Top Ten Best N64 Wrestling Games Of All Time

The Nintendo 64 (N64) era was a golden age for wrestling games, with several titles that still hold up today due to their innovative gameplay, extensive features, and faithful representation of the wrestling world. Here are the 10 best N64 wrestling games, each with unique qualities that made them stand out.

1. WWF: No Mercy (2000)

WWF: No Mercy is widely regarded as one of the best wrestling games ever made. Developed by AKI and published by THQ, it was the final wrestling game for the N64 and represented the pinnacle of the grappling system introduced in earlier games. Key features include:

Championship Mode: A story mode with branching paths depending on match outcomes, offering a high level of replayability.
Create-a-Wrestler Mode: Extensive options for creating wrestlers, including the ability to create female wrestlers for the first time.
Roster and Gameplay: A roster of sixty wrestlers and refined gameplay that balanced accessibility and depth.
Backstage Areas and Ladder Matches: Additional features that enhanced the overall wrestling experience.

2. Virtual Pro Wrestling 2 (2000)

Virtual Pro Wrestling 2 is another standout title from AKI, known for its realistic gameplay and deep wrestling mechanics. This game is often praised for its:

Realistic Wrestling Style: Focus on technical grappling and submission holds, appealing to fans of more realistic wrestling.
Customization: Detailed create-a-wrestler options and a large roster of wrestlers.

3. WrestleMania 2000 (1999)

WrestleMania 2000 was a significant improvement over its predecessors, building on the success of earlier AKI games. Notable features include:

Career Mode: A precursor to the more extensive championship mode in WWF: No Mercy, but still offering a compelling single-player experience.
Graphics and Sound: Enhanced graphics and sound compared to earlier wrestling games on the N64.

4. WCW/nWo: Revenge (1998)

WCW/nWo: Revenge was a major hit, improving upon the foundation laid by WCW vs nWo: World Tour. Key aspects include:

Improved Roster: A larger and more diverse roster of wrestlers compared to its predecessor.
Gameplay Refinements: Enhanced grappling system and smoother gameplay.

5. WCW vs nWo: World Tour (1997)

WCW vs nWo: World Tour was the first N64 WCW game and introduced AKI's grappling system, which became a standard for future wrestling games. Although it lacked some features like create-a-wrestler and story modes, it was praised for:

Innovative Gameplay: The grappling system that set the stage for future wrestling games.
Commercial Success: Timed perfectly to capitalize on WCW's popularity against the WWF.

6. WWF WrestleMania 2000: Steel Cage Challenge

This game is an expansion of WrestleMania 2000, adding new features such as steel cage matches. It retained the core gameplay of WrestleMania 2000 but with additional match types.

7. WCW Nitro (1999)

WCW Nitro was another title from THQ and AKI, known for its:

Fast-Paced Gameplay: Quick and action-packed matches that appealed to fans of arcade-style wrestling games.
Roster and Arenas: A diverse roster and various arenas to fight in.

8. ECW Hardcore Revolution (2000)

ECW Hardcore Revolution was the first game to feature the Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) promotion. It stood out for:

Hardcore Wrestling Style: Focus on extreme and hardcore wrestling, including the use of weapons and high-impact moves.
Unique Roster: A roster that included ECW wrestlers, offering a different flavor compared to WWF and WCW games.

9. WWF Attitude (1999)

WWF Attitude was a game that tried to capture the edgy and rebellious spirit of the WWF's Attitude Era. Key features include:

Story Mode: A narrative-driven mode that followed the storylines of the WWF at the time.
Roster and Match Types: A diverse roster and various match types, including tag team and royal rumble matches.

10. WCW Backstage Assault (2000)

WCW Backstage Assault was a unique game that focused on backstage brawls rather than traditional ring matches. It featured:

Backstage Fighting: The ability to fight in various backstage areas, adding a new dimension to wrestling gameplay.
Roster and Gameplay: A solid roster and gameplay mechanics, although it received mixed reviews due to its departure from traditional wrestling.

Additional Insights

Developer Impact: AKI's influence on wrestling games cannot be overstated. Their grappling system and iterative improvements set a high standard for future wrestling games.
Historical Context: The late 1990s were a peak time for professional wrestling, with the WWF and WCW engaging in a fierce ratings war. This competition translated into highly competitive and innovative video games.
Legacy: Many of these games are still remembered fondly today, with some even influencing modern wrestling games. For example, the developers of AEW: Fight Forever have cited WWF: No Mercy as a key inspiration.

These games not only captured the essence of professional wrestling but also pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the N64, making them some of the best wrestling games ever made.