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WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It, released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2, marked a significant evolution in the world of wrestling video games. Developed by Yuke’s and published by THQ, it was the third installment in the SmackDown! series and the first to make its way onto the PlayStation 2 console. This game aimed to leverage the more powerful hardware of the PS2 to deliver a more immersive and robust wrestling experience. As the gaming landscape transitioned into a new generation, Just Bring It sought to redefine what wrestling games could offer.

Story

In WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It, the narrative structure is designed to mimic the unpredictable and dramatic nature of professional wrestling storylines. Unlike traditional games with a linear storyline, Just Bring It offers a more dynamic Season Mode. This mode allows players to choose from a variety of paths, each leading to different feuds, alliances, and story arcs based on the player’s decisions and match outcomes.

The story mode is structured around the ultimate goal of becoming the WWF Champion. Players start by creating or selecting a wrestler and competing in various matches, including single bouts, tag teams, and pay-per-view events. Along the way, interactions with other wrestlers and managers add layers to the narrative, with various cutscenes and branching storylines offering a unique experience each time the mode is played.

This approach to storytelling reflects the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling, where alliances can shift, and rivalries can intensify at a moment’s notice. The game captures the essence of the WWE’s dramatic storytelling, offering fans an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of wrestling entertainment.

Gameplay

The gameplay of WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It builds on the foundations laid by its predecessors, introducing several enhancements and new features that take full advantage of the PlayStation 2’s capabilities.

Match Types and Modes

One of the standout features of Just Bring It is the sheer variety of match types available to players. The game includes standard matches, tag team bouts, hardcore matches, and the iconic Hell in a Cell, among others. This extensive list of match types allows players to recreate their favorite wrestling moments or craft entirely new scenarios.

In addition to the Season Mode, the game includes Exhibition Mode, which allows for quick, customizable matches, and Create-a-Wrestler Mode, where players can design their own unique fighters. The latter feature offers a deep level of customization, enabling players to adjust everything from appearance and attire to move sets and entrance animations.

Combat Mechanics

The combat mechanics in Just Bring It are both intuitive and deep, catering to both casual players and hardcore wrestling fans. The controls are responsive, with a streamlined button layout that allows for easy execution of basic moves and complex grapple techniques. The game introduces a new counter system, adding an extra layer of strategy to matches. Timing is crucial, as players must anticipate their opponent’s moves to successfully counter them.

Additionally, the game features a more robust AI, making matches more challenging and engaging. Opponents adapt to the player’s style, requiring strategic thinking and adaptability to secure a victory.

Graphics and Sound

WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It takes full advantage of the PlayStation 2’s advanced hardware to deliver a visually impressive wrestling experience for its time.

Visuals

The graphics in Just Bring It showcase significant improvements over its predecessors. The character models are more detailed and lifelike, with enhanced textures that bring the wrestlers’ likenesses to life. The animations are smoother, giving the action in the ring a more fluid and realistic feel. The game also features detailed arenas, complete with dynamic lighting and enthusiastic crowds that add to the atmosphere of each match.

Audio

The audio in Just Bring It complements the visual presentation, offering an authentic wrestling experience. The game includes entrance music for each wrestler, adding to the excitement as players make their way to the ring. Commentary is provided by Michael Cole and Tazz, offering play-by-play analysis and color commentary that enhances the immersion. While the commentary can be repetitive at times, it still adds a level of authenticity to the experience.

The sound effects, from the impact of moves to the roar of the crowd, are well-executed, ensuring that the audio matches the intensity of the in-ring action.

Legacy and Reception

WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It received a mixed reception upon its release, with critics and fans praising certain aspects of the game while expressing disappointment in others.

Critical Reception

The game was lauded for its extensive roster, featuring over 35 wrestlers from the WWF’s impressive lineup, allowing fans to play as their favorite superstars. The variety of match types and the depth of the Create-a-Wrestler feature were also highlighted as strong points.

However, some criticisms were directed at the game’s repetition in commentary and the relatively short nature of the Season Mode. While the branching storylines offered replayability, some players felt that the narratives could be more fleshed out.

Impact on Wrestling Games

Despite mixed reviews, Just Bring It played a crucial role in the evolution of wrestling games. It set a new standard for graphics and presentation in the genre, raising expectations for future titles. The game’s success also cemented the SmackDown! series as a staple in wrestling video games, paving the way for subsequent releases that would continue to innovate and refine the formula.

Conclusion

WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It stands as a significant milestone in wrestling video games, marking the transition to a new generation of consoles with its debut on the PlayStation 2. The game brought several enhancements in terms of graphics, gameplay mechanics, and match variety, delivering an experience that resonated with fans of wrestling entertainment.

While not without its flaws, Just Bring It’s contributions to the genre cannot be understated. It set a precedent for future wrestling games, influencing the development and expectations of titles that followed. For fans of the era and newcomers alike, Just Bring It offers a nostalgic glimpse into the world of early 2000s wrestling, capturing the spirit and excitement of the WWF’s golden age.