This is a Review of the game WWE Smackdown: Shut Your Mouth for the PS2. This game is rated T for Teen for Mature Sexual Themes, Violence, and Strong Lyrics. After every review of a category I will give a +, -, or = on how the game relates to Smackdown: Here Comes the Pain, its sequel.

Graphics: *** 1/2

The graphics are very good, for the most part. Some of the moves actually look better in this game than in Smackdown 5(HCtP), but for the most part things are almost equal. Some of the entrances can be quite sloppy, and the created characters have no teeth and rarely close their mouths. (-)

Sound: ****

The sound is excellant, and offers some very likeable choices for theme songs, including altered versions of Jericho's, Triple H's, and a few others. Some themes were a bit behind the times for the game, but others should have been in Smackdown 5 too and weren't. *coughEdge's themecough* Smackdown 5 would have the upper hand if not for the fact that it has no extra themes that belong to no one except a few that were in Smackdown 4 too (and sounded better). Again, Edge's theme rules. Not to mention that, unlike Smackdown 5, the characters speak with sound instead of text (only every now and then, but still). (+)

Story: **** 1/2

The Story mode for this game is twice as long as the one in HCtP, but has far more glitches, such as completely forgetting about the Armaggedon cell year after year although it occurs EVERY SINGLE YEAR. Plus, you actually gain something out of holding all of the belts in this game, unlike in HCtP. The game's draft is probably the most enjoyable moment of the game, while it is horribly irritating at the same time. (+)

Difficulty: *** 1/2

This game is a tad bit easier than HCtP, and, while still fun in matches, gets kind of boring due to how similar each match is. Smackdown 5's new damage system is partly to blame for it being higher rated. Actually, if HCtP hadn't changed things around, then this score would've been higher. (-)

Controls: *****

The controls have always been the same for the PS2 Smackdown games (the PS ones were slightly different because of the difference in finishers but it was only one button different) and so there's really nothing to say here that hasn't already been said. (=)

Characters: **** 1/2

The characters in this game come in a large quantity, but you can't help but wish that Tazz, Eric Bischoff, and Paul Heyman had made the cut. I mean really, Stephanie made it yet Eric came back three days before her! Nonetheless, the characters are here in huge numbers, and the only major complaint is that there are NO hidden characters. I'm sorry, but making four people have to be unlocked for season but who are already open from the start in Exhibition doesn't cut it. (Even if they are cool characters... except Kevin Nash.) (+)

Extra: **

The extras are mostly awful and not worth the time of seeking them out... that is, if you had to seek them out. The main problem is that every time you win a PPV, no matter how, you get a free unlockable of your choice. This completely takes away from the special feeling of having completed it, though the credits are rather humorous. Haha. (-)

Create A _____: *****

Smackdown has always had a good create mode (except the original; 2 was probably the best, though it was the WORST game in the series). Anyway, the Create a Player is a touch behind Smackdown 5's due to the lack of any real expression to a created character, but in the others modes it excels. And Smackdown 4 doesn't make you put up with the irritating problem when someone plays Story a lot then supes up their character to 10 in everything. There are a few problems here and there, but what can you do? (+)

Replayability: *****

Nothing I can say here will be anything new. To be short: it rules. There are almost 100 match types, and with over 70 people to play them with (counting created Superstars) you won't get bored anytime soon. (=)

Fun Factor: **** 1/2

Again, the damage system of HCtP costs Smackdown 4. Shut Your Mouth is still extremely fun however, and worthy of playing... even if you have Smackdown 5. (-)

Overall: *****

The game is excellent, but is it quite up to Smackdown 5? No, it isn't as good. Is it close? As close as the numbers 1 and 1.1. But the damage system is just far too mighty a feature for Smackdown 5, though this game still proves an enjoyable experience. (-)

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