WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth (2002)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth (2002): The Ultimate Wrestling Experience

Released in November 2002, WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth was a groundbreaking wrestling game that set new standards for the genre. Developed by Yuke’s and published by THQ, the game was released on PlayStation 2 and Xbox, and was the first WWE game to be released on both consoles.

Shut Your Mouth featured a number of new features and improvements over previous WWE games, including a new season mode, a draft mode, and interactive backstage areas. The game also featured a roster of over 50 wrestlers, including all of the biggest stars of the WWE at the time, such as The Rock, Triple H, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Hulk Hogan.

Season Mode

The season mode in Shut Your Mouth was one of the most comprehensive and immersive ever created in a wrestling game. Players could choose to play as any of the wrestlers on the roster and guide them through a full year of WWE programming, including weekly shows, pay-per-views, and special events.

Throughout the season, players would have to make a number of choices that would affect their wrestler’s career. These choices included which storylines to pursue, which opponents to challenge, and how to spend their money. Players would also have to manage their wrestler’s health and stamina, as well as their popularity with the fans.

The season mode in Shut Your Mouth was a huge step forward for wrestling games, and it set the standard for future WWE games. It was the first season mode to feature branching storylines and multiple endings, and it gave players more control over their wrestler’s career than ever before.

Draft Mode

Another new feature in Shut Your Mouth was the draft mode. This mode allowed players to create their own custom WWE roster by drafting wrestlers from a pool of over 50 available wrestlers. Players could choose to draft wrestlers based on their overall rating, their popularity, or their in-ring style.

The draft mode was a great way for players to create their own unique WWE experience. It also allowed players to experiment with different roster combinations and see how they would fare against each other in the ring.

Interactive Backstage Areas

For the first time ever in a WWE game, Shut Your Mouth featured interactive backstage areas. These areas allowed players to explore the backstage area of a WWE arena and interact with other wrestlers, managers, and referees.

Players could use the backstage areas to cut promos, start brawls, or simply explore the environment. The backstage areas added a new level of realism and immersion to the game, and they gave players a chance to experience the WWE from a different perspective.

Roster

Shut Your Mouth featured a roster of over 50 wrestlers, including all of the biggest stars of the WWE at the time. The roster included:

  • The Rock
  • Triple H
  • Stone Cold Steve Austin
  • Hulk Hogan
  • Ric Flair
  • The Undertaker
  • Kurt Angle
  • Chris Jericho
  • Eddie Guerrero
  • Rey Mysterio
  • Brock Lesnar
  • Big Show
  • Kane
  • Rob Van Dam
  • Booker T
  • Test
  • William Regal
  • Christian
  • Edge

The roster in Shut Your Mouth was one of the most comprehensive and diverse in WWE game history. It featured a mix of veterans and up-and-comers, and it represented all of the major brands of the WWE at the time, including Raw, SmackDown, and ECW.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Shut Your Mouth was fast-paced and arcade-like, with a focus on over-the-top moves and high-flying action. The game featured a new grapple system that allowed players to chain together a variety of moves, and it also introduced a new finishing move system that allowed players to create their own custom finishing moves.

Shut Your Mouth also featured a number of new match types, including the Elimination Chamber match and the Bra and Panties match. These new match types added variety to the gameplay and gave players new ways to compete against each other.

Reception

WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth was a critical and commercial success. The game received positive reviews from critics, who praised its improved gameplay, comprehensive season mode, and interactive backstage areas. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

Shut Your Mouth is considered by many to be one of the greatest wrestling games of all time. It set new standards for the genre and helped to popularize the WWE with a new generation of fans. The game is still fondly remembered by fans today, and it is considered to be a classic of the PlayStation 2 and Xbox eras.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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