World Wrestling Entertainment has been through a lot in the past 20 years...so did their video games.

I’ve been watching the World Wrestling Federation (now the WWE) since I was a little toddler. I could remember matches from Andre the Giant vs Hulk Hogan to Triple H vs John Cena. It’s been that long and I am still a huge fan. WWE video games have been around since Nintendo Famicom years. When I look back at these classic wrestling games, you can’t help but notice how much development occurred throughout the last two decades. The game play, graphics, even the wrestlers have changed or evolved. Here is a timeline of every WWF(E) video game that has been made up to 2007:

WWF Wrestlemania for the NES

WWF’s first video game was released in 1988. This game was by far the weirdest. The graphics were 2D, the players looked like munchkins, part of the ring is not shown, and little flickering symbols/items were flying across the ring. The roster, however, was awesome. You were able to play Andre the Giant, Honky Tonk Man, Bam Bam Bigelow, Ted DiBiase, Hulk Hogan, and Macho Man Randy Savage.

WWF Wrestlemania Challenge

Not much of a difference here except that it is now in a high-angle view, energy meters were on the apron and wrestlers were able to throw the opponent outside of the ring.

Superstar series

The first Superstars game is the first WWF arcade game. The second and third were released for Nintendo Game Boy. Superstars had a complete makeover from Wrestlemania. The graphics were improving and the whole ring is shown. New and old wrestlers from the previous games are playable in this one. Music isn’t as bad as before and now a referee is added. Also players can use wrestler’s signature moves. A year after, Wrestlemania Challenge (similar to Superstars) is released for the NES.

Wrestlefest

Another arcade game. Four players are able to play in the ring. The graphics and audio continue to improve. There are now mini cut scenes of superstars and introductions of wrestlers. 1991