Weirdest WWE Games Of All Time

Key Takeaways

WWE tapped into other genres with entries like WWF Betrayal and WWE Crush Hour.
Little sense to some naming conventions, such as WWE Survivor Series , which placed no emphasis on the November show.
WWE 2K Battlegrounds introduced arcade-style gameplay with a divisive art style and controversy around microtransactions.

As a long-time fan of professional wrestling and video games, I must say that these unique crossovers between the world of WWE and various genres have always intrigued me. The creativity and audacity to experiment with different gameplay styles is commendable.

Since the 1800s, professional wrestling has been enthralling spectators worldwide. By blending larger-than-life personas with extraordinary physical prowess and competitive sports matched with high-drama elements, it offers an ideal foundation for video games. The WWE (previously WWF) has consistently delivered top-notch gaming experiences in this genre.

The majority of the WWE 2K series have successfully captured the thrill within the wrestling ring, breathing life into our beloved superstars. However, for every standout game like No Mercy or Here Comes the Pain, there are some peculiar titles. Over the years, the WWE has experimented extensively with various gaming genres, from strategy games to car demolition derbies, often with mixed results.

10. MicroLeague Wrestling

Turn-Based Grappling

Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, DOS
Released: 1987
Developer: MicroLeague, Subway Software (C64), Upfront Software (Amiga)
Genre: Turn-based strategy, sports

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on the thrill of those 80s when video games were taking over the world. Seeing the triumph of various MicroLeague titles and the surge of the gaming industry, our developers decided to jump into the fray. This new game, however, seemed more like a strategic turn-based battle, with wrestlers depicted as digitized snapshots from real matches. While it was exciting, the gameplay felt somewhat restrictive compared to the freedom we were accustomed to in other games.

Initially, when MicroLeague Wrestling was first launched, there were just two wrestling matches to play, and the commentary was presented through text at the bottom of the screen. While it might seem unjust to label MicroLeague Wrestling as strange, it’s worth noting that in just two years, WWE games featuring 2D sprites and real-time battles would emerge. Therefore, this particular game is quite distinctive and can be considered an unusual one in comparison.

9. WWF War Zone

Incomprehensible Shouting

Platforms: PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64, Game Boy
Released: July 24, 1998
Developer: Sculptured Software
Genre: Sports, professional wrestling

Known as one of the most exceptional wrestling games during its era, WWF War Zone is predominantly remembered today for an unusual aspect. The game featured promos from its 18-member roster using Full Motion Video cut scenes, with Goldust’s being particularly eerie, and Ahmed Johnson’s consisting of incomprehensible shouts.

Beyond that, the gameplay of War Zone became outdated in just a few years as more advanced wrestling games were released, making it nearly unplayable on the Game Boy. Yet, while most other wrestling games of that era have been largely forgotten, War Zone is fondly remembered by many fans – primarily because of its iconic cut scenes.

8. WWE 2K Battlegrounds

Wrestling All Stars

Following the setback with WWE 2K20, WWE and developers 2K opted to forego 2K21 and instead abandoned the conventional wrestling game structure for WWE 2K Battlegrounds. The game’s distinctive, either adored or despised, over-the-top art style reminiscent of WWE All Stars from a decade ago, along with its outlandish in-ring action, has made this installment in the 2K series quite polarizing.

Although many people appreciate the arcade-style feel of this game, some traditional wrestling enthusiasts were put off by its over-the-top movesets and distinctive wrestling arenas. The addition of microtransactions, a topic often debated, was another point of contention among fans. Later on, 2K decided to focus on developing more realistic simulated wrestling action instead.

7. WWE Legends Of WrestleMania

Some Legends, Not Others

Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, iOS, Mobile
Released: March 19, 2009
Developer: Yuke’s
Genre: Sports, professional wrestling

In the heat of the Smackdown vs. Raw series, Yuke’s dropped WWE Legends of Wrestlemania on us gamers, with a fresh take on controls and an appealingly distinctive art style. Despite its unique charm, it was set apart from the main games, and while generally fun, it left some significant and inexcusable gaps in the roster.

In some instances, certain wrestlers like Mick Foley and Demolition were excluded because of political or legal issues. However, notable figures such as ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat, who are often considered the stars of one of WrestleMania’s most iconic matches, were surprisingly not included. Interestingly, Michael Hayes was added to the list despite his involvement being limited to the “Gimmick Battle Royal” at WrestleMania X-Seven.

6. WWE Survivor Series

Just A Normal Wrestling Game

Platform: Game Boy Advance
Released: October 21, 2004
Developer: Natsume
Genre: Sports, professional wrestling

In terms of a wrestling game, WWE Survivor Series, exclusively for Game Boy Advance, seems quite typical. The 16 wrestlers in its roster and the diverse match types don’t stand out unusually, and the story mode is satisfactory considering the limitations of the handheld system’s processing power.

The peculiarity lies in the hardware constraints, as it can only display a maximum of four characters simultaneously on the screen, unlike the traditional Survivor Series matches that often involve teams of four or five wrestlers. This limitation affects the gameplay on Game Boy Advance (GBA), making the full Survivor Series experience impractical. Additionally, the story mode does not emphasize or tie into the annual November event, leaving some players questioning why the game was named after Survivor Series.

5. WWF Royal Rumble

You Look Familiar

Platforms: Dreamcast, Arcade
Released: August 14, 2000
Developer: Yuke’s
Genre: Sports, professional wrestling

Among WWE’s marquee events, the Royal Rumble stands out as a highly anticipated spectacle, often matching the excitement of WrestleMania itself. This event sees 30 competitors vying for the opportunity to face off in the main event at WrestleMania, each attempting to secure a coveted championship match. For decades, this thrilling feature has been cherished by fans not only on television but also in video games, as its unpredictable nature and surprise elements have always kept viewers guessing.

Instead of WWE Survivor Series, WWF Royal Rumble stands out by heavily featuring the type of match it represents. Unlike typical matches where only four participants are allowed, this one can accommodate as many as nine wrestlers simultaneously. Interestingly, there are just 21 wrestlers on the roster, which means some wrestlers enter the ring multiple times. In fact, at a given moment, two or three identical wrestlers might be in the ring together.

4. WWE Aftershock

A Novelty For Nokia

Platform: N-Gage
Released: May 19, 2005
Developer: Exient Entertainment
Genre: Sports, professional wrestling

The Finnish technology company Nokia ventured into the video game sector by launching the N-Gage handheld gaming device. Regrettably, this venture turned out to be a commercial failure, with only 64 games being developed for the console in total. One of these games was WWE Aftershock, making it quite a rare find.

Much like numerous titles in its series, this one garnered a mix of opinions. Its graphics were relatively weak compared to contemporary standards, and the controls weren’t particularly user-friendly. Moreover, the selection of just 12 wrestlers was rather scant for that era. However, its scarcity set it apart, as many other games intended for the console never made it to market.

3. WWE With Authority!

Magic: The Grappling

Platform: PC
Released: February 21, 2001
Developer: Genetic Anomalies Inc.
Genre: Strategy card game

A digital card game focusing on WWE, named “WWE With Authority“, ran for approximately a year before it ceased operation. In this game, players constructed their playbooks containing wrestling maneuvers and popular figures. These resources were then utilized tactically during matches, which were commentated by Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross.

The gameplay wasn’t well-received by fans, but interestingly, a tangible card game named ‘Raw Deal’ came out in the same year, which they found significantly superior. Moreover, the practice of requiring frequent small payments for this specific item was met with disfavor among players.

2. WWF Betrayal

Beat ‘Em Up, But Not In The Ring

Platform: Game Boy Color
Released: August 7, 2001
Developer: WayForward Technologies
Genre: Beat ’em up

Steering clear of the usual wrestling ring antics, the game titled “WWF Betrayal” offers combat similar to that seen in games like Double Dragon and Streets of Rage. This title distinguishes itself as a rare gem among WWE’s extensive video game collection, as it is the only game they have created within this genre.

In this game, you’ll have the opportunity to play as one of four popular characters, with a mission to save Stephanie McMahon who has been kidnapped. Interestingly, one of the other three characters will take on the role of the main antagonist in the narrative. The game is relatively brief, lasting anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour, and it’s often considered less impressive compared to other games in its genre.

1. WWE Crush Hour

WWE Meets Twisted Metal In This Bizarre Match-Up

Platforms: PlayStation 2, GameCube
Released: 2003-03-17
Developer: Pacific Coast Power & Light
Genre: Vehicular combat

Just like WWF Betrayal, WWE opted to venture into a distinct genre, drawing inspiration from the iconic game Twisted Metal. Unlike Twisted Metal, however, WWE Crush Hour is a vehicular combat game with a wrestling twist. For instance, Jim Ross lends his commentary to the action, and there are various match types that cater to the sport’s unique style.

12 wrestling arenas are available, each hosting over 30 unique wrestlers. These wrestlers have their individualized vehicles and signature phrases. Although it may not quite match up to its source of inspiration, this game is often nostalgically remembered by wrestling enthusiasts, largely due to its quirky charm.

2024-12-04 07:20