Retro Games Zone

WWF SmackDown! 2

What is WWF SmackDown! 2?

Hitting the PlayStation in 2000, WWF SmackDown! 2 absolutely defined the peak of wrestling’s over-the-top Attitude Era in video games. We’re talking about lightning-fast arcade-style mayhem, over 70 characters like The Rock in his fully-loaded prime, and a Season Mode that played out like a perfect, dramatic wrestling TV show reel.

  • Deep and Dramatic Season Mode
    You’d get genuinely invested. It wasn't just a string of matches—it had cutscenes, shifting rivalries, and storyline betrayals that felt plucked straight from an episode of ‘SmackDown!' I genuinely remember plotting revenge against Triple H for costing me a Hardcore title shot.
  • Huge, Vibrant Character Roster
    The selection was staggering. Beyond top names like Stone Cold throwing middle fingers, it was finding hidden gems like Funaki or Tori, each with authentic ring gear and voice clips that brought the whole 90s spectacle to life on your CRT TV.
  • Groundbreaking Customization Suite
    Back in 2000, this was a game-changer. You could spend hours meticulously designing a wrestler’s tights, tattoos, and signature moves--the ability to assign The Worm to a new superstar felt like absolute creative power we'd never seen before.
WWF SmackDown! 2

Why choose WWF SmackDown! 2?

Modern wrestling sims often feel like physics tutorials. This game reminds you of the sweaty-palms excitement when a match would spill backstage, and you could smash your friend with a random trash can. It keeps that pure 2000 spirit, delivering instant chaos with your pals, something later titles kind of forgot.

  • Archetypal Couch Chaos
    Few games nailed the four-player local multiplayer frenzy like this one. The absolute noise of a Hardcore Match, with my friend diving off a crate backstage onto Val Venis while I climbed the Titantron elsewhere, is a singular memory I chase with modern releases and rarely find.
  • Intuitive, Punchy Action
    The control scheme was brilliantly simple but with surprising depth. Grappling felt intuitive, and executing iconic moves—seeing that Stunner cutscene trigger for the first time—was its own reward. You weren't wrestling the controls; you were fighting your friend.
  • Preserves a Slick Presentation Flavor
    This game, for its era, felt polished and alive. From Jim Ross's commentary bites before a PPV to Edge's pyrotechnics and theme music, they captured a glossy 80s action movie vibe of wrestling that was all energy and spectacle, perfectly suiting game physics that allowed for insane moves.

How to play WWF SmackDown! 2?

Beneath its chaotic surface, SmackDown! 2 runs on a tight, responsive set of mechanics that prioritize momentum and positional strategy. It’s easier to learn than some of its more technical ancestors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the vintage classic WWF SmackDown! 2