“WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role” is a professional wrestling video game developed by Yuke’s and published by THQ for the Sony PlayStation (PSX). It was released in 2000 as the sequel to the original “WWF SmackDown!” game and is widely regarded as one of the best wrestling games on the PlayStation console.
Gameplay: “SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role” features a comprehensive wrestling experience, allowing players to take control of their favorite World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) superstars and engage in various match types. The game includes a wide range of match options, from standard one-on-one bouts to tag team matches, ladder matches, Hell in a Cell, and the iconic Royal Rumble.
Players can choose from a roster of WWF superstars from the late 1990s, including popular figures such as The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, The Undertaker, and many more. The game offers an extensive Create-a-Wrestler mode, enabling players to customize their own wrestlers with unique appearances, moves, and entrance themes.
The in-game mechanics include a grappling system, striking attacks, and a variety of wrestling moves that players can execute to wear down their opponents. Successful execution of moves contributes to the momentum meter, allowing players to perform powerful finishing moves when the meter is full.
Season Mode: One of the highlights of “SmackDown! 2” is its Season mode, where players can embark on a career in the WWF. The Season mode features storylines, backstage interactions, and the pursuit of championship titles. Players make decisions throughout the season, affecting their relationships with other wrestlers and the direction of the narrative.
Graphics and Sound: For its time, “SmackDown! 2” boasted impressive graphics, capturing the likeness of the WWF superstars and delivering detailed wrestling arenas. The game’s presentation, including entrance themes and commentary, contributed to the immersive wrestling experience.
Multiplayer and Create-A-PPV: The game supports multiplayer modes, allowing friends to engage in head-to-head matches or team up for tag team action. Additionally, “SmackDown! 2” introduced the Create-A-PPV mode, enabling players to design their own pay-per-view events with customized match cards and match stipulations.
Reception: “SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role” received widespread acclaim from both critics and players. Its robust gameplay mechanics, extensive roster, engaging Season mode, and attention to detail in capturing the atmosphere of WWF events contributed to its positive reception. Many consider it a classic in the wrestling video game genre.
Legacy: The success of “SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role” solidified its place in the history of wrestling video games. Its impact is reflected in the continued popularity of the SmackDown series, which evolved into the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw series and eventually the WWE 2K series on modern gaming platforms. The game remains fondly remembered by fans of both wrestling and classic PlayStation titles.
