WWF SmackDown! was released on the PS1 in 2000. Developed by Yuke's, it was the first game in what would go on to become the successful SmackDown vs. Raw franchise. Featuring The Rock, Mick Foley, and Chyna on the cover, it is one of the most important titles in the series' history.

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While future titles, such as SmackDown: Just Bring It and SmackDown: Shut Your Mouth received more praise, the first game in the franchise is still a great game. For those that might have missed the PS1 title, there are a lot of things that they should know about the WWE game.

10 First THQ-Yuke's Game

Yuke's Logo

There were WWE games around before WWF SmackDown!'s release in 2000. However, the PS1 exclusive made history upon its release, as it was the first title to be made by Yuke's, and published by THQ. While not known at the time, the two companies would go on to have an incredible partnership.

They would work together until 2013 when THQ filed for bankruptcy and the rights to the franchise were bought by 2K. There were some great games made in that timeframe, but it couldn't have been done without the release of WWF SmackDown!

9 Commentary

jim-ross-jerry-lawler-announce-desk

These days, commentary is a staple of a sports game, to the point of it being mandatory. Whether it be Madden, WWE 2K, NBA 2K, or whatever it may be, high-quality play-by-play commentary is expected. In 2000, that wasn't the case.

The commentary wasn't great in WWF SmackDown!, mainly because it wasn't even there. Instead of hearing Jim Ross or Jerry Lawler in your ear, you would just hear music. Considering some of the terrible and repetitive commentary that would come later in the franchise, not having it is kind of nice.

8 Game Engine

PMPW

It's not all that uncommon for video games to just borrow the engine from another title and build upon it. In the case of WWF SmackDown!, that was indeed the case, as they based their engine on the one used in Power Move Pro Wrestling.

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For those unaware, the game was developed in 1995 by Yuke's and was released as a New Japan Pro Wrestling title. Granted, it wasn't branded that way in America, as all the branding was removed outside of Japan. Still, it's kind of funny that one of WWE's most successful titles was based on an NJPW game.

7 Fast Speed Gameplay

The Rock vs Stone Cold WWF SmackDown

WWE games have generally become a full-blown simulation in the year 2023. Now, that's not entirely a bad thing. The most recent title, WWE 2K22, is one of the most beloved in recent memory, and that's a simulation-centric game.

However, the franchise started as more of a mix between arcade and simulation. The gameplay in WWF SmackDown! is extremely fast-paced, and feels more like the former, than the latter.

6 Many Match Types

WWF Smackdown Cage Match

WWF SmackDown! came out swinging upon its release in 2000. While there were several game modes that were interesting and fun, they also had a lot of match types for those that are just a fan of playing in exhibition mode.

The match types include singles, tag team, steel cage, hardcore, and many more. While there isn't as much of a selection as there is in recent titles in the franchise, that's not entirely surprising considering the title was released 23 years ago.

5 Season Mode

WWE Season Mode

The main draw of WWF SmackDown!, and the mode that most fans used was Season Mode. The mode was extremely revolutionary upon its release, as players would be able to follow in the footsteps of a wrestler that is on the roster.

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That includes participating in matches, and storylines, interacting with wrestlers backstage, and more. While the first installment of the season mode was a bit bare-bone compared to future entries, it was still a great starting point for the development team.

4 No Voices

WWF Smackdown Season Mode

Yes, it's not just a lack of commentary that is in WWF SmackDown! In fact, there are no voices whatsoever in the game, and that includes in Season Mode, where you will be interacting with other wrestlers on a regular basis.

Instead of having voiceovers or any voice acting at all, the game instead opts for voice bubbles. While that might be disappointing for some fans, the voice acting in future 2K titles is painfully bad, making WWF SmackDown! look great by comparison.

3 Special Abilities

The Rock Smackdown 2 PS1 Entrance

One of the most interesting things in WWF SmackDown! is the special abilities that certain characters would have. While they would naturally all have their own move sets and finishers, the game has a lot more special abilities than that.

For example, The Rock could have Mankind interrupt a match if he is losing, and can get assistance. While this is a cool feature, some special abilities will only affect certain computer-controlled characters.

2 PPV Mode

WWF SMACKDOWN PPV MODE

Beyond Season Mode, PPV Mode is likely the mode that fans invested their most time into. The game allows players to create their own pay-per-view card from top to bottom and allows them to make some dream matches in the process.

This mode is akin to Universe Mode today, as players will try and get an audience score for their matches and events. There's also a leaderboard to see how your event stacks up with other players' events, which is an awesome feature for the time.

1 Fantastic Reviews

kane-vs-the-rock-smackdown

While WWE games would go on to gain a bit of a mixed reception over the years, the first SmackDown! title was released to praise. In 2000, the game was viewed as one of the greatest wrestling games to ever be released and is still viewed highly today.

The GameRankings score for the game was a staggering 86%, which isn't bad for a first entry. Those good scores, combined with fantastic selling figures, lead to a sequel to be released later that year.