While wrestling games do not possess the charm like they once did – at the start of the century – it cannot be ruled how influential the games have emerged out to be. Gamers and enthusiasts of the wrestling genre still delve into some of the classics that had everyone gripping tight for the punching showdowns to begin.
From the era of the PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64 to the modern generation of high-performance consoles, there have been some amazing games that fans of the genre have been blessed with. Irrespective of whether you are a WWE fan or a follower of the UFC franchise, these are some games that will keep you engaged at the edge of your seat.
- Def Jam: Fight for New York – PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox
At the start of the century, during the height of the second generation of gaming consoles, EA were looking to collaborate with another game development studio for a fantasy-type brawler game, and there began the origins of Def Jam. ‘Fight for New York’ is the sequel to the original and it stands out of the best of the trilogy with its superior high-impact wrestling moves, signature grappling system and engaging story mode that would make any other fighting game look bleak in front of it.
It was a video game that introduced a new genre in itself – a unique hip-hop street fight game that involved rap stars who engaged in brutal and bloody gameplay with incredible atmosphere. GameSpot famously called the game ‘simply a joy to play through’.
- WWE SmackDown! Vs Raw – PlayStation 2
An elite wrestling game in its own right, WWE SmackDown! vs Raw was an energetic entry into the WWE video game series. With its unparalleled season mode where one can create characters of their own, along with new playing modes, the game allowed players to don a persona of their own. The game encapsulates the essence of WWE, all the while delivering a highly skill-based environment to level up one’s in-game skills. WWE SmackDown! Vs Raw is also the first wrestling game to allow the functionality of online play, although that didn’t do as much justice as the single player campaign did. It is arguably one of the best ever wrestling games developed till date with its over-the-top commentary, impressive graphics, classic moves and ladies’ matchups.
- WWF No Mercy – Nintendo 64
Known by many as arguably the greatest ever wrestling game in history, WWF No Mercy, released by THQ, was a breath of fresh air by all means. It was the first wrestling game to introduce a championship system of play that allowed gamers to participate in various storylines, thanks to its in-depth character creation mode. The game had over sixty playable characters along with numerous new arenas to wrestle out one’s opponent in. Although it was released in 2000, the game has retained a cult following among fanatics, thanks to its flawless gameplay, engaging grappling system, submission moves and the freedom to develop one’s own character in the video game.
- WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2007 – PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Xbox 360
The legendary cover art of SmackDown vs Raw 2007 is etched into fans of the genre – with Triple H flaunting his body ahead of Rey Mysterio, John Cena, Batista and Torrie Wilson. As arguably the most engaging of all WWE games, this one propelled the series forward with a great outlook. It introduced the analog system of play, interactive hotspots and the ability to engage the crowd by going in their midst to continue fights. It was also the first WWE game to be released outside the PlayStation console platform, allowing the genre to spread among owners of Microsoft’s Xbox, who were largely devoid of such exciting games for their platform. It was initially criticized for its glitches and commentary bugs, but nonetheless, it compensated players with the plethora of content on offer.
- WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain – PlayStation 2
Having won numerous awards for the best fighting game, there is no doubts regarding Here Comes the Pain’s stature as one of the best wrestling games. It was released in 2003 but still finds its place among the pantheon of greatest fighting games in history. The title didn’t offer much in terms of innovation, but its replayability factor allowed gamers to flock back to the game without second thoughts even after finishing it. Its game mechanics is severely underrated because of its technical outlook.
The iconic days of WWE begets nostalgia among the fans of one of the greatest forms of entertainment in recent times. With the passage of time, audiences have also had the pleasure of grounding and familiarizing themselves with different forms of wrestling, such as Mixed Martial Arts, to which UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) belongs.
According to the best betting sites, enthusiasts of the wrestling genre have heavily shifted to the cage-styled fighting allure that mixed martial arts brings with it in recent times. With the aforementioned resource, one can learn a great deal regarding the betting markets to engage in and also gain knowledge regarding how to place one’s hand. Players, whether old or new, can also benefit from a wide range of bonuses and rewards such as cashbacks, loyalty points, accumulator schemes and free bets.
