Smackdown: HCTP is a wrestling game even those who don't like wrestling can love.

User Rating: 9.2 | Exciting Pro Wrestling 5 (Limited Edition) PS2
By evilsockm | Review Date:
I have been plaing Smackdown: Shut your Mouth for about the last 6 months, and have been very impressed. However, the first time I put Smackdown: Here Comes the Pain into my PS2, my jaw dropped and my wrestling gaming was changed forever. First of all, the graphical presentation of the game has been overhauled, and it looks fantastic. THQ still has a bit of a clipping problem, but that is to be expected. Next, the pace of the matches was upgraded, and effectw were added to show damage done to specific body parts, and steps have been made to ensure that a wrestler that has been receiving a severe beatdown is not capable of standing up and delivering a knockout series of blows like nothing ever happened. In other words, if your wrestler is punished in the ring, he isn't running around like he just entered the Royal Rumble. He's staggered, slowed, and at times doesn't even respond. Which is how he should be, Running a combination of moves is easier this time around as well, and conversely, avoiding the combinations of others is more difficult. I can't tell you how many times I was flustered when even though I had just layed a series of punches and kicks into a guy, he'd just bounce up and start destroying me. The submission system is vastly improved as well. Heck, to be blunt, the whole game is vastly improved over a game that I thought was incredible to begin with! I haven't had the pleasure of Smackdown vs Raw yet, but rumor has it that HCTP is the pick of the litter. Go out and try it, you'll see.

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