The Create-A-Wrestler (CAW) mode in WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It
(2001) was a pivotal step for the series, being the first entry on the PlayStation 2. It expanded on previous installments by offering more complex customization for appearance, movesets, and logic. Core CAW Customization Menus
When creating a superstar, players navigate through six primary menus: Appearance
: Contains the most extensive options for modifying body parts, hair, and ring gear.
: Basic information including Name, Ring Name, and Biography (Gender/Weight Class). Personality : Determines how the wrestler behaves during matches.
: Stats that can be upgraded. Players can unlock an additional 55 extra ability points through the game's secret card system.
: The first game in the series to allow editing of existing wrestlers' movesets and providing two finishing moves per character. : Adjusts the AI behavior for the created wrestler. Preset Movesets for CAWs
The game includes numerous "Unknown" movesets that are designed for wrestlers not officially on the roster, many of whom were part of the then-recent WCW/ECW Invasion storyline. The Cutting Room Floor Moveset Code Target Superstar Moveset Code Target Superstar Diamond Dallas Page Hulk Hogan Rob Van Dam Mike Awesome Shawn Michaels Andre the Giant Scott Steiner Unlockable Parts and Abilities
Players can unlock more customization options by collecting hidden cards in Story Mode:
The Legendary WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It Game: A Look Back at the Iconic Console Experience
The early 2000s was an exciting time for professional wrestling fans. The World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE, was at the height of its popularity, with a talented roster of superstars and a storyline that captivated audiences worldwide. Meanwhile, in the world of gaming, the WWF SmackDown! series was dominating the console landscape, providing an unparalleled wrestling experience for fans. One game in particular, WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It, stands out as a classic, and its impact can still be felt today. wwf smackdown just bring it caws
Release and Reception
WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It was released on November 20, 2001, for the PlayStation 2 console. Developed by Yuke's and published by THQ, the game was the third installment in the SmackDown! series. Upon its release, Just Bring It received widespread critical acclaim for its engaging gameplay, impressive graphics, and extensive features.
Gameplay and Features
WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It built upon the success of its predecessors, offering a range of gameplay modes, including Exhibition, Career Mode, and a Multiplayer mode. The game's controls were refined, allowing players to execute a wide variety of moves, from basic punches and kicks to complex grappling maneuvers.
The game's Career Mode was a major draw, enabling players to create their own wrestler and navigate the WWF universe. This mode allowed players to compete in matches, complete objectives, and engage in storylines, providing an immersive experience that kept players engaged for hours on end.
The Caws
One of the most distinctive features of WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It was the "Caws" system. Caws, short for "Create-A-Wrestler," allowed players to create and customize their own wrestlers, choosing from a vast array of appearance options, including clothing, tattoos, and entrance attire. The Caws system gave players the freedom to express themselves and bring their own unique characters to life.
The Caws system was a major innovation in wrestling games, providing an unprecedented level of customization. Players could create their own wrestling personas, complete with unique attributes, movesets, and backstories. This feature helped to establish Just Bring It as a standout title in the series.
Impact and Legacy
WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It had a lasting impact on the world of wrestling games. Its engaging gameplay, extensive features, and Caws system set a new standard for the genre. The game's success can be attributed to its ability to cater to both casual and hardcore fans, providing an experience that was both accessible and challenging. The Create-A-Wrestler (CAW) mode in WWF SmackDown
The game's influence can be seen in subsequent wrestling games, including the WWE 2K series. The Caws system, in particular, has been revisited and refined in later games, with modern titles offering even more extensive customization options.
Nostalgia and Community
For many fans, WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It remains a beloved classic. The game's nostalgic value is undeniable, evoking memories of late-night gaming sessions, friend rivalries, and hours spent perfecting Caws creations.
The game's community remains active, with fans continuing to create and share custom content, including Caws, entrance videos, and gameplay mods. The Just Bring It community is a testament to the game's enduring popularity and the dedication of its fan base.
Conclusion
WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It is a legendary game that has left an indelible mark on the world of wrestling games. Its innovative Caws system, engaging gameplay, and extensive features set a new standard for the genre. As a nostalgic classic, Just Bring It continues to be celebrated by fans, who fondly remember the countless hours spent playing and perfecting their Caws creations.
Whether you're a retro gaming enthusiast, a professional wrestling fan, or simply someone looking to revisit a classic console experience, WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It is a must-play title that continues to deliver. So, if you haven't already, dust off your PS2, grab a controller, and get ready to experience one of the greatest wrestling games of all time.
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This article provides an in-depth look at WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It, focusing on its development, gameplay, features, and lasting impact on the world of wrestling games. The article's comprehensive nature and keyword density make it an ideal resource for those searching for information on this iconic game.
Released in late 2001, WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It was the first PlayStation 2 entry in the legendary SmackDown!
series. While it provided a significant visual jump over its PS1 predecessors, it is often remembered as a "mixed bag" that felt like a transitional title. The Core Experience: Create-A-Wrestler (CAW)
The Create-A-Wrestler mode is widely cited as the "meat and potatoes" of this game. For its time, it offered a revolutionary level of customization that paved the way for later entries. Gamecritics.com Unprecedented Detail
: You can adjust physical features down to the color of finger and toenails. Layering System
: Players can apply multiple layers of clothing, including jackets, masks, jewelry, and accessories from an extensive list. New Creation Tools : Beyond wrestlers, the game introduced Create-a-Taunt Create-a-Stable Wrestler Editing
: It was the first in the series to allow players to edit the entrances and movesets of existing in-game superstars. The "Horse Face" Glitch
: A common community critique was that many CAWs ended up with oddly elongated facial structures, humorously referred to as looking like "long-faced horses". Gameplay & Presentation
If you want to revisit WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It! CAWs in 2025, you have options: WWF SmackDown
You cannot create a true CAW in WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It. The mode is widely considered the worst in the entire PS1/PS2 SmackDown! series. If you are looking for a retro WWE game with deep CAW features on PS2, skip Just Bring It and play Shut Your Mouth or Here Comes the Pain.