The latest WWE game is bigger and better with a new mode called MyFACTION that allows players to build their own wrestling stables with their choice of WWE superstars. As expected, several recurring features in the WWE 2K banner mark their return along with a special focus on the life and career of WWE legend Rey Mysterio, who also appears on the cover.

With individual backstories available for most of the wrestlers and several DLC packs, the wrestling game promises to deliver enough real-time action to engage both old and new fans to the franchise. Other than the usual WWE games, WWE 2K22 is also bound to impress fans of other wrestling classics like the WCW franchise as well as modern sporting titles in the 2K series.

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WCW vs. nWo: World Tour (1997)

A classic from 1997, this installment of the WCW franchise is quite an underrated Nintendo 64 game. Still, it is highly regarded among wrestling fans mainly because of its “grappling” system through which all moves in the ring began with holds. This has been a staple element in many other wrestling games that have come out since.

Another reason for WWE 2K22 fans to check out World Tour is the fact that it marks Rey Mysterio’s video game debut. From starting out as a minor character in WCW games to being the cover star and main playable character of WWE 2K22, the 47-year-old has come a long way.

Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style (1999)

Hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan has made several appearances in video games either as contributors to the soundtracks or as playable characters. In Shaolin Style, nine of the members appear as fictionalized versions of themselves in a martial arts tournament video game. The gameplay allows multiple fighters to show off their moves simultaneously in classic 1-on-1 matches as well as other variations such as 2-on-2 or even 1-on-3.

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Hence, the usual combination of Wu-Tang Clan’s hip-hop and kung-fu movies allows for tag team-like matches reminiscent of a WWE game like WWE 2K22. Further, the latter’s soundtrack also includes a Wu-Tang classic like “Protect Ya Neck,” proving how their music is evergreen for video games.

NBA 2K22 (2021)

The 23rd chapter of the NBA 2K franchise includes six cover stars for the first time along with improved player mechanics in its classic basketball simulation gameplay. The Career mode will satisfy the needs of NBA purists while the MyTeam mode is perfect for online teams.

The 2K franchise isn’t just limited to wrestling games and basketball video games such as NBA 2K22 would serve as a good break if gamers are tired of the WWE hype.

WCW Vs. The World (1996)

Much like WCW vs. nWo: World Tour, WCW vs. the World revolutionized the wrestling genre of gaming by introducing features that weren’t present in its predecessors. The newly-introduced modes in the game included League Challenge, Exhibition, Tournament, and many others, most of which were reminiscent of Japanese pro-wrestling (unlike the American style of wrestling which most of the other games relied on at the time).

While WWE 2K22 offers the newest innovations in wrestling gaming, WCW vs. the World is a classic that needs to be revisited at the same time for its visionary gameplay.

RetroMania Wrestling (2021)

When it comes to wrestling games that are not associated with any franchise, RetroMania Wrestling functions as a good pick. Tag team and cage matches are the popular options in this game that plays out as an old-school pro-wrestling match, back when WWE used to be WWF.

Released in 2021 for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Windows, the game isn’t a part of the WWE series but its gameplay does offer homage to WWE arcade classics such as WWF Superstars and WWF Wrestlefest. RetroMania Wrestling is an amusing option for players of WWE 2K22 in this regard as it shows the impact that WWE has had on other wrestling games.

Wrestle Kingdom (2005)

Wrestle Kingdom‘s matches include familiar WWE concepts such as battle royales, triple threats, and tag teams. But instead of featuring the familiar WWE faces, the cast of Wrestle Kingdom includes players from the All Japan Pro Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling leagues.

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Given how important Japan has been to the sport of pro-wrestling, this 2007 title makes for essential playing. Be it WWE 2K22 or its predecessors, the usual WWE lineup of wrestlers might call for a break, and Wrestle Kingdom has enough Japanese legends to entertain players for years.

Action Arcade Wrestling (2019)

The Nintendo Switch game Action Arcade Wrestling has the look and feel of a classic ’90s arcade game because that is exactly the style that it wishes to emulate. An over-the-top tribute to the zany glory of the ’80s and ’90s-style pro-wrestling, this 2019 game serves as an exciting blast from the past.

While WWE 2K22 can be easily played from the comfort of one’s home console, Action Arcade Wrestling recreates the experience of what an arcade wrestling game would have felt like. This contrast in the gaming style is reason enough for it to be a good alternative to 2K22.

Def Jam Vendetta (2003)

Def Jam Vendetta blends the world of hip-hop music with that of wrestling. Along with a story mode with fictional characters, even real-life rappers such as Method Man, DMX, Redman, and Ludacris appear as playable characters. The plot kicks off with street fights that progress towards full-scale ring matches.

Just like several other wrestling-based games, WWE 2K22‘s soundtrack includes a whole lot of hip-hop influences. In this context, Def Jam Vendetta is perfect for the game’s fans as not only does this 2003 classic have a rap-heavy album but also real-life rappers directly joining the action.

Pro Wrestling (1986)

A timeless classic for the NES, Pro Wrestling’s release was a watershed moment for sports games in general. For its time, the game offered realistic graphics and wrestling moves. Players could choose from six wrestlers and execute the body slams, kicks, and punches, that would define a whole generation of wrestling video games.

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From Pro Wrestling to WWE 2K22, it is worth noting how far the best wrestling video games have come. Despite its dated ’80s style, Pro Wrestling is still a fun-filled option that is worth playing.

Fire Pro Wrestling World (2017)

True to the nature of other Fire Pro Wrestling games, World focuses on timing and strategy more than combat action in the wrestling ring. The game features hundreds of original wrestlers but also features many stars from New Japan Pro-Wrestling thanks to a deal with the company. That makes this an ideal game to play with stars like Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, who appear on WWE’s competition, AEW, weekly.

With the WWE 2K franchise getting more and more realistic with every new installment, a game like Fire Pro Wrestling World is a good-enough recommendation. World does have its share of wrestling theatrics but its strategy-based grappling system adds a dimension of reality to its gameplay.

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About The Author


Shaurya Thapa
(727 Articles Published)

Shaurya Thapa is an Indian freelance journalist who mostly dabbles in writings on cinema, music, and human interest features. When it comes to Screen Rant, he writes lists on a wide array of subjects ranging from international films to mainstream Netflix series and comic book trivia. He also hosts a podcast called ‘BhindiWire’, an Indian parody of IndieWire.

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