{"id":69872,"date":"2020-07-05T12:03:45","date_gmt":"2020-07-05T16:03:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprowrestling.com\/?p=69872"},"modified":"2020-07-05T12:03:45","modified_gmt":"2020-07-05T16:03:45","slug":"revisiting-wrestling-video-games-ps2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2020\/07\/05\/revisiting-wrestling-video-games-ps2\/","title":{"rendered":"Revisiting Wrestling Video Games (PS2)"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this continued look at wrestling video games throughout history, a massive leap forward will be taken with the sixth generation. Developers were slowly but surely wrapping their minds around 3D graphics. The blocky, rigid models of old became smoother. Low-resolution textures became more refined. During this generation, consoles brought equal parts enhancements and innovations. Simply put, this was where 3D gaming started to become more sophisticated and the Sony PlayStation 2 was a prime example.<\/p>\n

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

PlayStation 2<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Released in 2000, the Sony PlayStation 2 was a follow-up to the company’s previous effort. The original PlayStation was a landmark console, without question, but this newer platform brought with it multiple new additions. First, the PS2 was backwards compatible, meaning that any old PS1 games and DualShock controllers could be used. Second, in addition to audio discs, the PS2 could play DVDs. Keep in mind that this was before services such as Netflix and Hulu became standard. At this time, DVDs were.<\/p>\n

No gaming console is complete without software, however, and the PlayStation 2 plenty. \u201cGrand Theft Auto\u201d titles such as \u201cVice City\u201d and \u201cSan Andreas\u201d were landmark titles on the platform. The \u201cMetal Gear Solid\u201d franchise continued on the PS2 as well; \u201cSons of Liberty\u201d and \u201cSnake Eater\u201d were incredibly popular in their own respects. These were just a few examples of well-regarded PS2 titles, but much like with prior consoles, there was no shortage of wrestling video games. Here are some of the most memorable wrestling games on the PS2.<\/p>\n

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

WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Following the final entry in the \u201cWWE SmackDown\u201d series \u2013 we will get to this later \u2013 THQ decided to move in a different direction. Thus, the \u201cSmackDown vs. RAW\u201d series was born. Bringing over the same style of gameplay, the series in question offered a number of new additions, such as unique creation options and game modes. When it comes to entries in this series on the PS2, it can be argued that \u201cWWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007\u201d was the best of them all.<\/p>\n

Released in November of 2006, and developed by Yuke’s, \u201cWWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007\u201d maintained the same gameplay. However, it was the litany of changes that helped make this a popular entry during that year’s holiday season and beyond. Perhaps the most noticeable was the new analog control system, which allowed players a greater degree of movement. Instead of players being limited to set directions, they had more freedom to move. This made actions such as fighting within the crowd that much more engaging.<\/p>\n

Though \u201cWWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007\u201d is best played with others, there were enough single player offerings as well. General Manager Mode put players in the proverbial driver’s seat. Additionally, the game featured an extensive Season Mode. Throw in a host of unlockables, which kept players around for longer, and it’s easy to see why this game became so fondly remembered by fans. Without question, this is one of the wrestling video games worth revisiting or experiencing for the first time.<\/p>\n

\"Def
Photo \/ Electronic Arts<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Def Jam: Fight for NY<\/strong><\/h3>\n

World Wrestling Entertainment wasn’t the only company that had a presence in the sixth generation of consoles. Enter the \u201cDef Jam\u201d series, which was designed to bring stars from the hip hop world together in combat. Method Man, Ice-T, and Snoop Dogg<\/a> were just a few stars that crossed over into this series. It began with \u201cDef Jam Vendetta,\u201d which saw a 2003 release, but it was its direct followup that proved to be the more complete experience. Though it saw a release on the Nintendo GameCube and Microsoft Xbox, \u201cDef Jam: Fight for NY\u201d felt most at home on Sony’s platform.<\/p>\n

If the core gameplay of \u201cDef Jam: Fight for NY\u201d feels familiar, it’s because it should. Released in 2004 in North America and Europe, \u201cDef Jam: Fight for NY\u201d was developed by AKI, the company associated with the host of Nintendo 64 wrestling video games we covered in a previous piece. In other words, the gameplay feels fresh but familiar as well. However, different combat styles such as streetfighting and wrestling help to keep the various fighters varied.<\/p>\n

\u201cDef Jam: Fight for NY\u201d utilized its crowd better than other wrestling games up until this point, too. Case and point, when people are surrounding the fighters, they will push said fighters back if they’re too close. Furthermore, they may get physically involved by providing weapons. This may be a wrestling-focused title, but at its core, it’s a fighting game with ample grit. For those that may not be into the simulation-based gameplay of the mainline WWE games, give the \u201cDef Jam\u201d series a shot.<\/p>\n

\"Fire
Photo \/ Spike<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fire Pro Wrestling Returns<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Staying on the subject of non-WWE wrestling video games, enter \u201cFire Pro Wrestling Returns.\u201d While this series saw its official domestic debut on the Game Boy Advance, Spike and Agetec weren’t content to leave the series there. Released in 2005 in Japan and 2007 in North America, \u201cFire Pro Wrestling Returns\u201d hit the PS2. It went on to become arguably the most unique wrestling game on the platform and one can make this distinction by its presentation.<\/p>\n

Though the PS2 was capable of smooth 3D graphics, \u201cFire Pro Wrestling Returns\u201d opted for sprite-based graphics; this would become the standard for the series moving forward. Despite what many believed to be an archaic presentation at the time, it got things right with its timing-based gameplay, another \u201cFire Pro Wrestling\u201d mainstay. Players had to be strategic with moves to use, from the opening bell to the final pin. Button-mashing players would be in for a world of trouble.<\/p>\n

\u201cFire Pro Wrestling Returns\u201d didn’t skimp out on content, either. In addition to over 300 wrestlers from the get-go, the game allowed players to customize their own fighters. Even today, the depth is impressive. It also included various modes, including Matchmaker, where players would book shows to receive the best score. \u201cFire Pro Wrestling Returns\u201d is home to several fan modifications, too. Take a look online to see just how devoted this fan community is to offer the most up-to-date rosters.<\/p>\n