDB
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About WWE Smackdown! Here Comes the Pain
WWE Smackdown! Here Comes the Pain dropped on October 27, 2003 for the PlayStation 2. Yuke's developed this title while THQ handled publishing duties. It sits squarely in the sports and beat 'em up genres but feels more like an interactive wrestling simulator with a heavy narrative twist. You create a custom wrestler or control legends to fight through scripted storylines written by actual WWE staff. The game does not just simulate matches; it forces you to live a career where your choices matter. This is the definitive PlayStation 2 wrestling experience from that era, focusing heavily on character progression and dramatic feuds rather than just casual sparring.
Gameplay
You spend most of your time managing a custom wrestler's growth through the Season Mode. Every match grants stats and cash which you then use to upgrade strength, speed, or stamina attributes. The grappling system feels distinct because you must execute specific combos to break an opponent's guard before finishing them off. New match types like the Elimination Chamber add chaos by trapping multiple opponents in a steel cage simultaneously. You also unlock Bra-&-Panty matches as fun side modes that offer different objectives than standard bouts. Controls are tight enough to chain throws and grapples effectively, but the real focus remains on building your superstar's reputation over time.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate this title highly with an average score of 85 out of 100 from Metacritic critics. Our community data shows a completion rate of nearly 72 percent for the main story arc. Players spend an average of 34 hours per account when finishing all achievements and seasonal goals. Community mood trackers indicate a strong "Nostalgic" vibe with 68 percent of recent reviews praising the career mode depth. Some users note that the graphics hold up well despite the age, while others complain about repetitive AI patterns in later seasons. The average playtime for a full run through all match types sits at roughly 40 hours total.
PlayPile's Take
This game is worth playing if you want deep career progression mechanics rather than just arcade wrestling action. The price on secondary markets remains reasonable for collectors, and there are plenty of achievements to chase for completionists. Yuke's built a system where your stats actually change how matches play out, which keeps sessions fresh even after dozens of hours. Avoid this only if you prefer pure simulation without scripted storylines or if you dislike the PlayStation 2 controller layout. The elimination chamber mode alone justifies the purchase for fans of chaotic multi-person brawls.
IGDB Rating
81.8
RAWG Rating
4.3
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