The WWE has been a part of pop culture for a while now and there have been WWE video games for as long as there have been video games. The games have evolved over the years in different ways ranging from graphics and gameplay to the roster giving us a wide variety of games by different publishers.
Choosing the best games from such a diverse range spanning so many years was much harder than I’d anticipated. The games are not ranked according to graphics but the gameplay, diversity of options in the game and the roster and overall satisfaction. Here are the 5 best WWE games out there:
5: WWE 13
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The last installment from THQ before 2K Games took over, WWE ‘13 had the same gameplay as its predecessor WWE ‘12 but the real highlight of the game was the Attitude Era mode. Players could take some of their favourite stars from the most popular era of pro wrestling and play through some of the most famous storylines and angles of the era.
The game also boasted of a new audio system which 2K said would bring the live experience of a match and the audience to a whole new level but was let down by the usual monotonous commentary.
Gameplay was smooth and combined the beauty of chain wrestling with speed. What was especially pleasing about WWE ‘13 was its immense creation suite with customizable belts, rings and Superstars.
4: SmackDown vs Raw 2011
SmackDown vs Raw 2011 accompanied some stellar graphics for the time, especially considering that it was released for PS3 and Xbox 360, and combined good gameplay along with a very immersive experience.
It was also the first WWE game to feature weapons so now there were numerous ways to send your opponent through a table. Steel Cage matches, TLC matches and other gimmick matches felt even more realistic thanks to a revamped game engine.
The game also featured a sort of GTA-style Road To WrestleMania mode which although a little limited in scope was great fun to play. SVR 2011 was the last of the SmackDown vs Raw series, a series that I’m a huge fan of since I’ve grown up playing almost every installment in the series. SVR 2011 improved on the flaws of its predecessors and delivers a fun and uncomplicated gaming experience.
3: WWF No Mercy
Arguably the most famous and universally acclaimed wrestling game of all time, WWF No Mercy came out way back in 2000 for the N64 and was years and years ahead of its time. Featuring a large roster and attire options, the only real problem with the game was repetitive move sets.
The best part about No Mercy has to be the extensive storyline mode with the ability to play as The Rock, Mankind, Undertaker and Triple H.
No Mercy is famous for its great gameplay and the ability to fight in backstage areas seamlessly, something that we don’t see in wrestling games anymore. It was also the first game to feature the ladder match and contains old favourites like the cage match, hardcore match and the Royal Rumble.
2: WWE 2K16
WWE 2K16 is the newest instalment of the WWE franchise from 2K16 games. Featuring the largest roster of all time, a whole host of NXT Superstars and Legends, a huge creation suite and a large number of match types, WWE 2K16 doesn’t disappoint. The reworked reversal system adds a new layer of decision making to gameplay and the chain wrestling and rest holds add a new layer of realism.
Most of the characters and entrances are very well done, especially some of the newer wrestlers, and presentation is seamless and looks like actual WWE programming. Commentary is flat once again, but name one wrestling game with good commentary.
However, the best part about 2k16 is the Stone Cold Steve Austin mode. Play your way through Stone Cold’s career from his early days in WCW to the days of the Attitude Era. Relive historic moments like his victory at King Of The Ring, his legendary matches against The Rock and main event WrestleMania, all of which are supported by brilliant cut scenes with actual footage.
WWE 2K16 showed us what the future holds when its comes to wrestling, and the future is bright.
1: SmackDown: Here Comes The Pain
Here Comes The Pain is the last edition of the brilliant line of SmackDown games. The graphics looked really good for its time and features a jam-packed roster of 60 Superstars. It’s the first game to feature John Cena, Batista and Rey Mysterio for the first time and the only WWE game to feature Ultimo Dragon. Here Comes The Pain was also the first WWE game to feature legends.
Entrances in the game look really good even though there are a lot of recycled entrance animations. The game engine is revamped from previous editions and features a more complex and satisfying grappling system. Gameplay is flawless with the quick arcade feel and flows better than most current WWE games. However, one problem with this game is that there is no commentary whatsoever.
Add to this one hell of a season mode, tons of match types including the debuting elimination chamber and an in-depth creation suite and you have one hell of a game. The ability to fight backstage, fight in Times Square and the ability to give an elbow drop from a helicopter just pushed this game to the next level.
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