What Was WWE First Game?

WWE, short for World Wrestling Entertainment, has a long and illustrious history in the world of professional wrestling. As a global phenomenon, it comes as no surprise that WWE ventured into the realm of video games.

Fans were eager to step into the virtual ring and experience the thrill of being their favorite WWE superstar. But what was WWE’s first game? Let’s dive into the world of pixels and body slams!

The Birth of WWE Video Games

In 1987, LJN Toys Ltd., a prominent toy company at the time, released the first-ever WWE video game titled “WWF WrestleMania” for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This marked the beginning of a new era for both wrestling fans and gaming enthusiasts.

The Gameplay Experience

“WWF WrestleMania” offered players an opportunity to select from six iconic wrestlers: Hulk Hogan, André the Giant, Randy Savage, The Honky Tonk Man, Bam Bam Bigelow, and The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase. Each character had their unique attributes and signature moves.

The game featured two different modes: Single Match and Tag Team Match. In Single Match mode, players could choose their wrestler and face off against another opponent in a one-on-one battle. Tag Team Match mode allowed players to team up with a friend or play against an AI-controlled opponent.

• Single Match Mode: Players could choose between three different arenas – Madison Square Garden, Los Angeles Sports Arena, or Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens. The objective was to defeat the opponent by pinning them for a three-count or making them submit.
• Tag Team Match Mode: Players teamed up with an AI-controlled partner or a friend to take on another tag team in an epic battle for supremacy.

The Graphics and Presentation

Considering the limitations of technology at the time, the graphics were relatively simple. The wrestlers were depicted as two-dimensional sprites with basic animations. However, the developers managed to capture the essence of each wrestler’s appearance and signature moves.

The game also featured a catchy soundtrack that added to the overall excitement. The crowd noise and commentary added a layer of authenticity, making players feel like they were part of a live WWE event.

The Impact and Legacy

“WWF WrestleMania” laid the foundation for future WWE video games. Despite its simplicity, it captured the hearts of wrestling fans around the world. The game’s success led to several sequels and spin-offs, each improving upon its predecessor in terms of gameplay mechanics, graphics, and roster size.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “WWF WrestleMania” for NES holds the distinction of being WWE’s first video game. It provided fans with an exciting opportunity to step into the virtual ring and experience their favorite wrestlers’ glory firsthand. This game paved the way for a long-standing relationship between WWE and gaming, resulting in numerous successful titles over the years.

Whether you’re a wrestling aficionado or a gaming enthusiast, it’s worth acknowledging this groundbreaking title that kickstarted WWE’s journey into the world of video games.