What Was the First WWE Games?By Coder| September 28, 2023 Wrestling Blogs WWE, formerly known as WWF (World Wrestling Federation), is a global phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. With its unique blend of athleticism, storytelling, and larger-than-life characters, it comes as no surprise that WWE has become a cultural phenomenon. But have you ever wondered about the first WWE games? Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the origins of these virtual battles in this exciting article. Early Days of WWE Games In the early years of video gaming, wrestling games were a rarity. However, it was in 1987 when the first-ever WWE game made its debut. Developed by Rare Ltd., “WWF WrestleMania” took center stage on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This game introduced players to iconic wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and The Million Dollar Man. A New Era Begins: WWF Superstars As technology advanced and consoles became more powerful, so did the WWE games. In 1990, Technos Japan Corp. released “WWF Superstars” in arcades across the globe. This game allowed players to control their favorite wrestlers and engage in intense battles against friends or AI opponents. With its vibrant graphics and smooth gameplay, “WWF Superstars” set a new standard for wrestling games. The Birth of Console Legends: WWF Royal Rumble The early ’90s saw the birth of another iconic WWE game – “WWF Royal Rumble.” Developed by Acclaim Entertainment Inc., this game was released for multiple platforms like Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It introduced the concept of Royal Rumble matches where players could eliminate opponents by throwing them over-the-top rope. The Attitude Era: WWF War Zone In 1998, the WWE witnessed a revolution known as the “Attitude Era.” This era brought a more edgy and mature tone to professional wrestling. And with it came “WWF War Zone,” developed by Acclaim Studios Austin. This game embraced the Attitude Era’s spirit, featuring an extensive roster of wrestlers and intense gameplay mechanics. SmackDown! Series: A New Millennium The turn of the millennium marked another significant milestone in WWE gaming history. In 2000, “WWF SmackDown!” was released for the PlayStation console. Developed by Yuke’s and published by THQ, this game paved the way for the highly successful “SmackDown!” series. SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role: Released in 2000, this game built upon its predecessor’s success and introduced new features like create-a-wrestler mode and an expanded roster. SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain: Launched in 2003, this game is often regarded as one of the best WWE games ever made. It offered improved graphics, more refined gameplay mechanics, and an immersive story mode. SmackDown vs. Raw Series: As time went on, the “SmackDown!” series was rebranded as “WWE SmackDown vs. Raw.” This series continued to dominate the wrestling game market with annual releases packed with new features and improved visuals. The Current Generation: WWE 2K Series In recent years, the WWE gaming franchise has evolved into the popular “WWE 2K” series. Developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports, these games offer realistic graphics, extensive rosters, and immersive gameplay experiences. Notable Titles in the WWE 2K Series WWE 2K14: Released in 2013, this game celebrated WWE’s “30 Years of WrestleMania” and featured a nostalgic journey through iconic matches from the past. WWE 2K19: Regarded as one of the best entries in the series, this game introduced improved gameplay mechanics, a robust creation suite, and an engaging MyCareer mode. WWE 2K20: Although met with mixed reviews due to technical issues, this game aimed to bring fresh experiences with its Showcase mode centered around the Women’s Evolution. In Conclusion From humble beginnings on the NES to the current generation’s WWE 2K series, WWE games have come a long way. Each new release brings improved graphics, expanded rosters, and innovative features that keep fans coming back for more. Whether you’re a die-hard wrestling fan or a gaming enthusiast, these virtual battles continue to provide hours of entertainment and excitement. So grab your controller, step into the ring, and unleash your inner superstar!
