Coming into the ring, weighing in at 32 to 128 bits, hailing from every system under the sun, the very underrated champion: Non-WWE wrestling games!!! Here is the top non-WWE wrestling games that have garnered our affection and charmed our spandex shorts off. But...
First the Elephant in the Room
Fire Pro Wrestling Returns (PS2) (Agetec, Spike, 505 Games)
I would be doing wrestling a huge injustice not to mention Fire Pro Wrestling, but I also have this confession. I have never been successful in getting the hang of this game. The timing it takes to perform precise grapples and the patience needed to pull off moves is way too steep. I can't even manage the wrestler editor screen. But FPWR continues to rock the socks of everyone who loves pro wrestling. I don't understand the game's success, but at least I know you can do a lot of stuff in it.
The Best of the Best
WCW Vs. NWO: Revenge (N64) (AKI Corporation)
AKI Corporation made wrestling games playable and highly addictive. They created the most coveted engine for wrestling. When WCW Vs. NWO got a hold of that engine we got equal parts fan service and hard hitting wrestling. To this day WCW has not made a game as polished as Revenge. The championship mode is linear, the wrestling editor is lacking, and no one gets iconic theme music, but that doesn't keep this game from being spot on!
Power Move Pro Wrestling (PS1) (Yukes)
By today's standards PMPW is completely unplayable. Your wrestler had only two grapples, they would stay on the ground forever when they were knocked out, and their was no special matches. At the same time this game made a name for itself blowing away the competition. Almost every wrestling game in the market at the time was 2D and very stiff. PMPW added a smooth 3D feel and a grapple system that made WCW Nitro and WWF In Your House feel ancient.
Ultimate Muscle Legends Vs. New Generation (Gamecube) (Bandai-Namco)
I would have never guessed that a wrestling game based on a manga/anime would be so highly addicting. Cel shaded wrestlers that look like rejected Muppets bounce around the ring slamming each other. There's nothing faithful to the sport of wrestling in this game, but the fighting is intense and the super moves are so crazy to watch. I love that there is commentary in the matches as you fight.
Wrestling Revolution (iOS and Android) (MDickie)
The paper cut out graphics and jilty animations should be a red flag to stay far away from this game, but behind the ugly presentation WR is incredibly deep. It has a fighting system akin to an AKI Corporation game. There is a slew of moves and different grapples (more than a mobile game should have). The story mode is so insanely faithful to the wrestling industry that everything about this game is a giant love letter to wrestling fans. MDickie put a lot of love labor into this. This game should not exist on mobile and puts forth a better effort than some Playstation 1 wrestling games. It's a free game and if you can survive the budget looks and weirdness of it you will be rewarded.
Honest Attempts List
AAA Lucha Libre: Heroes Del Ring (PS3, X360) (Konami)
A great attempt to get fans into Mexico's wrestling circuit, but the fighting system didn't measure up. Also, it didn't have enough gameplay.
TNA Impact (PS2, X360, PS3, Wii) (Midway)
TNA Impact had an arcade feel and welcomed newcomers to the game. While it boasted graphics and design higher than most WWE games, it fell short of its potential and was swallowed up by the competitor. It needed more modes and characters.
ECW Anarchy Rulz (N64, PS1, Dreamcast)
I tried so hard to like this game, but there is a reason that WWE abandoned the confusing wrestling controls for Smackdown. I never won a match because I had tried way too hard to figure out the grapple moves. I could never enjoy this, but it looked like it was very deep.
WCW Mayhem (PS1, N64) (Electronic Arts)
I loved this game much more than it deserved to be loved. This was the only wrestling game I ever played through all the championship campaigns. It was solid (for a wrestling game at the time) and I was a huge fan of WCW. I miss these days, but I can never look at WCW Mayhem the same.
Finally! A Game I Have Always Wanted to Play
Giant Gram 2000: All Japan Pro Wrestling 3 (Dreamcast) (Sega)
I would have given my left leg just to play this game. It was the only wrestling game on the Dreamcast that was praised for its authenticity and love for the sport. Alas, I would need to spend loads of money to get it. Or I would have to settle for a rom version (and everyone knows that ruins the true experience).
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