Top 9 Best PS2 Wrestling Games | [A Guide For Gamers]

One of the most well-known gaming consoles of all time, the PlayStation 2 (PS2), was home to some of the greatest wrestling video games ever produced. Fans of wrestling have had access to a wide range of games since the PS2’s early years that perfectly capture the thrill and drama of the squared circle. This article will discuss the best PS2 wrestling games available during the console’s lifetime.

The best PS2 wrestling games are examined in this article, taking gamers on a trip down memory lane to the heyday of gaming. Each game is ranked according to its gameplay, graphics, and longevity, from well-known titles like SmackDown vs. RAW to lesser-known gems like Fire Pro Wrestling.

This article will review the best PS2 wrestling games that are still pleasant to play today. We will highlight the games that stand the test of time and are sure to keep wrestling fans of all ages entertained for hours, from classic titles to more recent releases.

Table of Contents

Best WWE PS2 Games

We’ll talk about the top 9 PS2 wrestling games worth playing. These games have something to offer everyone, regardless of your level of interest in the sport or in playing video games in general. These games will keep you entertained for hours, ranging from realism simulation to outrageous arcade action.

WWE All Stars

WWE All-Stars was released in 2011 by THQ for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PSP, and Nintendo Wii. The last PlayStation 2 game released then was WWE, which was available on both the PS2 and the PS3. We analyzed and contrasted the visual aspects of All-Stars on PS2 and Wii.

Several platforms, such as the ability to replay the games and the constrained match types, were lacking in the game. Additionally, players cannot download any anticipated DLC because the game lacks an online component.

Fire Pro Wrestling: Returns

Released: 2007
Developer: Human Entertainment/Spike Chunsoft

Spike Chunsoft created the PlayStation 2 game Fire Pro Wrestling: Returns. This has been available in the US since 2007. The series’ most recent installment, Fire Pro Wrestling World, used 2D graphics rather than 3D ones. Fire Pro was an unauthorized wrestling title, as opposed to the most recent title, connected to Japanese wrestling promotions like NJPW and Stardom. However, it did include more than 320 recreations of real-life wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan and Andre The Giant, albeit with funny alternate names to prevent a lawsuit.

Additionally, rather than the fast-paced arcade action in the WWE games, the matches in this game focused more on building drama. Timing and skill were essential in this realistic wrestling simulation. The simulation seems more real by reserving the most exciting matches in advance to receive the highest grade as per audience excitement. It is still a game that people adore and play today because of its endless replay value and outstanding wrestling engine, including lovely animations beyond the game’s 2D visual style.

WWE Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain

Developer: Yukes
Released: 2003

WWE Smackdown! for the PlayStation 2 was released in 2003, one of the best ps2 wrestling games. There was a release of Here Comes The Pain. Next to WWF No Mercy, it is still one of the best American wrestling video games ever. Nearly 17 years later, the game’s aesthetics are still incredibly outstanding, and it still includes gameplay mechanics that WWE 2K20 does not have.Fast-paced action and a wrestling sim felt perfectly balanced in Here Comes The Pain. The game added various moves, realistically targeted submissions and an improved story mode. For fans of this series, the game was an absolute joy because it also included outdoor brawls outside Times Square where wrestlers could jump from helicopters and 30-foot buildings.

WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2006

Developer: Yukes
Released: 2005

In 2005, the PlayStation 2 and PSP versions of WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2006 were released, and it is still a popular game. It wasn’t simply a downgraded port of the later-released, more technologically advanced console version; the game was designed from the ground up to utilize all that the PS2 had to offer fully. But the central aspect of the game is the General Manager mode. The series player could now compete for the first time against either Raw or Smackdown by acting as a senior figure in the WWE. It felt very different from the other management simulation games in the series. The details were very much present.

WWE Smackdown! Vs. Raw 2008

Developer: Yukes
Released: 2007

In 2007, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PSP, and WWE Smackdown vs. Raw were all given releases. Unfortunately, like the PSP and Wii versions, the PS2 release of the game felt incredibly bare bones compared to the PS3 and Xbox 360 releases.The controls were simpler to use, and the Ultimate Control movements for the grappling system were defined when compared to SvR 2007. The game also did a fantastic job of implementing the chain wrestling mechanic, which is still used today. However, the game’s main selling point was the General Manager mode, part of the new 24/7 Mode.

Def Jam: Fight For NY

Released: 2005
Developer: AKI Corporation

In 2004, Fight For NY became a PlayStation 2 title. AKI, a seasoned wrestling video game developer, once again made the game. The game featured more rap superstars than its predecessor, including Ice-T, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, and Busta Rhymes.Also, The game has more fighting techniques like submissions, kickboxing, martial arts, street fighting, and wrestling while maintaining the AKI momentum-based gameplay. Before Mortal Kombat and Injustice, the fighting game series had never included a fantastic story mode. If you are looking for the best PSP games of all time, click here!

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011

Released: 2010
Developer: Yukes

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 was released in 2010 for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PSP, and Nintendo Wii. During that time, the Smackdown! series made its final PS2 appearance.Fortunately, Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 was a fitting send-off for the setup and pushed the dated console to its limits. The game provided a ton of options for fans of professional wrestling, and it even included the brand-new Universe Mode in addition to series staples like the Story Designer and the “Road to Wrestlemania.”

Def Jam: Vendetta

Released: 2003
Developer: AKI Corporation

EA released Vendetta in 2003 for the PlayStation 2 and GameCube. It was built by the same team as the popular Nintendo 64 games WCW vs. nWo and WWF No Mercy.Instead of wrestlers, Def Jam: Vendetta featured well-known hip-hop artists from the Def Jam label, such as DMX, Method Man, Ludacris, and others. The excellent wrestling and grappling system were very similar to AKI’s licensed wrestling game with some added brutality, despite the slightly absurd idea of street-fighting rap stars.

Rumble Roses

Released: 2003
Developer: Yukes

The popular Smackdown series and the all-female wrestling game Rumble Roses were both made by the same studio and ran on the same engine. The pain will soon start. As a result, it provides a solid alternative for fans who are sick of the WWE brand and uses one of the most well-liked engines in the history of wrestling games.The game looks better than some PS2 games and plays very well mechanically. However, some players may become irritated by its themes, which are more in line with the Dead or Alive series, complete with jiggle physics and ridiculous costumes. If one can get past that, Rumble Roses is still a good wrestling game that offers a different experience from the WWE wrestling games on the PS2 console.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are PS2 wrestling video games still in the market?

The majority of the games mentioned in the article are through various online markets or auction websites, despite the PlayStation 2 being an outdated console.

Can I play these wrestling games on the PS2 with others?

Many wrestling video games for the PlayStation 2 have multiplayer possibilities. Local multiplayer gaming is possible by adding extra controllers to the console.

Can I digitally download these PS2 wrestling games?

Generally, PS2 games cannot be downloaded digitally through accepted methods. It is not advised, there might be unofficial ways to get digital copies.

Are there any customizable choices in these wrestling video games for the PlayStation 2?

Yes, many of these games let you make your wrestlers with configurable traits, looks, movements, and even your plots or events.

Do these PS2 wrestling games offer any choices for downloadable content (DLC)?

Since DLC for PS2 games was not commonly accessible then, most PS2 wrestling games lack approved downloadable content.

What are the best PS2 wrestling games?

WWE All Stars, Fire Pro Wrestling: Returns and WWE Smackdown are among the top PS2 wrestling games. WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011, Def Jam: Vendetta, Here Comes The Pain, WWE Smackdown! Vs. Raw 2008, Def Jam: Fight For NY, WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2006, and Rumble Roses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wrestling game fans had a wide range of choices during the PlayStation 2 era of the genre. Among the best games ever made, WWE SmackDown was one of them! WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006, WWE SmackDown! : Shut Your Mouth, and Here Comes the Pain are three examples. These games provided players with a great combination of realism in the graphics and gameplay, as well as a variety of modes and options. Everyone could find something they enjoyed playing during the PS2 era of wrestling games, whether they preferred the arcade-style action of the earlier games or, the more realistic simulation style of the later games. Overall, these games are the benchmark for the best ps2 wrestling games to follow and are still very popular among fans today.

Andrew Lanxon

Lead Photographer, Lead Advice Editor for @CNET in Europe. Love: the outdoors, music, food, snowboarding, animals, beer, coffee, lists. Personal views.