10 Landmark Wrestling Video Game Firsts

3. Complete Create-A-Wrestler (WWF War Zone, 1998)

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In 1993, Super Fire Pro Wrestling 3 saw release on the SNES console. The game allowed users to 'create' up to 80 different wrestlers, although it wasn't exactly a full creation suite. Instead, gamers would have to make do with piecing together different combinations of parts pre-existing wrestlers in the game were seen wearing.

There wouldn't be a full 'Create-A-Wrestler' mode until the WWF War Zone game for PS1 in 1998. Suddenly, players were handed the chance to make their own stars completely from scratch, naming them, creating a move set and even choosing which entrance music they used.

A unique 'Personality' option was even open, giving the illusion of more freedom between being a fan favourite or a rule-breaking villain.

Naturally, the system was primitive compared to what's on offer today in games like WWE 2K16. It was, however, a starting point for the CAW phenomenon, something that has grown into one of the most necessary features for any pro wrestling video game.

It all started with War Zone, which became the best-received WWF game in living memory when it came out.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.