{"id":69029,"date":"2020-06-14T12:02:44","date_gmt":"2020-06-14T16:02:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprowrestling.com\/?p=69029"},"modified":"2020-06-14T12:03:28","modified_gmt":"2020-06-14T16:03:28","slug":"revisiting-wrestling-video-games-ps1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2020\/06\/14\/revisiting-wrestling-video-games-ps1\/","title":{"rendered":"Revisiting Wrestling Video Games (PS1)"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this series chronicling wrestling video games throughout history, it’s time to leap into the fifth generation of consoles. The original Sony PlayStation, or PS1, was one of the first giant steps made in the realm of 3D gaming. Before this, most games took place with two-dimensional depth in mind. This, along with another console that will be covered in a future console, helped to bridge the gap between what was old and would be considered new.<\/p>\n

The PS1 was incredibly successful and won the aforementioned fifth console generation. It was easy to see why, as it not only featured memory card support and multimedia features but a vast library of games. In fact, many gamers consider Sony’s first outing in the console market to have the most impressive library. Amidst the sea of original PlayStation titles existed a number of wrestling video games. Here, we will take a deep dive into some of the best and most memorable wrestling games the PS1 had to offer.<\/p>\n

\"PlayStation
Photo \/ Sony<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

PlayStation<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Also known as the PS1 or PSX, the PlayStation<\/a> came to life in an interesting way. In the 90s, Sony was approached by Nintendo with a proposition to develop a CD add-on. This would be used to enhance the capabilities of the Super Famicom, the Japanese name for the Super Nintendo. Difficulties arose during the development process. Before the CD add-on in question could be completed in its intended form, the working relationship between Sony and Nintendo ended.<\/p>\n

This work didn’t go to waste, however. Utilizing the knowledge they learned, Sony went to work developing their own platform. The result was the PlayStation, which was released in Japan in 1994 and other regions in 1995. As stated earlier, the PlayStation boasted a strong library, with genres ranging from platformers to racing games to RPGs being well represented. Classic PS1 titles included \u201cCastlevania: Symphony of the Night,\u201d \u201cMetal Gear Solid,\u201d and the \u201cCrash Bandicoot\u201d and \u201cSpyro the Dragon\u201d series. and When it came to wrestling video games, fans weren’t starved for content. Consider these titles if you’re planning to revisit old classics or experience titles for the first time.<\/p>\n

\"Power
Photo \/ Yuke’s<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Power Move Pro Wrestling<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Released in Japan in 1995 and North America and Europe in 1996, \u201cPower Move Pro Wrestling\u201d by Yuke’s is the most unassuming game on this list. Compared to other entries, this doesn’t have the most recognizable roster or branding. It also saw the fewest sales during its lifetime. However, compared to other wrestling video games that released on the original PlayStation, \u201cPower Move Pro Wrestling\u201d is one of the better entries to give a spin.<\/p>\n

As the first wrestling game to release on the PS1, \u201cPower Move Pro Wrestling\u201d made a solid impression. Featuring a familiar grappling system and a series of strikes, this title incorporated elements that wouldn’t be out of place in future branded wrestling games. In fact, it was the gameplay that kept players invested. The original roster featured no real-life wrestlers and arena choices were limited. Despite its bare-bones presentation, \u201cPower Move Pro Wrestling\u201d got it right from a mechanical standpoint.<\/p>\n

It’s interesting to note that some of the developers of \u201cPower Move Pro Wrestling\u201d would eventually work on future wrestling titles such as the \u201cSmackDown\u201d series. Until then, this was the wrestling game that fans would have to satiate their appetite with until more recognizable classics hit the scene. In hindsight, given how some titles have aged better than others, \u201cPower Move Pro Wrestling\u201d deserves a revisit or a first-time playthrough.<\/p>\n

\"WWF
Photo \/ World Wrestling Entertainment<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

WWF Attitude<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Released in North America and Europe in 1999, \u201cWWF Attitude\u201d was developed and published by Acclaim. When it comes to wrestling video games on the PS1, this is a title that sticks out. It was so popular that it not only received Nintendo 64 and Sega Dreamcast ports but a reimagined version on the Game Boy Color. It was the PS1 version of \u201cWWF Attitude\u201d that became arguably the most memorable. Quirks and all, it is a classic in its own right.<\/p>\n

As the sequel to the \u201cWWF War Zone,\u201d which released the year prior, \u201cWWF Attitude\u201d retained most of the gameplay elements from its predecessor. During gameplay, wrestlers delivered moves to one another, the goal being to reduce their life meters. The lower one’s meter became, the closer they were to defeat. \u201cWWF Attitude\u201d also featured a Career Mode, which would become the standard for wrestling video games moving forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cWWF Attitude\u201d showcased other elements that would become commonplace in future wrestling games, including new match types and a more robust creation mode. Its gameplay, especially compared to its contemporaries and successors, played awkwardly, with moves feeling stunted. It’s also worth noting that \u201cWWF Attitude\u201d marked the final time the World Wrestling Federation worked with Acclaim. If nothing else, this game an interesting piece of trivia.<\/p>\n

\"WCW
Photo \/ THQ<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

WCW vs. The World<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As the sole World Championship Wrestling game on this list, the THQ-developed \u201cWCW vs. The World\u201d was released in Japan in 1996 before making its way to North America and Europe in 1997. WCW released several wrestling video games on the PS1. These included \u201cWCW\/nWo Thunder<\/em><\/strong>,\u201d \u201cWCW Mayhem<\/em><\/strong>,\u201d and \u201cWCW Backstage Assault.\u201d However, it was \u201cWCW vs. The World\u201d that ended up being the title that aged best.<\/p>\n

For fans that played THQ’s outings on the Nintendo 64 \u2013 these will be discussed in time \u2013 \u201cWCW vs. The World\u201d should feel familiar. Its grappling system and an array of strikes should feel familiar to those that have played the aforementioned outings. Furthermore, \u201cWCW vs. The World\u201d featured a roster of over 50 characters, including well-known WCW stars and original characters based on real-life grapplers. For those that have played THQ wrestling games during this era, the latter should come as little surprise.<\/p>\n

While \u201cWCW vs. The World\u201d would set the stage for future wrestling games during the fifth generation of consoles, its ideas are rough around the edges. It feels more difficult than it should be to grapple or pull off strikes. However, \u201cWCW vs. The World\u201d is still one of the better PS1 wrestling video games in retrospect. Give this a go, especially if you fondly remember the WCW outings on the N64.<\/p>\n