Exciting Pro Wrestling 3

Description

Exciting Pro Wrestling 3 (released internationally as WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It) stands as a significant technical milestone, marking the franchise’s explosive debut on the PlayStation 2 in 2002. The title delivered the first fully 3D-rendered environments and character models in the series’ history. The atmosphere is defined by the high-octane energy of the “Attitude Era,” featuring a massive roster of over 35 superstars, including icons like The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin. The game’s story mode sees players navigate the backstage politics and rivalries of the WWE, with choices and match outcomes leading to multiple branching paths and hidden unlocks. This version is particularly notable for its technical leap in environmental interaction; for the first time, players could seamlessly move from the ring into various backstage areas like the locker rooms or the parking lot during a match.

The gameplay centres on a refined grappling system that preserved the fast-paced, arcade-style flow of its PlayStation predecessors while introducing deeper tactical layers. A significant functional suite in this entry is the introduction of a six-man tag team match and the addition of actual play-by-play commentary, a first for the series that added a broadcast-quality layer to the presentation. The mechanics feature a robust “Create-a-Wrestler” mode, which was significantly expanded in this version to allow for more granular customisation of move sets, appearances, and even specific taunts, empowering players to build their own legendary careers.

The game was initially launched in North America where it sold over 400,000 copies. While some fans noted the transition from 2D sprites to 3D models required some adjustment in timing, the sheer volume of content and the fluid, cinematic entrances made it an instant classic. It set the template for the legendary SmackDown! titles that would follow.