The Nintendo 64 (N64) - a console that brought us some of the most iconic and beloved games of all time. Among the many amazing titles available for the N64, wrestling games are a notable mention. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a surge in popularity of professional wrestling, and the N64 was right in the thick of it. In this article, we'll count down the top 5 N64 wrestling games of all time, exploring what made them so great and why they still hold up today.
The N64 era was a golden age for wrestling games, with many titles offering a unique blend of action, strategy, and showmanship. From the over-the-top antics of the WWF (now WWE) to the technical grappling of the WCW, there was something for every type of wrestling fan. So, without further ado, let's dive into our top 5 N64 wrestling games of all time.
The Honorable Mentions
Before we get into our top 5, it's worth mentioning a few honorable mentions that didn't quite make the cut. Games like "WWF War Zone" and "WCW vs. nWo: World Tour" were solid entries in the N64 wrestling library, offering a fun and authentic wrestling experience. However, they lacked a certain je ne sais quoi that set our top 5 apart.
5. WWF WrestleMania 2000
Kicking off our top 5 is "WWF WrestleMania 2000," a game that many consider one of the best wrestling titles of all time. Developed by AKI Corporation and published by THQ, this game was released in 1999 and featured a massive roster of WWF superstars, including Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and Triple H.
The gameplay was fast-paced and action-packed, with a variety of moves and maneuvers at your disposal. The game also featured a robust create-a-wrestler mode, allowing players to create their own WWF superstar from scratch.
Key Features:
- Large roster of WWF superstars
- Fast-paced gameplay with a variety of moves and maneuvers
- Robust create-a-wrestler mode
- Authentic WWF commentary and sound effects
4. WCW/nWo Revenge
Coming in at number 4 is "WCW/nWo Revenge," another AKI Corporation-developed game published by THQ. Released in 1998, this game was a sequel to the popular "WCW vs. nWo: World Tour" and featured a massive roster of WCW and nWo wrestlers.
The gameplay was similar to "WWF WrestleMania 2000," with a focus on fast-paced action and technical grappling. The game also featured a variety of match types, including singles, tag team, and battle royals.
Key Features:
- Large roster of WCW and nWo wrestlers
- Fast-paced gameplay with a variety of moves and maneuvers
- Variety of match types, including singles, tag team, and battle royals
- Authentic WCW commentary and sound effects
3. WWF No Mercy
At number 3 is "WWF No Mercy," a game that many consider one of the best wrestling titles of all time. Developed by AKI Corporation and published by THQ, this game was released in 2000 and featured a massive roster of WWF superstars, including Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and Triple H.
The gameplay was fast-paced and action-packed, with a variety of moves and maneuvers at your disposal. The game also featured a robust create-a-wrestler mode, allowing players to create their own WWF superstar from scratch.
Key Features:
- Large roster of WWF superstars
- Fast-paced gameplay with a variety of moves and maneuvers
- Robust create-a-wrestler mode
- Authentic WWF commentary and sound effects
2. WCW/nWo Thunder
Coming in at number 2 is "WCW/nWo Thunder," a game developed by Inland Productions and published by THQ. Released in 1998, this game was a unique entry in the N64 wrestling library, featuring a 3D gameplay engine and a variety of match types.
The gameplay was fast-paced and action-packed, with a focus on technical grappling and strategy. The game also featured a robust create-a-wrestler mode, allowing players to create their own WCW superstar from scratch.
Key Features:
- 3D gameplay engine
- Variety of match types, including singles, tag team, and battle royals
- Robust create-a-wrestler mode
- Authentic WCW commentary and sound effects
1. WWF WrestleMania 2000's Rival: WWF Attitude
And finally, at number 1 is "WWF Attitude," a game developed by Iguana Entertainment and published by Acclaim. Released in 1999, this game was a rival to "WWF WrestleMania 2000," featuring a similar gameplay engine and a large roster of WWF superstars.
The gameplay was fast-paced and action-packed, with a focus on technical grappling and strategy. The game also featured a robust create-a-wrestler mode, allowing players to create their own WWF superstar from scratch.
Key Features:
- Large roster of WWF superstars
- Fast-paced gameplay with a variety of moves and maneuvers
- Robust create-a-wrestler mode
- Authentic WWF commentary and sound effects
What is the best N64 wrestling game of all time?
+According to our countdown, the best N64 wrestling game of all time is WWF Attitude.
What are some notable features of N64 wrestling games?
+N64 wrestling games are notable for their fast-paced gameplay, technical grappling, and robust create-a-wrestler modes.
Are N64 wrestling games still worth playing today?
+Absolutely! N64 wrestling games are still a lot of fun to play today, with many offering a unique blend of action, strategy, and showmanship.
There you have it - our top 5 N64 wrestling games of all time. Whether you're a fan of the WWF, WCW, or ECW, there's something on this list for everyone. So, which N64 wrestling game is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! Share this article with your friends and family, and don't forget to follow us for more retro gaming content.