Given the extensive history of WWE video games, determining which one is the best is actually quite tough. WWE games have been developed by a variety of studios over the years, with some fans favoring newer entrants and others clinging to classic releases.
That is why it is acceptable to examine the history of these games to determine which ones are considered the best. Fans who have played the majority of them have voted and ranked the best of the best on Ranker. Many people still listen to the classics.
No Mercy (2000)
It’s shocking to see No Mercy ranked so low on Ranker when many people still consider it to be the best wrestling game ever developed. Indeed, a sizable community modifies the game to include contemporary wrestlers.
This ensures that it remains relevant decades after its first release. It holds up so well because it has some of the best gameplay in any wrestling game, as well as a surprising amount of customization choices. The Rock, Steve Austin, Kurt Angle, and other all-time greats are all on the roster due to the release year.
Smackdown! (2000)
Smackdown! was the first WWE PlayStation game released by THQ. The game, which was named after WWE’s newest TV show, was a hit and kicked off a long-running partnership between WWE, THQ, and Yuke’s that lasted until recently.
This game felt completely unlike its Nintendo version, which was a major selling factor at the time. It wasn’t the most in-depth release in comparison to today’s games, but it had plenty of match types, modes, and characters to enjoy at the time.
Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain (2003)
Add to what was successful in Shut Your Mouth. Smackdown is the finished product! Here Comes The Pain, which is sometimes touted in the same breath as No Mercy for the best wrestling game ever (although the Ranker selections are different).
The lineup was incredible, with legends like The Rock and Stone Cold alongside newcomers like Brock Lesnar and John Cena. Here Comes The Pain was the first game to include the exciting Elimination Chamber match style, and the gameplay holds up exceptionally well.
Smackdown! 2: Know Your Role (2000)
While Nintendo 64’s No Mercy was taking the spotlight, PlayStation had a terrific WWE game in 2000. Smackdown was on! 2: Know Your Role, which expanded on the first chapter of a series with new components.
The majority of the gameplay mechanics remained the same, but the popular Season mode was overhauled, allowing for more matches and plot options. This game was also crucial in the Create-A-Wrestler mode, allowing for significant advancements.
Smackdown Vs. Raw 2011 (2010)
For several years, WWE’s flagship game franchise was Smackdown vs. Raw, with Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 being the final iteration. It was also one of the best, thanks in part to a novel physics system.
Matches incorporating ladders, tables, and other weaponry felt more realistic as a result. The best new addition, though, was Universe Mode, which has since become a classic. Finally, the Road to WrestleMania mode had some wonderfully absurd plots that fans liked.
Smackdown Vs. Raw 2007 (2006)
The finest part about the Smackdown vs. Raw series was how much it emphasized the rivalry between the two brands. That meant bringing back the famous General Manager mode, which allowed players to take charge of each company and see who could put on the best concerts.
Smackdown vs. Raw 2007 built on the previous year’s model by providing more stories, rivalries, booking, and other choices. The various creation modes also received updates.
Smackdown! Shut Your Mouth (2002)
Many supporters believe that the roster has never been better than in 2002. Following the demise of ECW and WCW, stars from those companies joined WWE, enabling for the creation of a game like Smackdown! Shut Your Mouth to choose from a large number of wrestlers.
While the lineup and graphics were undoubtedly strong qualities, the gameplay was the star of the show. A deep Season option in the game allowed players to wander the backstage area and even all the way to Times Square, which created for some incredibly memorable moments.
WWE ’13 (2012)
As previously stated, the name of the series was altered after Smackdown vs. Raw 2011, and the games now only carry the company name and the year. That model lasted only two years, but the second, WWE ’13, was the greatest.
Many things felt different now, with the popular CM Punk on the cover. The advent of the “Attitude Era” mode, which allows players to recreate legendary moments from the late 1990s while also providing a diverse pool of icons from the era, was the most exciting feature.
WWE 2K14 (2013)
Things officially began to be controlled by 2K Sports a year after WWE ’13, and they still retain the license today. WWE 2K14 was their first game, and it received a lot of positive feedback. One of the things it did was advance the concept of “Attitude Era” mode.
They included a “30 Years of WrestleMania” mode that allowed players to relive some of the most memorable WrestleMania matches. This resulted in an even larger roster, which included wrestlers from the 1980s and 1990s. When you add in good gameplay, you have a winner.
WrestleMania 2000 (1999)
When THQ took over the development of WWE games, everything changed. They collaborated with AKI on WCW/nWo Revenge a year before, which was widely regarded as the best game to that date. WrestleMania 2000 improved on what worked in the previous game.
The cast was great, the gameplay principles that worked were preserved, the entrances were improved, and more customization choices were included. It being ranked higher than No Mercy is surprising, given that most fans appear to consider the sequel is a step up.
