The Gamecube era was a special time for WWE games, with a series of titles that still hold up today as some of the best in the franchise. For wrestling fans who grew up during this period, the WWE games on Gamecube were more than just a way to pass the time - they were a way to live out fantasies of becoming a WWE champion. In this article, we'll count down the top 5 WWE Gamecube games that are still worth playing today.
WWE Games on Gamecube: A Golden Era
The Gamecube was a console that brought us some of the most iconic WWE games of all time. With their unique blend of wrestling action, storytelling, and humor, these games captured the hearts of fans around the world. From the early days of WrestleMania XIX to the later releases like WWE Day of Reckoning 2, the WWE games on Gamecube were a staple of many gamers' collections.
The Importance of WWE Games on Gamecube
So, why are WWE games on Gamecube still so beloved today? For one, they represented a time when wrestling games were at the height of their popularity. The late 90s and early 2000s were a golden era for professional wrestling, with the WWE's Attitude Era and WCW's Monday Nitro captivating audiences around the world. The games on Gamecube were a way for fans to experience this excitement firsthand, with games that accurately captured the spirit of the WWE.
5. WWE WrestleMania XIX
Kicking off our list is WWE WrestleMania XIX, a game that set the stage for future WWE titles on Gamecube. Released in 2003, WrestleMania XIX was developed by Yuke's and published by THQ. The game featured a robust roster of WWE superstars, including The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Triple H. With its improved gameplay mechanics and authentic WWE experience, WrestleMania XIX was a must-have for fans of the franchise.
Gameplay and Features
WrestleMania XIX introduced several new features to the series, including a "Match" mode that allowed players to compete in a variety of matches, from singles bouts to tag team matches. The game also included a "Season" mode, where players could guide their favorite WWE superstar through a series of matches and storylines. With its improved gameplay mechanics and new features, WrestleMania XIX was a significant step forward for the series.
4. WWE Day of Reckoning
Next up is WWE Day of Reckoning, a game that built upon the success of WrestleMania XIX. Released in 2004, Day of Reckoning was also developed by Yuke's and published by THQ. The game featured a revamped gameplay engine, new match types, and an expanded roster of WWE superstars.
Storyline and Characters
One of the standout features of Day of Reckoning was its storyline, which allowed players to guide their favorite WWE superstar through a series of matches and storylines. The game also included a robust roster of WWE superstars, including new additions like Randy Orton and Evolution. With its improved gameplay mechanics and new features, Day of Reckoning was a significant improvement over its predecessor.
3. WWE WrestleMania XX
Coming in at number three is WWE WrestleMania XX, a game that celebrated the 20th anniversary of WrestleMania. Released in 2004, WrestleMania XX was developed by Yuke's and published by THQ. The game featured a robust roster of WWE superstars, including new additions like The Undertaker and JBL.
Gameplay and Features
WrestleMania XX introduced several new features to the series, including a "WrestleMania Tour" mode that allowed players to compete in a series of matches and storylines. The game also included a revamped gameplay engine, new match types, and an expanded roster of WWE superstars. With its improved gameplay mechanics and new features, WrestleMania XX was a must-have for fans of the franchise.
2. WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw
The runner-up on our list is WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw, a game that combined the best of the SmackDown! and Raw series. Released in 2004, SmackDown! vs. Raw was developed by Yuke's and published by THQ. The game featured a robust roster of WWE superstars, including new additions like Batista and Rob Van Dam.
Gameplay and Features
SmackDown! vs. Raw introduced several new features to the series, including a "Season" mode that allowed players to guide their favorite WWE superstar through a series of matches and storylines. The game also included a revamped gameplay engine, new match types, and an expanded roster of WWE superstars. With its improved gameplay mechanics and new features, SmackDown! vs. Raw was a significant improvement over its predecessors.
1. WWE Day of Reckoning 2
And finally, the number one WWE Gamecube game is WWE Day of Reckoning 2. Released in 2005, Day of Reckoning 2 was developed by Yuke's and published by THQ. The game featured a robust roster of WWE superstars, including new additions like John Cena and The Undertaker.
Gameplay and Features
Day of Reckoning 2 introduced several new features to the series, including a "WWE 24/7" mode that allowed players to compete in a series of matches and storylines. The game also included a revamped gameplay engine, new match types, and an expanded roster of WWE superstars. With its improved gameplay mechanics and new features, Day of Reckoning 2 was the perfect way to cap off the WWE Gamecube series.
We hope you enjoyed our countdown of the top 5 WWE Gamecube games. Whether you're a fan of wrestling games or just looking for a fun way to pass the time, these games are sure to provide hours of entertainment. So, which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
What is the best WWE Gamecube game?
+According to our countdown, the best WWE Gamecube game is WWE Day of Reckoning 2.
Which WWE Gamecube game has the best storyline?
+WWE Day of Reckoning 2 has one of the best storylines in the WWE Gamecube series.
Can I still play WWE Gamecube games today?
+Yes, you can still play WWE Gamecube games today using a Gamecube console or an emulator.