When it comes to sports video games, theWWEgames have always fit in a peculiar space between simulation and arcade experience. It speaks to the nature of the company’s productions, as eachWWEshow combines elements of incredible athleticism with sometimes overh-the-top showmanship. Considering how manyWWEgames have been produced over the years, there’s usually a pretty good balance of entertainment and authenticity that keeps fans coming back whenever a new game releases.
Like many long-running series however, not everyWWEgame has been created equally. There have been some standout releases over the years that have cemented themselves asthe definitive wrestling video game experiences. But on the other side of things, there have been someWWEgames in the past that have left many players wondering what went wrong. If there’s one thing that a lot of fans know, it’s that the WWE has had some high and low points, and the games are no exception to this.
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F Tier
Games that fall into this tier are nearly unplayable, often being cursed with game-breaking glitches that make playing the game a truly miserable experience, or simply deliver an all-around subpar experience. One such game that fits this description perfectly isthe glitchyWWE2K20,which launched with a slew of issues that made enjoying a match nearly impossible.
D Tier
While some WWE games are considered truly terrible by fans, there are some that can be a little divisive. These games aren’t necessarily bad, but they certainly aren’t good either.WWE 2K18is one of the best examplesof this, as the MyCareer and Universe modes in that game were largely uninteresting. Considering how bombastic the weekly WWE shows are, if one of the games comes off as boring, then it has gone off track.
C Tier
There are times in the video game industry when a series stagnates and a brand new release seems like a carbon copy of what came out one or two years prior. It’s an unfortunate side effect of the rigorous development schedules that games are put under, andWWEgames have fallen victim to this on more than one occasion.WWE2K19, although decent, illustrated this when it released with very little variation from the previous year’s game.
B Tier
These games do a lot of things well, showing howWWEgames have the potential to give players the chance to put themselves in the boots of their favorite wrestlers. There are some minor missteps present, but it’s usually nothing game-breaking.WWE 2K17fits this rolefairly well, as it was a good game overall, but some small mistakes keep it from ranking higher.
A Tier
Games in this tier provide some of the best wrestling video game experiences, combining expansive rosters with excellent gameplay. These entries succeed in actually making players feel like they’re embodying their favorite wrestlers. They also have a healthy supply of arcade fun in their games, likethe over the topWWE All Stars.
S Tier
The best of the best when it comes toWWEgames are triumphs in combining the sensationalism of the shows with the realistic athleticism of the company’s wrestlers. These games are free from really any major flaws, and at their core, they’re just fun to get lost in. One of the quintessentialWWEgames would have to beWWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain, which is still regarded as one ofthe best wrestling gamesby a lot of fans.
WWEgames have become a pivotal part of the video game landscape, and they show no sign of disappearing anytime soon. They allow players to live out their dreams of being a WWE Superstar without risking serious injury, and they give players a chance to suplex their friends without breaking any furniture. Withspeculation onWWE 2K22starting to take shape, it’ll be interesting to see how wrestling will fit into the next generation of gaming.
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