GameCentral explores WWE’s gaming historical past to search out out that are its greatest video video games, from the times of the arcade coin-ops to trendy entries on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Wrestling video video games have been a factor for a lot longer than you could realise. They go all the best way again to when WWE was nonetheless referred to as WWF, with the very first video games releasing for dwelling computer systems just like the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum.
Since then, WWE video games have been a close to annual custom and have made a house for themselves on nearly each dwelling console you may consider and even some Nintendo handhelds.
With the most recent entry, WWE 2K25, accessible in early entry and hitting retailer cabinets this week, we’ve rummaged by the franchise’s historical past to pay respects to one of the best WWE video video games ever made.
11. MicroLeague Wrestling
PC, Commodore 64, Amiga, and Atari ST
The first ever licensed wrestling sport is unusual for plenty of causes, not least the truth that it doesn’t have WWF in its title (MicroLeague was the title of the developer). What’s even stranger is that as a substitute of an motion sport it’s a… turn-based technique.
Yes, you learn that proper. The sport means that you can choose from a wide range of strikes, or a block, as a way to do injury, with the sport utilizing digitised photographs of the true wrestlers quite than regular animated graphics. In 1987 that appeared very excessive tech but it surely meant you solely bought three wrestlers at first: Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and Paul Orndorff. Although it was profitable sufficient that further expansions have been launched later.
10. WWF WrestleFest
Arcade
Japanese developer Technōs Japan (the unique Double Dragon studio) made the primary ever WWF sport for arcades in 1989, with WWF Superstars. This 1991 follow-up is basically the identical sport however larger, boasting extra playable wrestlers, extra gameplay modes (together with a Royal Rumble mode), and assist for as much as 4 gamers.
It was widespread sufficient to turn into one of many highest grossing arcade video games within the US, alongside Street Fighter 2, and it was later remade in 2012 for cellular. Said remake’s lengthy gone however 2021’s RetroMania Wrestling serves as an unofficial successor and is very popular on Steam.
9. WWE All Stars
PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP, and 3DS
At a time when WWE video games have been solely ever serious-ish wrestling simulators, 2011’s WWE All Stars was a welcome change of tempo. All Stars took a much more cartoonish strategy than different video games, as when you have been taking part in because the motion figures quite than the wrestlers themselves.
It by no means bought too foolish, however this was the form of wrestling sport the place you might seize somebody, leap excessive into the air, and slam them down into the ground with sufficient power to make shockwaves. It even had Street Fighter-esque tremendous meters. While the extra grounded WWE 2K video games have their place this was a enjoyable different, though after the terrible WWE 2K Battlegrounds it’ll in all probability be some time until we see something related once more.
8. WWE 2K23
Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC
The redemption of the WWE 2K sequence technically started with WWE 2K22, but it surely was the next entry that began a brand new golden age for the sequence, after the horrendous WWE 2K20.
WWE 2K23 to the foundations of the earlier sport and refined it right into a a lot tighter expertise, whereas including plenty of nice gameplay modes. The new WarGames is the standout, because it requires two rings, whereas the Showcase mode is neatly subverted, chronicling John Cena’s profession by demanding you beat him again and again. Although perhaps that concept ought to’ve been saved for subsequent yr’s sport, now that Cena’s turned heel.
7. WWE SmackDown! Vs. Raw 2006
PlayStation 2 and PSP
For the longest time, Japanese developer Yuke’s was the go-to for WWE video games. Although it maintained this streak from 2000 till 2019, its greatest video games have been the early ones, amongst them WWE SmackDown! Vs. Raw 2006 (which, regardless of the title, got here out in 2005).
While the primary SmackDown! Vs. Raw was no slouch both, its sequel nearly pips it, for its makes an attempt at a extra genuine and sensible wrestling expertise, its wealth of content material, and introducing General Manager mode and the power to create your individual entrances.
6. WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain
PlayStation 2
The final entry within the SmackDown! sequence, earlier than the transition to SmackDown! Vs. Raw, actually ended an period on a excessive word, ambitiously mixing the fast-paced arcade gameplay with barely extra sensible grappling strikes.
This 2003 sport additionally launched the thought of constructing former legendary wrestlers playable, just like the Iron Sheik and ‘the Million Dollar Man’ Ted DiBiase, which means you might lastly cook dinner up dream matches that in any other case would by no means occur. It was the primary sport so as to add Bra and Panties matches, although; a quite unsavoury facet of WWE historical past that’s lengthy since been deserted.
5. WWF SmackDown!
PlayStation
Yuke’s already had expertise with wrestling video games by the point THQ approached it to helm WWF licensed titles, with the legendary Power Move Pro Wrestling sequence. This first effort for a Western firm although, was sufficient to maintain them in work for practically twenty years.
It’s no exaggeration to say the WWE 2K video games owe their complete existence to 2000’s WWF SmackDown, and you may see the origins of the fashionable wrestling sims proper right here, steeped in fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay mechanics. This sport additionally gave us Steel Cage matches (vital for the extreme violence of the Attitude Era), though it’s held again by the weird lack of mid-match commentary.
4. WWE 2K24
Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC
WWE 2K24 felt like a real completion to the sequence’ trendy redemption arc. Beyond enhancements in areas just like the graphics and character animations, this sport provides a lot new stuff that, no less than on the time, it felt like one of the best WWE sport ever made.
Simply having a great deal of content material isn’t sufficient if none of it’s good, however there’s remarkably little to fault right here. Both its story modes are unbelievable, the roster is delightfully huge, and it’s surprisingly enjoyable to play because the referee for a change. This was additionally the primary sport so as to add throwable weapons, which is a type of little belongings you don’t realise how a lot you wished till you get it.
3. WWE 2K25
Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC
Some recency bias is unquestionably at play right here, however WWE 2K25 actually is that good and fortunately continues 2K and developer Visual Concept’s scorching streak of releases. For those that favor their wrestling video games genuine, that is essentially the most immersive they’ve ever been and its new gameplay additions (together with intergender wrestling) will hopefully outline the subsequent period of entries.
The Island on-line mode could show to be its largest sticking level, nevertheless, and whereas the previous couple of WWE 2K video games have had some obnoxious monetisation, WWE 2K25’s microtransactions could be the most egregious but. We simply hope it doesn’t get even worse for WWE 2K26.
2. WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role
PlayStation
Dropping a sequel to any sport simply eight months after the unique sounds unbelievable these days, however that’s exactly what THQ did in 2000. Fans on the time clearly didn’t thoughts, contemplating it bought over three million copies and was critically acclaimed.
This wasn’t only a mere roster replace both, because it reworked the Season mode, added extra gameplay choices, and launched the power to create and customise your individual wrestler (one thing that’s turn into a staple of the WWE 2K video games). It’s arguably outshone in some areas by later entries, however that is simply one of the best wrestling sport for the PlayStation 1 and one nonetheless value taking part in at the moment.
1. WWF No Mercy
Nintendo 64
Who would’ve thought that the quintessential wrestling sport can be discovered, not on a PlayStation or Xbox console, however a Nintendo one? While many early WWE video games have been PlayStation exclusives, Nintendo 64 house owners may proudly brag that they had one of the best one.
The final WWF sport to be developed by AKI Corporation (now referred to as syn Sophia), WWF No Mercy ended that period on an especially excessive word. Wrestling followers who grew up taking part in this sport converse extremely of it for its controls, wealthy customisation choices, branching storylines in Championship mode, and for completely encapsulating every part they beloved concerning the Attitude period.
A devoted following remains to be taking part in No Mercy by emulation and have even made their very own mods so as to add extra wrestlers and arenas. It blatantly influenced the event of AEW Fight Forever (proper right down to having No Mercy director Hideyuki Iwashita on board as a gameplay advisor) and so far as we are able to inform, it’s the one retro wrestling sport to have been paid tribute by the WWE, because it featured in this teaser trailer for the NXT No Mercy occasion in 2023.
All of this cements WWF No Mercy as the height of wrestling video games and one that’s unlikely to ever be topped.
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