What Was the First Wrestling Video Game?By Coder| August 30, 2023 Wrestling What Was the First Wrestling Video Game? The world of wrestling video games has come a long way since its inception. From simple 2D pixelated graphics to realistic 3D models, these games have captured the hearts of wrestling fans around the world. But have you ever wondered what the first wrestling video game was? Let’s take a nostalgic trip back in time to discover where it all began. The Origins: Tag Team Wrestling (1983) The honor of being the first-ever wrestling video game goes to Tag Team Wrestling, released in 1983 by Technōs Japan Corporation. This arcade game allowed players to control a tag team of wrestlers as they battled against various opponents. With its colorful graphics and simple controls, Tag Team Wrestling laid the foundation for future titles in the genre. The Rise: Pro Wrestling (1986) Following the success of Tag Team Wrestling, Pro Wrestling arrived on the scene in 1986. Developed by Nintendo for their NES console, this game introduced many innovative features that would become staples in later wrestling games. Players could choose from a roster of unique wrestlers, each with their own special moves and abilities. Pro Wrestling also featured an exciting multiplayer mode that allowed friends to go head-to-head in epic battles. A New Era: WWF WrestleMania (1989) The late 80s saw a surge of popularity for professional wrestling, and it was only fitting that a game based on one of the biggest promotions at the time would make waves. Enter WWF WrestleMania, released in 1989 for various platforms including Nintendo’s NES and Sega’s Master System. WWF WrestleMania was a game-changer in many ways. It featured digitized representations of real wrestlers, bringing a level of realism never seen before. The game also introduced special moves and signature finishers, allowing players to recreate their favorite wrestling moments. With its iconic roster and memorable gameplay, WWF WrestleMania set the standard for future wrestling games. The Golden Age: WWF No Mercy (2000) Fast forward to the turn of the millennium, and we find ourselves in the golden age of wrestling video games. Among the many titles released during this period, WWF No Mercy stands out as a fan-favorite. Developed by AKI Corporation for the Nintendo 64 console, this game took everything that worked in previous titles and elevated it to new heights. WWF No Mercy featured an extensive roster of wrestlers, an immersive single-player campaign mode, and a robust create-a-wrestler feature that allowed players to design their own unique characters. The game’s deep gameplay mechanics and smooth controls made it a must-have for any wrestling fan. The Modern Era: WWE 2K Series Today, we find ourselves in the modern era of wrestling video games with the WWE 2K series. Developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports, these games offer stunning graphics, realistic animations, and an unparalleled level of detail. With each new installment, WWE 2K strives to deliver an authentic wrestling experience that captures the excitement of watching it live. From its humble beginnings with Tag Team Wrestling to the blockbuster releases of today’s WWE 2K series, wrestling video games have evolved significantly over the years. They have become more than just interactive entertainment; they have become a way for fans to immerse themselves in the world of professional wrestling. So the next time you pick up a controller and step into the virtual squared circle, remember the pioneers who paved the way for this beloved genre.
