WWE SmackDown! (formerly WWF SmackDown!) is a series of professional wrestling video games released by THQ. The franchise takes its name from World Wrestling Entertainment's weekly Friday night (previously Thursday night) television program of the same name. The game is developed by Japanese developer YUKE's Future Media Creators, who had previously developed the popular Toukon Retsuden series of Japanese wrestling games. In Japan, the series has also been released as Exciting Pro Wrestling. The series as a whole has sold quite well, with WWE claiming total sales in excess of 26 million units for the whole series. For the video game, see Pro Wrestling (video game). ... Namcos Pac-Man is one of the most popular video games ever made. ... THQ Inc. ... World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ... A television program (US), television programme (UK) or simply television show is a segment of programming in television broadcasting. ... For the video game series based on the show, see WWE SmackDown! (video game series). ... YUKEs Future Media Creators is game developer company based in Osaka, Japan. ...

After SmackDown! vs. RAW, the series took a shift of focus from its original arcade-like roots to more of a realistic wrestling simulation game. With this shift, the next game in the series was called SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006, matching the naming scheme of other sports games such as the Madden NFL series. A sports game is a computer or video game that simulates the playing of traditional sports. ... Madden NFL is an American football video game series developed by Electronic Arts Tiburon for EA Sports. ...

Original series

The first four games in the series were each titled after one of The Rock's catchphrases. Here Comes the Pain was named after Tazz's catchphrase in reference to Brock Lesnar. Following Here Comes the Pain, taglines were phased out. Dwayne Douglas Johnson[2] (born May 2, 1972) better known by his former ring name The Rock, is an American actor and professional wrestler. ... Peter Senerchia (born October 11, 1967),[2] is a retired American professional wrestler best known by his ring name Tazz, (originally Tazmaniac and later shortened to simply Taz). ... Brock Edward Lesnar[4] (born July 12, 1977[3]) is an American mixed martial artist, former professional and amateur wrestler. ...

WWF SmackDown!

WWF SmackDown!

Main article: WWF SmackDown!

The first installment of the series was released for the PlayStation (PS1) in North America on February 29, 2000 and in Europe on March 9, 2000. It was released in Japan as Exciting Pro Wrestling on August 3, 2000. The game was the first PlayStation WWF game to be released by THQ, who had recently secured the license to release WWF games. Its fast, arcade-style gameplay were different from past slower paced WWF games. The game also featured the first extensive Season Mode in a WWF game, in which the player was allowed to participate in WWF storylines. Image File history File links Screenshot of WWF SmackDown! for PlayStation. ... Image File history File links Screenshot of WWF SmackDown! for PlayStation. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Sony PlayStation ) is a video game console of the 32/64-bit era, first produced by Sony Computer Entertainment in the mid-1990s. ... North American redirects here. ... February 29 is a day added into a leap year of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ... For other uses, see Europe (disambiguation). ... is the 68th day of the year (69th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 215th day of the year (216th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ... Gameplay includes all player experiences during the interaction with game systems, especially formal games. ... In professional wrestling, an angle is a fictional storyline. ...

WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role

Main article: WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role

The second installment was released on the PS1 in North America on November 19, 2000, and later in Japan, as Exciting Pro Wrestling 2, on January 25, 2001. The game is generally considered by fans of the series to be superior to its predecessor, with its vastly increased roster of wrestlers, backstage areas, matches, and improved Season Mode. However, this game has been criticized for having long loading times in comparison to the first Smackdown game. is the 323rd day of the year (324th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 25th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ...

WWF Smackdown! Just Bring It

Main article: WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It

The third installment was released on the PS2 on November 18, 2001. It was the first American wrestling game released for the PlayStation 2 (PS2). It also holds the distinction of being the first SmackDown! game to feature semi-authentic wrestler ring entrances and the first entry in the series to allow players to walk around WWF backstage areas. WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It (Exciting Pro Wrestling 3 in Japan) is a professional wrestling video game released on the PlayStation 2 console by THQ and developed by YUKEs Future Media Creators. ... is the 322nd day of the year (323rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ... PS2 redirects here. ...

WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth

Main article: WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth

The fourth installment of SmackDown! was the first released on the PS2 after the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) changed their name to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It was released in the United States on Halloween, October 31, 2002 November 15, 2002 in Europe, and February 6, 2003 in Japan, as Exciting Pro Wrestling 4. The game features an extensive roster of WWE stars, including Hulk Hogan, an improved Season Mode which includes storylines involving the nWo and a wide variety of unlockable features. Also notable is the game's soundtrack, which includes licensed theme music for several wrestlers; "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" by Jimi Hendrix (Hollywood Hulk Hogan's theme) and "Also sprach Zarathustra" (Ric Flair's theme). On the cover was then-SmackDown! superstar Triple H and others on the same roster. WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth (Exciting Pro Wrestling 4 in Japan) is a professional wrestling video game released on the PlayStation 2 console by THQ and developed by YUKEs Future Media Creators. ... This article is about the holiday. ... is the 304th day of the year (305th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... is the 319th day of the year (320th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Europe (disambiguation). ... is the 37th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Terrence Gene Bollea (born on August 11, 1953) is an American actor and semi-retired professional wrestler better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan. ... The New World Order was a stable of wrestlers, originally in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and later in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). ... The theme music of a radio or television program is a piece that is written specifically for that show and usually played during the title sequence and/or end credits. ... Voodoo Child (Slight Return) is the last track on the third and final album by the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Electric Ladyland. ... Jimi Hendrix (November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) was an American guitar virtuoso, singer and songwriter. ... Also sprach Zarathustra, op. ... Richard Morgan Fliehr[2] (born on February 25, 1949 in Minneapolis, Minnesota[2]) better known by his ring name Ric Flair , is a legendary American professional wrestler of iconic staus signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on its SmackDown! brand. ... Paul Michael Levesque[4] (born July 27, 1969)[4] is an American professional wrestler, better known by the ring name Triple H, an abbreviation of his former Hunter Hearst Helmsley moniker. ...

WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain

WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain.

Main article: WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain

The fifth installment of the series is considered by some fans to be one of the best American-produced wrestling games, and by others the best wrestling game of all time. It was released on the PS2 on October 27, 2003 in North America, November 7, 2003 in Europe, and January 29, 2004 in Japan as Exciting Pro Wrestling 5. The game introduced a more traditional grappling system while retaining the series's fast gameplay. It was also the first game in the series to allow the player to earn experience points and strengthen the used superstar. Image File history File links Screenshot of WWE Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain for PlayStation 2 This is a screenshot of a copyrighted computer game or video game. ... Image File history File links Screenshot of WWE Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain for PlayStation 2 This is a screenshot of a copyrighted computer game or video game. ... WWE SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain (Exciting Pro Wrestling 5 in Japan) is a professional wrestling video game released on the PlayStation 2 console by THQ and developed by YUKEs Future Media Creators. ... is the 300th day of the year (301st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 29th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW

Main article: WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW

The sixth installment of the series is SmackDown! vs. RAW. This installment features a highly increased polygon count for characters, a "Create-a-PPV" mode, a "Create-a-Belt" mode, the "Parking Lot Brawl" and Internet play many felt was lacking in Here Comes the Pain and a widely disappointing smaller roster of roughly 45 wrestlers. However, the lack of current superstars is countered by an increased amount of legends, including Mankind, The Rock and Bret Hart. This installment of the franchise has generally been seen by game critics as a "transition game" for the series offering little in the way of innovation. The game was released on the PS2 on November 9, 2004. WWE SmackDown! vs. ... Look up polygon in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Michael Francis Mick Foley, Sr. ... Dwayne Douglas Johnson[2] (born May 2, 1972) better known by his former ring name The Rock, is an American actor and professional wrestler. ... This article is about the professional wrestler. ... is the 313th day of the year (314th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006

Main article: WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006

The seventh installment in the series brought out a more realistic approach to gameplay. New features included a momentum meter, interactive backstage settings, stamina rating and a General Manager mode, and for the first time ever a Buried Alive match. Also, the game was released for PlayStation Portable (PSP) on December 5, 2005. WWE SmackDown! vs. ... The PlayStation Portable , officially abbreviated as PSP) is a handheld game console released and currently manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment. ... is the 339th day of the year (340th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2007

Main article: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007

The eighth installment of the series is the first game in the SmackDown! franchise to be included on the Xbox 360 as well as the PS2 and PSP. A PlayStation 3 (PS3) edition was planned but was eventually canceled. New features for the game include a more interactive fighting environment, including fighting within the crowd, high impact combination moves, and a new analog control grappling system. The Money in the Bank ladder match type was also added to this installment. In North America, the game was released on all consoles on November 14, 2006. WWE SmackDown vs. ... It has been suggested that Xbox 360 Elite be merged into this article or section. ... The PlayStation 3 , trademarked PLAYSTATION®3,[3] commonly abbreviated PS3) is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment; successor to the PlayStation 2. ... The 2007 Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 23. ... North American redirects here. ... is the 318th day of the year (319th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008

Main article: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008

The ninth in the SmackDown! series, is the first to be released on all of the next-gen consoles, with games on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP and Nintendo DS. This is the first in the series to include WWE's third brand ECW, along with the ECW Extreme Rules match. Also new to this installment is WWE 24-7 mode, which is the usual season mode with the returning GM mode combined. Also, the game features different fighting styles, 8 different styles with a primary and secondary choice including high-flyer, hardcore, showman, dirty, powerhouse, brawler, technical, and submission artist. The game was released on November 9th in Europe, and November 13th in North America. WWE SmackDown vs. ... The PlayStation 3 , trademarked PLAYSTATION®3,[3] commonly abbreviated PS3) is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment; successor to the PlayStation 2. ... It has been suggested that Xbox 360 Elite be merged into this article or section. ... The Wii (pronounced as the pronoun we, IPA: ) is the fifth home video game console released by Nintendo. ... PSP most often refers to: PlayStation Portable, a handheld game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment PlayStation Portable Slim & Lite, a new model of the original PlayStation Portable console Corel Paint Shop Pro, a graphics editor distributed by Corel Corporation, formerly a product of Jasc Software PSP may also refer... NDS redirects here. ...

Rosters

Since Here Comes the Pain, each game in the SmackDown! series has included unlockable Legend characters. The Legends featured either former WWE Superstars such as André the Giant, Bret Hart and Ted DiBiase or old personas of a current Superstar such as The Undertaker from the early 1990s and Kane's masked attire. André René Roussimoff (May 19, 1946 – January 27, 1993), best known as André the Giant, was a French professional wrestler and actor. ... This article is about the professional wrestler. ... Theodore Marvin Ted DiBiase Sr. ... Mark William Calaway (born March 24, 1962[1][2]) is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, (The) Undertaker. ... For the band, see 1990s (band). ... Glen Thomas Jacobs (born April 26, 1967) better known by his ring name Kane, is an American professional wrestler. ...

Only five playable characters have been featured in every game in the series up to and including SmackDown vs. Raw 2008. They are Kane, Triple H, The Undertaker, The Rock and Edge. Although The Rock has been in all of the games in the series so far, he has only been featured as a legend since SmackDown! vs. RAW. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Glen Thomas Jacobs (born April 26, 1967) better known by his ring name Kane, is an American professional wrestler. ... Paul Michael Levesque[4] (born July 27, 1969)[4] is an American professional wrestler, better known by the ring name Triple H, an abbreviation of his former Hunter Hearst Helmsley moniker. ... For the Combichrist song, see Everybody Hates You Mark Calaway (born March 24, 1965[2][3]) is an American professional wrestler, better known by the ring name The Undertaker. ... Dwayne Douglas Johnson[2] (born May 2, 1972) better known by his former ring name The Rock, is an American actor and professional wrestler. ... Adam Joseph Copeland (born October 30, 1973 in Orangeville, Ontario),[5] better known by his ring name Edge, is a Canadian professional wrestler currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment and wrestling on the SmackDown! brand. ...

Musician Fred Durst is the only celebrity to be a playable character in any of the games. He was an unlockable character in WWF Smackdown! Just Bring It. He also appears in WWF RAW for the Xbox. Fred Durst (born William Frederick Durst August 20, 1970, Jacksonville, Florida) is an American nu metal vocalist, best known as the front man of nu- metal pioneers, Limp Bizkit. ... For other uses, see Celebrity (disambiguation). ... The Xbox is a sixth generation era video game console produced by Microsoft Corporation. ...

WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain actually was labeled by Brock Lesnar's catch-phrase. WWE SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain (Exciting Pro Wrestling 5 in Japan) is a professional wrestling video game released on the PlayStation 2 console by THQ and developed by YUKEs Future Media Creators. ... Brock Edward Lesnar[4] (born July 12, 1977[3]) is an American mixed martial artist, former professional and amateur wrestler. ...

References

• Dunham, Jeremy (2005). "SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006: World Premiere". July 4, 2005.
• Dunham, Jeremy (2005). "SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006: PSP Revealed". July 20, 2005.
• WWE Corporate: Licensing. Accessed October 13, 2006.
• IGN information on SmackDown! vs Raw 2008 [1]
• Hunt, Jen (2007). "SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 unveiled". Accessed 1 September 2007.