The Best PS2 Wrestling Games: Bringing the Smackdown to Your Console 🎮🥊
The PlayStation 2 boasts some of the best wrestling games in history, surpassing just WWE titles.
Top Wrestling Games on the PS2
During the late 90s and early 2000s, the Monday Night Wars between the WWE and WCW took wrestling entertainment to a new level of mainstream popularity. With two big brand wrestling promotions, gamers were spoiled for choice with WCW and WWE games.
There were the AKI-developed wrestling games that covered both WCW and WWE, and then there was the rise of the Smackdown! series on the PlayStation to take up the mantle for the WWE wrestling franchise going forward.
Unfortunately, with the collapse of WCW, WWE started to dominate the wrestling games market too, leading to a degree of complacency. This meant that the PS2-owning wrestling fans arguably didn’t have the same level of quality that the N64 and PS1 enjoyed in their prime, but the console was still home to some great titles. Here are the best PS2 wrestling games.
🌟 11. Galactic Wrestling: Featuring Ultimate Muscle 🌟
Metascore: 61
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Released in 2003, Galactic Wrestling: Featuring Ultimate Muscle is an over-the-top wrestling title from the same studio that created WWF No Mercy and the Def Jam series. Being based on the Ultimate Muscle anime series, the characters have special moves and superpowers.
It doesn’t come close to No Mercy or Def Jam, but with one of the most robust fighting systems under the hood, Galatic Wrestling is still a solid title. However, it’s hard to shake the feeling that AKI’s talents would have been put to better use in a proper wrestling game.
🌟 10. Rumble Roses 🌟
Metascore: 66
Developed by the same studio that created the WWE Smackdown series, Rumble Roses is an all-female wrestling game using the same engine as the much loved Smackdown Here Comes the Pain. This means that it’s using one of the most popular engines in wrestling game history and offers a good alternative to fans tired of the WWE brand.
Mechanically, the game performs very well and is one of the better-looking PS2 titles. However, its themes which put it more in line with the Dead or Alive series complete with jiggle physics and ridiculous costumes will certainly frustrate some players. If one can look past that, then Rumble Roses remains a solid wrestling title offering something different from the WWE wrestling games on the PS2 system.
🌟 9. WWE All Stars 🌟
Metascore: 70 (PSP)
Released in 2011, WWE All Stars was a scaled-down port of the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions. Despite lacking some features found in the more powerful consoles, the PS2 version of All Stars fared very well in the visuals department and was nearly comparable to the Wii version.
It may not have the online element of the more powerful consoles, but WWE All Stars offers a nostalgic beat-’em-up experience with characters that resemble WWE action figures from the 1990s. It’s a trip down memory lane for fans craving the classic era of wrestling.
🌟 8. WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2007 🌟
Metascore: 80
Released in 2006, WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2007 introduced a new control method that implemented the analog stick for grappling instead of the face buttons. It had a more natural flow to the gameplay compared to previous titles, making it stand out among the PS2 wrestling games.
The game’s biggest feature was the General Manager mode, which allowed players to take on the role of an authority figure in the WWE and compete against the opposing brand. It offered a deep and immersive management simulation experience, setting it apart from other wrestling games on the PS2 platform. The General Manager mode is still a highly requested feature that fans want to see make a return in the WWE 2K series.
🌟 7. Def Jam Vendetta 🌟
Metascore: 80
Developed by the same team behind the popular Nintendo 64 wrestling games, Def Jam Vendetta featured famous hip-hop artists under the Def Jam label like DMX, Method Man, Ludacris, and more. It combined the world of wrestling with the style of hip-hop.
Despite the slightly ridiculous notion of street-fighting rap stars, the game offered excellent wrestling and grappling gameplay similar to AKI’s licensed titles, with added brutality. The gameplay was addictive, and the story mode was a cut above the average for fighting games at the time. Def Jam Vendetta provided a unique and entertaining experience for wrestling game enthusiasts.
🌟 6. WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 🌟
Metascore: 78 (Wii)
Released in 2009, WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 was among the last wrestling games for the PS2. Although not the best way to experience this entry, the PS2 version still offered a fun wrestling simulation with a decent single-player experience.
While the version lacked some features found in more powerful consoles, such as Create a Finisher and Superstar Threads, the Story Designer mode remained intact. It allowed players to create their own WWE storylines and feuds, adding depth to the game’s experience.
Conclusion 🎯🏆
While the PS2 may not have reached the same level of quality as its predecessors, it still had some incredible wrestling games. From Galactic Wrestling: Featuring Ultimate Muscle to WWE SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain, these titles provided hours of entertainment and nostalgia.
Whether you’re a fan of over-the-top wrestling, all-female matchups, or the WWE brand, the PS2 had something for everyone. So dust off your console, grab a controller, and get ready to bring the smackdown!
Q&A – Where Champion Gamers Get Their Answers! 💬❓
Q: Are there any other classic wrestling games available on PS2? A: Absolutely! One classic wrestling game you can’t miss is WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth, which offers a fantastic gaming experience with a great story mode. It’s definitely worth checking out for any wrestling fan.
Q: Can you play online multiplayer in PS2 wrestling games? A: Unfortunately, online multiplayer wasn’t available for most PS2 wrestling games. The online capabilities were more limited during that era, so the focus was primarily on offline gameplay and multiplayer with friends.
Q: Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known PS2 wrestling games worth exploring? A: If you’re looking for something different, you might enjoy TNA Impact!, a game featuring the talent of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. It provides an alternative to the WWE brand and offers a unique experience for wrestling game enthusiasts.
Q: Do the PS2 wrestling games still hold up today graphically? A: While the graphics may not compare to modern games, the visual style and attention to detail in these PS2 wrestling games are still impressive. They offer a nostalgic charm that adds to the overall gameplay experience.
Q: Can you create your own wrestler in any of these PS2 wrestling games? A: Yes, many of the PS2 wrestling games allow you to create your own custom wrestler. You can customize their appearance, moveset, entrance, and even their storylines in some games. It’s a fun feature that adds a personal touch to the game.
References
- WWE 2K24: Bringing Back Classic Promotion in MyGM Mode
- Best Wrestling Games: Ranking Top Titles Based On Gameplay Features
