WWE Smackdown!: Shut Your Mouth - PS2

Isn't wrestling fantastic? What other sport gives you the opportunity to watch fat, hairy men in Lycra cuddling and slapping each other? There really is nothing like it. The thing is, if you're skinny and British then, save launching your own wrestling organisation, you don't stand much chance of partaking in the sport yourself (Yorkshire Wrestling Federation, anyone?). Which is why wrestling games are such a godsend, giving us the opportunity to take on the role of any one of our fat, sweaty heroes and prance around the ring in our underpants. Hooray!

One particular outlet for our vicarious wrestling dreams is the latest episode of WWE Smackdown, Shut Your Mouth. In it, we can find all the usual array of punching, kicking and suplexing, plus all-new superstars, an enhanced season mode, and the promise of more matches than ever.

The updated roster features more wrestling stars, including Hollywood Hulk Hogan, Stacy Keibler, DDP, Ric Flair, and the nWo. Once you've selected your wrestler you can then enter into an in-depth Story Mode, which features multiple career paths and also the option to enter into a World Wrestling draft pool.

A host of new match types are available in Shut Your Mouth, including Elimination Tag, Slobber Knocker Anywhere (sounds fun!) and Captain Fall Tornado Six Man Tag, the latter made all the more enjoyable by the game's support for up to six players in multiplayer mode.

The addition of TV-style presentation - with in-game cut away scenes and play-by-play commentary - enhances the authenticity of the experience, making this game one of the better (and less painful) ways to enjoy your favourite contact sport.

Go on Giant Haystacks, sit on his head!
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