Publisher: THQ | Developer: Yuke's | Genre: Wrestling |
Release: October 2003 | Rating: RP

THQ is still holding back on some details regarding WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain, but the information that it did release is sure to give wrestling fans plenty of wet dreams until the game arrives in stores late October. The story mode in previous SmackDown titles were typically considered to be a bit lacking and it always seemed to wear thin too quickly. This time around, Here Comes the Pain is said to offer an extremely robust story mode, with multiple plot branches conceived by the WWE writers themselves, along with classic WWE moments that true fans will definitely remember from the show. The drama will not just unfold in the ring, as tension between wrestlers will also build outside of matches and behind the scenes.

Speaking of wrestlers, WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain will feature more than 55 WWE athletes, including Scott Steiner, Rey Mysterio, and the ever-popular Goldberg. Each superstar will have accurate attributes for strength, speed, submission, stamina, and technique -- which can be improved using currency that you have earned throughout the season. And yes, you can still create your own wrestlers from head to toe.

Instead of just mashing buttons like a maniac, Here Comes the Pain will offer more in-depth controls with a new submission system, improved countering system, and player-specific grappling mechanics. In addition, there will be new game types, including Bra and Panty, First Blood, and Elimination Chamber matches. The overall presentation is being beefed up as well -- with smoother and more realistic animations, better camera angles, and more convincing looking crowds.

Unless something horrible goes wrong, WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain will obviously be the best SmackDown title to date. We'll have more information, screenshots, and a possible gameplay movie later.

Additional Media
Click here for all the screenshots and movies for this game.

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