Wrestling fans have plenty to look forward to when SmackDown rolls around in January. And if you’re in the mood for a bit of action before then, there are some cracking wrestling games worth digging out. Some are old-school classics, others take a slightly different approach, and a few bring wrestling into the world of online slots. There’s plenty to choose from, whether you fancy getting stuck into a proper match or just want something a little different.
Old-School Wrestling Games Still Worth Playing
Let’s start with WWF No Mercy on the Nintendo 64, released way back in 2000, and still regarded by plenty of fans as one of the best wrestling games ever made. The grappling system is easy enough to pick up but takes time to master. Reversals, holds and finishers all play their part, so you can’t just hammer buttons and expect to win every time. There’s also a big roster, championship modes and the chance to create your own wrestler. Not bad for a game that’s more than 25 years old.
Then there’s WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain. You get a decent selection of superstars, plenty of match types and fast-paced action.
Fire Pro Wrestling D is another one for anyone who enjoys getting into the finer details of a match. Released for the Dreamcast, it never received a proper North American release, but that hasn’t stopped it building a following. The controls are tight, the grappling mechanics are excellent, and the roster is huge.
Wrestling Meets Online Slots
Of course, not every wrestling-themed game involves climbing into the ring yourself. If you’d rather try an online slots game to make you feel part of the wrestling action, Lucha Maniacs from Yggdrasil Gaming is worth a look. There’s 20 paylines crossing five reels, with masked wrestlers. The whole thing draws on the larger-than-life characters and costumes associated with Mexican wrestling so it’s pretty colorful stuff . El Jackpotto takes a similar route, with Mexican wrestling imagery and bonus features built around its theme.
Neither game is a replacement for a proper wrestling video game, of course. They’re simply another option for fans who enjoy seeing wrestling culture turn up in different places.
A Few More to Try
Super Sumo from Fantasma Games brings a bit of weight by throwing sumo wrestling into the mix, with five wrestler symbols, sticky wilds, scatters and respins. It’s a slightly different take on the theme, although it still has the familiar reels and bonus features you’d expect from a slot.
For something with a bit of comedy thrown in, Nacho Libre draws on the cult film about a wrestling priest. Its five reels, free spins and bonus round give it a different flavor from the more traditional wrestling-themed games.
So, before January’s SmackDown show arrives, why not revisit a classic like WWF No Mercy or Here Comes the Pain, and if you’re after something different, there are wrestling-themed slots to explore as well. Just pick the sort of action you fancy and enjoy the build-up to the show.