Welcome everyone to a sold out Raw is Video Games! I’m your host and tonight we’ve got a special event in-store for the millions reading around the world, as we’ll be pitting every wrestling game of all time against one another in a winner-take-all battle royal! You sit there and talk about your WCW and your WWF games, well Gamerheadlines 3:16 says we just listed their ass!
Starting from the 10th best wrestling-based video game of all time, we’ll move our way up the proverbial ladder, passing each noteworthy title along the way until one title stands above the resting, earning its spot as the greatest wrestling game of all time. Or, to quote Bret “Hitman” Hart, earning its spot as the best wrestling game there is, the best wrestling game there was, and the best wrestling game there ever will be! So sit back and relax, it’s about to get physical – Gamerheadline’s The Top 10 Wrestling Games of All Time!
[promo title=”10. WWF Raw” button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
Starting out with a game from my childhood, 1994 saw the release of WWF Raw – a game way ahead of the competition as it included chair (and bucket) shots, submission victories, and play-by-play from Vince McMahon and Jerry “The King” Lawler prior to the state of each match.
As far as the game-play was concerned, it was basically a more refined version of 1993’s WWF Royal Rumble which launched the engine WWF Raw was built upon. However, given the drastic increases in practically every area of development, Raw stands above its predecessor, earning it the #10 spot on this list.
[promo title=”9. WWE 12″ button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
Next on this list is a game that was the first of its kind. Following about 362 years of Smackdown vs Raw games, WWE decided to break the mold and go with something different. The result was THQ’s WWE 12, a game whose overall movement and gameplay mechanics set the stage for every title that was to follow.
Giving players a plethora of characters to choose from, WWE 12 differed from past titles, as the potential moves for any single wrestler to perform were enormous, beautifully animated, and varied. It’s for this reason that WWE 12 is #9 on this list, making it a great addition to any wrestling fan’s library.
[promo title=”8. WWF Wrestlefest” button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
Anyone who’s played this Arcade game knows how insanely awesome it was, especially considering it came out before mankind discovered the wheel, all the way back in 1991.
Having insanely good graphics on top of a move set that was flawlessly animated, Wrestlefest perfectly depicted the wrestling scene of the early 90’s as Hulkamania was indeed running wild in this title. Unfortunately, this gem never made it passed the Arcade, making it a rare piece of history to own. But for those who are lucky enough to snuggle up to this 300 lb beauty, we salute you!
[promo title=”7. WWF Wrestlemania 2000″ button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
I’ll be the first to admit, this game is awesome. Super awesome, really. And if it wasn’t for the fact that this game was seceded shortly after by the mega-hit, WWF No Mercy it would probably be ranked significantly higher.
However, in most fan’s eyes this game is just an inferior version of its N64 brother, making it a tragic story about a great game that pretty much everyone couldn’t care less about. Well I love you WWF Wrestlemania 2000, which is why it made the #7 spot on this list.
[promo title=”6. WCW/nWo World Tour” button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
Suffering from the same trials and tribulations as WWF Wrestlemania 2000, THQ’s WCW/nWo World Tour should be ranked significantly higher than it is. Revolutionizing the 64 with a game that many thought would just be a ripoff of the Playstation’s, WCW/nWo vs the World.
However, upon release wrestling fans everywhere were blown away at how inferior the former title was in comparison to this giant. However, it’s with great difficulty that I place this great game at #6, standing as a glimpse of another WCW title that would take the world by storm.
[promo title=”5. WWE Smackdown! vs Raw 2006″ button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
Continuing their legacy as wrestling’s best gaming company, THQ released WWE Smackdown! vs Raw 2006 with a ton of anticipation following the great reception of their first attempt at the series. It’s wonderful graphics, beautiful animations, and overall feel make this the best among the Smackdown! vs Raw collection. What else can be said? This game is awesome, go get it… Right now!
[promo title=”4. WWF Smackdown! 2 Know Your Role” button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
Coming out in 2000 exclusively for the original Playstation, this game was awesome. With a gameplay system that many preferred even over the Nintendo 64 greats, Smackdown! 2 was Sony’s answer for fans who preferred WWF alternatives like No Mercy and Wrestlemania 2000.
Many lists, as a matter of fact list this gem as the greatest wrestling game ever made. Of course, if that were the case it would be number 1 here (yeah, I said it!). But that doesn’t take away from the fact that Smackdown! 2 set the standard for what all Playstation wrestling games should aspire to be.
[promo title=”3. WCW/nWo Revenge” button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
If this list were titled, “The Greatest WCW Games of All Time” WCW/nWo Revenge would easily rank #1. This game, released (of course) by THQ captured the WCW experience perfectly. And in a time when wrestling had its own version of the console war it couldn’t have been more timely.
Showcasing tons of wrestlers, organizations, available moves, and entrances, this game took the world by storm upon its release. As a kid I remember that it was the game you had to own. No excuses, if you didn’t own this title you weren’t cool – period.
On top of all the features listed above sat a wrestler customization option that modern wrestling games could learn from, as you were granted the ability to alter real wrestler ring-attire, in addition to changing their organization, opening up a large host of story-line possibilities. For anyone who misses WCW Nitro and the magic it captured for those few short years, this is the one to own.
[promo title=”2. Fire Pro Wrestling Returns” button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
Listen! Just listen! I realize this won’t garner much sympathy from the online wrestling community, given that this game is a Japanese release, on top of being graphically under-whelming for its time. However, anyone that’s played the Fire Pro titles knows, these games are for real.
With a grappling system that requires actual timing and skill (not just button mashing/spamming), Fire Pro brings the player straight into the ring, pitting your own thumb prowess against that of your opponent with a move-set that spans well into the hundreds, if not thousands.
And for your customization nuts out there, this game will make you salivate. Allowing players the ability to customize wrestlers, design rings, and even create referees (yes, you read that correctly) all the way down to their appearance and counting speed, users can create the perfect wrestling environment to meet their grappling needs.
On top of that exists an MMA element, with an actual octagon and several fighters to choose from (or create) that perform MMA-only moves. Seriously, try this game. Once you get used to it you’ll never go back to the games of old. Well, except maybe to play our #1 on this list…
[promo title=”1. WWF No Mercy” button=”” url=”http://” icon=”none” target=”_self” style=”” class=””][/promo]
No surprise here. Rounding out our list is the game that made owning a Nintendo 64 imperative, as WWF No Mercy was by far the best of the N64 wrestling titles. N64 titles that have never been reached since in scope of excellence and replayability since.
With great graphics, insanely cool entrances, and a roster that was at its peak, fans around the world were able to re-imagine the world of wrestling at a time when it was at its hottest, adding to its cool factor and marketability. Also at the heart of the game stood a wonderful story, culminating in an Iron Man Match at Wrestlemania. It was the first of its kind to take story-lines seriously, with all others following suit after its successful launch.
All in all, there have been many great titles in the world of professional wrestling gaming. However, WWF No Mercy stands above the rest. So, to make it official:
The winner of this match, and new Top 10 Champion of the World – WWF No Mercy! And that’s the bottom line, ’cause Gamerheadlines.com said so!