• Publisher: THQ
  • Release Date: Oct 27, 2003
User Score
8.9 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 129 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 9 out of 129

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  1. Aug 28, 2010
    10
    Wow,lets get right to it and I have to tell you that it's August 2010 and I have yet to find a wrestling game or fighting game as good as this game.I have wwe smackdown vs. raw 2010 and that game is amazing but this game's game play is mind blowing.Especially for how old this game is.The lack of commentary is the only reason I'm knocking off a 1/2 of a point,even though the commentary in all the wrestling games is terrible and the games weakest point,but to this day I play it and love it the best of all my wresling games,I give it a 9.5 Expand
  2. PillsburyDboy
    Mar 18, 2004
    10
    The best game ever.
  3. SaqibA.
    Nov 7, 2003
    10
    Cool good graphics.
  4. AllenK.
    Dec 21, 2003
    10
    I am the rocks # 1 fan, and this game is the best AND THE ROCK MEANS THE BEST game ever.
  5. [Anonoymous]
    May 4, 2004
    10
    Great.
  6. HeshtHardy
    Jul 5, 2004
    9
    This game is really addictive but the only good legend is the old school Undertaker.
  7. MatthewK.
    Nov 11, 2003
    10
    The best graphics of any wrestling game i've ever played!
  8. JohnM.
    Nov 4, 2003
    10
    Shut your mouth might have been great but here comes the pain is much much more better you have got the likes of elimination chamber bra and panties and first blood also new wrestlers like scott steiner rey mysterio goldberg and many more and the and the best bits of all is chris jerichos highnight reel evolution and kane unmasked one more thing to say if anyone doesn't know what to get for christmas this is the game for you. Expand
  9. HeribertoS.
    Oct 22, 2003
    10
    This sh.t is hot as hell.
  10. PatS.
    Oct 20, 2003
    10
    This game is the best game so far, with the newest characters. The INjury report in the top of the screen gives the players a good idea of were to work on.
  11. StepIn
    Oct 9, 2003
    10
    It is going to be the best game this year. Nothing will amount to it. all sexy ladies heyyyyy.
  12. KennyH.
    Jan 6, 2004
    10
    This is definetely THE best wrestling game ever. *Bra and Panties matches!* There's a great create a wrestler thing in it. And it's not frustrating like ECW Hardcore Revolution.(The worst wrestling game ever) Just a flat out great game.
  13. PeterL.
    Feb 7, 2004
    10
    This is one of the most addicting games for anyone to play. You'll literally spend hours on the game.
  14. GaryM.
    Mar 23, 2004
    9
    The only thing bad about this game is u cant brake moves or sumbissions. but the season made is krazy it like real life. its very easy and the finishing moves in this game are incredable. my favorite thing about this game is the running specails rynho and test so easy to do running specails but the other thing about this game is it takes about 5 stunners to take brock lesner down.
  15. [Anonymous]
    Mar 8, 2004
    10
    Easily the best game in the series. The ultimate game for wrestling fans everywhere.
  16. ShelbyA.
    May 9, 2004
    9
    It is really cool! The only problem I have with it is that I dont know how to use the people I create! But, other then that the game is great! If anyone knows how to use the people they create please e-mail me at rubberducky022792@hotmail.com.
  17. JimmyW.
    Aug 20, 2004
    10
    Awesome awesome awesome the best game i have. looks like the real smackdown and raw i,d reccomend this game 4 any1 who loves wrestling and luvz 2 snap people best game ive ever played.
  18. ShaneM.
    Aug 9, 2005
    10
    I think that out of the smack games i think that this one is the best. i think that the legened characterisc was the best they did to make the game good.
  19. BobD.
    Mar 28, 2006
    10
    It should be on PC.
  20. Blizzardbob
    May 15, 2006
    9
    The best wrestling game ever!!!!!!
  21. BryanM.
    Jun 5, 2007
    9
    This game rocks just by having Goldberg in it makes it a 8, but they could have done better in the season mode that is why it stays a 9 and not a 10.
  22. JoshT.
    Nov 11, 2003
    10
    This game rocks the world cos that's the bottom line.
  23. CarokA.
    Nov 18, 2003
    9
    This game rocks! elemination chamber is the best!bra and panty match oooooo ya!
  24. Ray
    Nov 21, 2003
    10
    God, look at all these 10's. Well here's another too. This is the best wrestling game out now over Raw 2 and WMXIX PERIOD. Nevermind these other peoples review who rate it a 7 or less they dont know sh.t about a good game it kicks ass.
  25. SiuolG.
    Nov 23, 2003
    10
    This game is just too great...ooh...too hot...!
  26. ZacharyW.
    Nov 26, 2003
    10
    The best graphics ever for a smackdown game.
  27. BillyA.
    Nov 8, 2003
    10
    I think that wwe SmackDown here comes the pain is the best game i have ever played. the bra and pantys match is hot and so is trish. o yeah here comes the pain.
  28. Kairow
    Dec 4, 2003
    9
    I was addicted to the previous SD incarnation. I would compare the slight changes in gameplay and graphics to the differences in THPS2 and 3. Changes had to be made in order to elevate the overall experiance. It's not an update of the previous game, it's an overhaul, and a great one at that. A season mode with story lines, mechanics aproaching a Soul Caliber-type of feel, an amazing create mode, and fantastic replay value. What's not to like? I would of liked to have more than two BG music choices. My grudge with this only exists because every other aspect of the game shines. If you think my praise is unwarnted, play Backyard Westling and see if HCTP does not come out smelling like roses.... Expand
  29. Nirav
    Oct 26, 2003
    10
    The Best game ever and one more thing here comes the pain.
  30. Rick
    Oct 27, 2003
    10
    New modes, new characters, better graphics, perfect gameplay, exclusive story mode... This one will rule!
  31. Blizzardbob
    Jan 21, 2004
    10
    The best wrestling game ever!!!!!!
  32. JOHNC.
    Mar 18, 2004
    10
    Best wrestling game, plus I am the best because I'm the United States champion!
  33. BenS.
    Jun 23, 2004
    10
    This game is one of the best games i ever had.
  34. ErikR.
    May 18, 2005
    10
    I own every smackdown game and this is by far the best. better gameplay and smoother graphics. i recommend this game to anyone even if you dont like wrestling.
  35. TanmayA.
    Nov 11, 2003
    10
    This is a brilliant game. The best I have ever seen. I love the graphics. The Elimination Match is just great. The new superstars ( Scot Stienier, Goldberg) are great too.
  36. GaryT.
    Nov 10, 2003
    10
    The best WWE game out ever more matches like elimination chamber match, bra and panties, better backstage for the hardcore matches, more depper season mode, more wrestles like, Goldberg, scott steiner, un-masked Kane, Evolution and legends are good expecially the old school Undertaker. That was the good things about the game the bad things are dont have some other wrestlers like Shane O'Mac, Scotty 2 Hotty, Enterance musics are the the real things for some of them like no words or old music from RVD, Kane, Dudley Boys, and in tag team matches when you taunt your tag team comes in to help you.Thats all, and i would recomend it to any one. Expand
  37. ChrisM.
    Nov 11, 2003
    9
    Wot a game the only thing dat i wished 4 dat the season mode doesnt carry on as long as u want like smackdown 2.
  38. KentA.
    Nov 13, 2003
    9
    This was an excellent game. Improved graphics, the ability of bleeding and everything else. The only let down was the fact that just as i was getting into the game, it ended. season mode was far too short.
  39. KentA.
    Nov 13, 2003
    9
    This was an excellent game. Improved graphics, the ability of bleeding and everything else. The only let down was the fact that just as i was getting into the game, it ended. season mode was far too short.
  40. EdwardH.
    Nov 14, 2003
    10
    I believe that wwe here comes the pain is the finest game than all the other wrestling games out. You can see all your favorite wrestlers all at once and better yet do things that you always wanted to do. I really think the matches are 100% great well as the storymodes. If you think your too good for this game you just missed the lost. I think this game will make 1,0000 bucks and if you don't think so I have two words for YOU -SUCK!!!! Thanks Alot for reading: By Edward Diontezt Harris. Collapse
  41. Mr.S.
    Nov 16, 2003
    10
    This absolutely the best wrestling game ever because stone cold said so and one thing too caaan youuuu dig it suckaaaaaa?
  42. G.Cheng
    Nov 2, 2003
    10
    Best wrestling game I've ever played, the story mode is alot deeper than last years, the graphics are better as well, the legends are fun to play with but their entrance are extremely disappointing, no signature music or pose, but its still a must buy for wrestling fans.
  43. Steven-o
    Nov 7, 2003
    10
    This game is the f'in best, unbelieveable graphics, awsome matches like the elimination chamber by the far the best match in the game, and holy....best game yet of 03/04.
  44. JanrenA.
    Oct 18, 2003
    10
    This game is so cool it has so many new features bra and panty match o ya elimination chamber rocks! it also has new wrestlers like rey mysterio goldberg and cool legends like jimmy snuka "super fly."
  45. FrankieC.
    Oct 21, 2003
    10
    It will be the best thing since sliced bread, Bra and pantys match need i say more?
  46. KyleT.
    Dec 11, 2003
    10
    this game is one of the greatest games there is right now.
  47. KainH.
    Oct 21, 2003
    10
    I LOVE THIS GAME. I have found that Smackdown : Shut Your Mouth for ps2 and Wrestlemania 19 for the Gamecube were the opposites of each other. What one had that was great, the other didnt have and Visca Versa. This game is a culmination of the 2 but without all the flaws. "Example" Trish being able to lift the bigshow no problem and Goldberg being stronger and faster than anyone in the game. I give it a 10 because of the shier trial and error that perfeted this game. i would tell anyone who is a fan of wrestling or fighting games in general to buy this game. Expand
  48. ShawnH.
    Dec 12, 2003
    10
    I been buying smackdown games for age, and i have not seen any thing worth getting. the grahics are like u are in the game. The first blood is the most realisc feature of them all. Some prople are stupid if they think this is 10 or less rated. This is the best game of all time.
  49. AndreasL.
    Dec 15, 2003
    9
    Definitely the best of the series, but a lot of power has gone into the graphics and gameplay, so the authentic feel from "Shut your mouth!" has gone a bit. I particularly miss JR and Jerry Lawler's comment (even if only on moves), and the soundtrack. The new music is very arcade-like and annoying (luckily it can be turned off). On the other hand the gameplay has improved considerably, and the season mode has an Xp-feature, making it possible to bring up your wrestler (original or created) from nothing. This really makes the flow much better, combined with the new unlockable-system, based on SmackdownDollars instead of particular PPW's. I liked the feel of the earlier version better, but the superior gameplay, control and season-mode makes this my new overall favorite! Expand
  50. GregL.
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    Amazing game guys!! keep up the good work! i think its gonna be a greatest hit game soon!
  51. Alex13a.
    Dec 2, 2003
    10
    This game is the best thing that ever happened to me, i just love Bra and panties match, the best thing is season mode because you can earn money.In other words the best game i ever played.
  52. HarisV.
    Oct 22, 2003
    10
    I like this game because I like the new match and its the elimanation chamber and the bra and panties match the women are so hot especially Stacy Kiebler.
  53. B.C.
    Dec 23, 2003
    10
    This game rocked although there could've been more recent characters this game is the best one to date on any console. I've played them all and there were none better than this one.
  54. BrandonG.
    Dec 3, 2003
    10
    This is the god of all games.
  55. AlvinL.
    Dec 4, 2003
    10
    Yup! The game rocks in every single aspect as one can bargain for except for the multiplayer season mode. The graphics are amazing, the menus are cool and the all the new moves are just begging to be tried out. I give this 10 STARS!!!
  56. Adam
    Dec 5, 2003
    10
    Game is aswome has great graphics, very fun, and has fun new matches, big step up from SSYM.
  57. JonathanB.
    Oct 26, 2003
    10
    This game is filled with intense matches ,and more characters than the previouse smackdown games.The elimination chamber is the best by far out of all the matches. The graphics are great to, and that is why I rate this game a perfect 10.
  58. BrendonR.
    Oct 29, 2003
    10
    The Best game I ever played. the graphcs are unbeliveable, and all the special matches ah! it's to great to talk about. My god! Brendon Rasulo
  59. NickVanA.
    Feb 17, 2004
    9
    It's a beautiful game.
  60. EvanM.
    Jun 23, 2004
    10
    This game is incredible. Best WWE game out there. Good graphics, the smackdown dollars are cool, and the grappling system is awesome.The legends are cool except that they don't have they're theme songs. HBK, Goldberg, Edge, Eddie Guerrero...you guys rule. This is a MUST HAVE for ps2
  61. Batman
    Jul 13, 2004
    10
    This is the best wrestling game...the only problems are...you can't hit people when they are doing submissions and you have to do season mode for like 4 years before u can max out a created character...and the create a wrestler mode isnt as cool as wrestlemania xix...
  62. DarioO.
    Nov 17, 2003
    10
    This game has everything u want in a wrestling game.
  63. BrandynT.
    Nov 21, 2003
    10
    I THINK ITS THE BEST!
  64. Multi
    Nov 27, 2003
    9
    Ya it's good, but I'd love a multiplayer season mode.
  65. Allmightygod
    Nov 28, 2003
    10
    It is the best game i have ever played and the best match i reckon is the elimimation chamber match and the character appeaerance look so life like i dont know how they will top this game.
  66. Jan 9, 2013
    10
    CLASSIC i didnt get this game when i was young so i always saw videos and heard it was the best i thought it might not be ture bcuz i was obsesses with the first sd vs raw but this game is AMAZING great backstage areas, TIMES SQUARE and very addictve gameplay and a great roster overall this is the best wwe game ever!
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 27
  2. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. 91
    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.
  2. 80
    How about a Bra & Panties mode where WWE Divas rip off each other’s clothes? It’s the raunchiest Teen-rated action you’ll find anywhere.
  3. An absolutely awesome wrestling experience...Thanks to features like improved graphics, more match types, and an overhauled grappling system, it's definitely the most realistic and rewarding WWE game on the market. [Dec 2003, p.56]