As we are now in the generation pitting the PlayStation 5 against the Xbox Series consoles, it’s important to look at how the gaming industry reached this point. The eighth generation of gaming platforms has, for all intents and purposes, reached its end. It has been an interesting landscape, to say the least. In terms of Nintendo, the disappointment of the Wii U was overcome when the Switch took off in popularity. That said, neither Nintendo console boasts a solid line of wrestling video games. This is where we look at the never-ending competition between Microsoft and Sony. Today, we will take a look at the most memorable wrestling titles that hit the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4.
The Xbox One and PlayStation 4
The gaming world is several months into the ninth generation of video game consoles. However, it almost doesn’t feel that way. One may argue that this is due to how extensive the eighth generation was, highlighted by the activity seen on the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The console rivalry between Microsoft and Sony has been intense. Furthermore, the proverbial flames have been stoked largely by fans of either console. Regardless of the console one favored, however, it’s fair to say they had different titles to enjoy, whether exclusive or cross-platform.
To determine which console is more worthwhile, it depends on preference. For example, while both consoles presented cutting-edge graphics, the PS4 enjoyed a bump in resolution, which made games look that much better. However, with its 4K Blu-ray capabilities, the Xbox One was a better option as an all-in-one multimedia station. These were just a few areas where gamers can debate over which system is better. Where this argument will ultimately come to a head is software. In other words, which console had the better games?
It can be argued that the PlayStation 4 had some of the most popular exclusives. From the God of War remake in 2018 to Spider-Man to The Last of Us 2 and beyond, Sony has presented its fans with a variety of titles worth that made the PS4 a worthwhile investment. Microsoft offered its own exclusives, though some were more popular than others. Rare Replay and Halo 5: Guardians were titles that appealed to old-school gaming and first-person shooter enthusiasts, respectively. One area where content was largely shared was the litany of wrestling video games available. Here are the ones that could be considered the most memorable.
WWE 2K18
Though it wasn’t the first WWE 2K game to be released on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 – this distinction would go to WWE 2K15 – it can be argued that 2K18 was among the most memorable. With 2K Sports and Yuke’s back at the helm, WWE 2K18 saw a 2017 release across home consoles, PC, and Android. While standard and deluxe editions made their way to North America, Europe saw a unique WrestleMania edition the year after; the latter offered special trading cards, DLC for the base game, and other perks.
With over 200 WWE Superstars, WWE 2K18 boasted, for the time, the biggest roster in the series. It also featured Kurt Angle, who returned to the company in early 2017, as a pre-order bonus. This marked the Olympic Gold Medalist’s first appearance in a WWE game in over ten years. In addition to a more robust creation suite, WWE 2K18 offered multiple single-player modes. These included Career Mode and, new to the series, Road to Glory, allowing WWE MyPLAYERS to compete against one another online.
From a gameplay perspective, WWE 2K18 doesn’t do much to reinvent the wheel. The gameplay has been refined in certain areas, such as the ability to more seamlessly pull off moves. With that said, the base game has been largely untouched. For those that are long-time fans of the series, this can be seen as a positive. WWE 2K18 was a serviceable title for its time. However, to many gamers, it was topped by its sequel.
WWE 2K19
In 2018, on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC, WWE 2K19 was released by 2K and Yuke’s. Infamously, this would be the final WWE 2K game to be developed by Yuke’s; following this entry, development would fall into the lap of Visual Concepts. WWE 2K19 was hyped by many factors, such as the idea that it would be less of a wrestling simulation and more of a fast-paced experience. This would work to its benefit; for many fans, this was the best WWE game – perhaps wrestling game, in general – of the eighth generation.
WWE 2K19 saw the return of the 2K Showcase Mode; this year, it focused on the WWE career of Daniel Bryan. MyCareer and Road to Glory carried over from previous titles, too. The action felt more frantic than ever, in a positive way, as strikes and reversals were smoother and more satisfying to pull off. New to WWE 2K19, from a gameplay standpoint, was the Payback System. Essentially, players could enter matches with buffs equipped. With these, players activated advantages that improved their speed, unlocked unique abilities, and the like.
To this day, many consider WWE 2K19 to be among the best wrestling video games, even beyond the eighth generation. For proof of this, look no further than the fact that there is still a devoted modding scene for the game. Such positivity cannot be shared in regard to the sequel, WWE 2K20, which has been criticized for everything from its lack of polish to the decreased value compared to previous titles. Without going into further detail, WWE 2K20 is often considered the lowest point in the series’ history, and for good reason.
Fire Pro Wrestling World
For those that aren’t partial to the WWE series of wrestling video games, Spike Chunsoft has players covered. As the first traditional Fire Pro Wrestling game in over a decade, Fire Pro Wrestling World was released on PC in 2017 and PlayStation 4 in 2018. One of the major announcements, prior to release, was FPWW’s licensing with New Japan Pro Wrestling. In addition to the game’s stacked roster of original characters, NJPW stars would be playable. FPWW would also include its own single-player campaign, Fighting Road, featuring stars from the aforementioned promotion.
Fire Pro Wrestling World continued to build on what made the series so popular to begin with. Timing-based grappling, plentiful match options, a broad creation suite – these were just a few of the Fire Pro Wrestling features that made their way into this eighth-generation entry. Speaking of customization, players could upload their creations online for others to download. These included wrestlers, ring designs, and logos for attires. If there is a wrestler that one could play as, it’s safe to assume that it could be found on FPW NET.
Not unlike WWE 2K19, Fire Pro Wrestling World has a devoted audience. These passionate gamers continue to create and upload their results online for others to try. The Fire Pro Wrestling series is beloved by players looking to create their own rosters featuring wrestlers from various organizations. FPWW is no exception, so for those looking for unique, satisfying wrestling video games, this is one to try.
The eighth generation of video game consoles has recently ended, so the most beloved titles on those platforms are still relatively fresh in gamers’ minds. For better or worse, the Xbox One and PS4 saw its share of wrestling video games, WWE-branded or otherwise. What will the ninth generation have in store as the Xbox Series consoles and PS5 share shelf space with the Switch? It will be interesting to see what developers have in store.
Check out past entries from the “Revisiting Wrestling Video Games” series!
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