As we eagerly await the next set of wrestling games, allow Smackdown5.com to take you back to where it all started. Back in the 1980's, control pads only had 2 buttons, videogames only had a few colours, and wrestlers shared a handful of moves. Here we will take a look at all the titles that paved the way for games of today, starting with those on the NES. Enjoy...
WWF Wrestlemania: Nintendo Entertainment System
WWF Wrestlemania was released on the Nintendo Entertainment system by Acclaim in 1988. The game featured both single matches and a tournament mode consisting of 5 timed matches. Up to 6 friends could also take part, and the winner of the most matches would win the WWF title.
Six superstars were on offer, including Hulk Hogan, Macho Man Randy Savage, Andre The Giant, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Bam Bam Bigalow, Million Doller Man Ted Dibiase, The Honky Tonk Man
Six superstars were on offer, including Hulk Hogan, Macho Man Randy Savage, Andre The Giant, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Bam Bam Bigalow, Million Doller Man Ted Dibiase, The Honky Tonk Man
WWF Wrestlemania Challenge: Nintendo Entertainment System
WWF Wrestlemania Challenge was released in 1991 by LJN Ltd and introduced modes such as Tag Team and a 3 vs. 3 Survivor Series elimination match. Also included was an 8-man tournament for the WWF title, and a 4-team tourament for the Tag Team titles.
Superstars included The Big Boss Man, Brutus The Barber Beefcake, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Andre The Giant, Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, Ravishing Rick Rude, Macho King Randy Savage, and a generic character called 'Yourself.
Superstars included The Big Boss Man, Brutus The Barber Beefcake, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Andre The Giant, Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, Ravishing Rick Rude, Macho King Randy Savage, and a generic character called 'Yourself.
WWF Wrestlemania: Steel Cage Challenge: Nintendo Entertainment System
Steel Cage Challenge was released in
1992 by LJN Ltd. The game featured a WWF Championship mode which included 3 Steel Cage matches. Also included were single and Tag Team matches, plus a Tag Team Tournament.
Wrestlers included The Mountie, The Million-Dollar Man Ted DiBiase, Irwin R. Schyster, Bret Hitman Hart, Sid Justice, Macho Man Randy Savage, Rowdy Roddy Piper, The Undertaker, Jake The Snake Roberts and Hulk Hogan.
1992 by LJN Ltd. The game featured a WWF Championship mode which included 3 Steel Cage matches. Also included were single and Tag Team matches, plus a Tag Team Tournament.
Wrestlers included The Mountie, The Million-Dollar Man Ted DiBiase, Irwin R. Schyster, Bret Hitman Hart, Sid Justice, Macho Man Randy Savage, Rowdy Roddy Piper, The Undertaker, Jake The Snake Roberts and Hulk Hogan.
WWF King of the Ring: Nintendo Entertainment System
WWf king of the Ring was released in
1993 by LJN Ltd. The game featured a WWF Championship mode which included 3 Steel Cage matches. Also included were single and Tag Team matches, plus a Tag Team Tournament.
Wrestlers included Bret The Hitman Hart, The Narcissist Lex Luger, Shawn Michaels, Mr. Perfect, Razor Ramon, Macho Man Randy Savage, Yokozuna, Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, Bam Bam Bigelow and a generic wrestler called You.
As you can tell, images are very rare!
1993 by LJN Ltd. The game featured a WWF Championship mode which included 3 Steel Cage matches. Also included were single and Tag Team matches, plus a Tag Team Tournament.
Wrestlers included Bret The Hitman Hart, The Narcissist Lex Luger, Shawn Michaels, Mr. Perfect, Razor Ramon, Macho Man Randy Savage, Yokozuna, Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, Bam Bam Bigelow and a generic wrestler called You.
As you can tell, images are very rare!
Super Wrestlemania: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Super Wrestlemania was the first WWF game for the Super Nintendo. It was released in 1992 by LJN Ltd and match types included Single, Tag Team, and 4 vs. 4 Survivor Series.
Despite being in previous NES games, Super Wrestlemania didn't feature character specific moves or finishers.
Superstars included Macho Man Randy Savage, Jake The Snake Roberts, The Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, Hawk, Animal, Earthquake, Typhoon, The Million Doller Man Ted Dibiase and Sid Justice.
Despite being in previous NES games, Super Wrestlemania didn't feature character specific moves or finishers.
Superstars included Macho Man Randy Savage, Jake The Snake Roberts, The Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, Hawk, Animal, Earthquake, Typhoon, The Million Doller Man Ted Dibiase and Sid Justice.
Super Royal Rumble: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Royal Rumble was released in 1993 by LJN Ltd and was the first to introduce the Royal Rumble match, which allowed up to 6 people in the ring at one time. Other matches included the usual single and Tag team offerings.
Wrestlers included Bret Hart, Crush, Mr Perfect, Razor Ramon, Randy Savage, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, Tatanka, Ric Flair, Yokozuna, Ted Dibiase, and Lex Luger.
Conclusion
I hope you have all enjoyed our look at some of the first WWF Games. I look forwards to hearing your comments on the article, and welcome any suggestions for future articles.
Stay tuned for future Smackdown5.com exclusive features!
Take care, Mark (Webmaster)
Stay tuned for future Smackdown5.com exclusive features!
Take care, Mark (Webmaster)
