Without a doubt, one of the best wrestling games out there.
This was probably the last superb Smackdown game before RAW came along and spoiled the fun by butchering some cool features (Not saying the SvR games are bad, just not as good as Smackdown). So like other games, you have your typical match types. Hardcore, Hell in a Cell, Royal Rumble, Cage and Ladder, along with some new match types like Bra and Panties, Elimination Chamber and First Blood. Many of these match types are a blast to play.
The season mode is another good aspect of the game and in my opinion, the best season mode out of all the games. Many of the storylines are exciting and the roster is fully customizable. Unlike Shut your Mouth and Just Bring It, you can no longer walk around the arena before matches, but the storylines, funny wrestler encounters and lack of having to walk around everywhere make up for this.
Create-a-Superstar is what you'd expect in other Smackdown games. There is alot of customization allowing you to almost create anyone you want. It is also good as you can remove most of the real superstars from the season mode roster and add all of your created superstars in. As you'd expect, the graphics look outdated for today but even for a game released in 2003, they're not bad. Arenas and wrestler models are well detailed and accruate to their real life counterparts.
One reason why this game is so good is the freedom it gives you. Thanks to the backstages, create-a-superstar mode and great match types, you are able to create the most over-the-top matches. You could have 6 of your created wrestlers battling it out in the streets of Times Square.
Overall, WWE Smackdown! Here Comes the Pain is a brilliant wrestling game which I'd highly recommend. No matter how less of a fan of WWE you may think you are, its a blast to play. The unforgettable season mode, advanced create-wrestler mode, over-the-top features and fun to play match types all combine to make what is probably the most fun wrestling game ever. I recommend it.