Wrestling games tend to have quite a few features that could appeal to non-wrestling fans. Extensive character creators, enjoyable combat mechanics and wonderfully over-the-top moments are all common among some of the best wrestling games. All of these elements seem as though they'd be great for casual fighting game fans, but there aren't many cases of wrestling games breaking out of their own audience.

The obvious reason for this is that those who don't like watching professional wrestling probably figure they won't enjoy playing a video game version of the proceedings. It's hard to know the appeal of these games without directly playing them, but that doesn't mean there aren't wrestling games that non-wrestling fans would appreciate. There are plenty of titles out there that are fun to play, even without knowing the ins and outs of professional wrestling. Here are the best ones out there.

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Wrestling Empire Is A Call Back To Arcade Fighters

There's a good chance that MDickie's Wrestling Empire is one of the more well-known yet underrated wrestling games outside the wrestling fan base. It's an incredibly unique game that most fans regard as having a level of freedom that isn't seen in many modern titles, even if there are a few quirks in its design. The quirks end up being part of the game's charm, however, as many of them make Wrestling Empire an incredibly easy-to-understand experience.

The game's wrestling mechanics call back to arcade fighters while still having some modern polish. Players are able to combo together a wide amount of different moves, both individually and with other wrestlers. When weapons, unique environments in which to fight, custom match options, and a free-roam career mode are factored in, MDickie's Wrestling Empire adds up to be both a fantastic wrestling game and an amazing indie fighting game.

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WWF No Mercy Makes Wrestling Look Easy

WWF No Mercy Screenshot

WWF No Mercy is typically the game mentioned by actual wrestling fans as the best wrestling game of all time. Released in the year 2000 by THQ, this Nintendo 64 fighter captures the look and feel of Attitude-Era WWE, despite the N64's limited graphical potential. Wrestling Empire took quite a bit of inspiration from No Mercy when it comes to combat mechanics, giving both games a very arcadey feel. In other words, they're easy to pick up and play while still having plenty of depth.

That being said, No Mercy unfortunately hasn't aged too well. It's easy to go back to the game for those who have fond memories of the title, but No Mercy really starts to show its age without nostalgia to fall back on. The game, like many N64 titles, is rough from a graphical standpoint. The pacing and CPU wrestlers can also be a bit rough to get a handle on for new players, though a bit of practice is all that's needed to enjoy this game.

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WWE 2K14 Provides An Education In Wrestling

WWE 2K14 Offical Screenshot

For those looking to actually become wrestling fans, there's no better game than WWE 2K14. While the game does carry the 2K Games title, the studio simply took over publishing rights after THQ went bankrupt. As a result, it doesn't share the simulation-heavy aspects of the later WWE 2K titles. While the gameplay is certainly solid, the biggest appeal for non-wrestling fans in WWE 2K14 is the "30 Years of WrestleMania" mode.

30 Years of WrestleMania lets players simulate some of the biggest matches from across WWE history. The included video packages give new fans a great run-down of the history of the WWE, covering the company's long history up until 2015. Anyone who's curious about professional wrestling will find WWE 2K14 to be an amazing starting point, especially since its roster of playable characters reflects the game's historical theme.

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WWE 2K22 Is The Best Experience For Non-Wrestling Fans

Kevin Nash, Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall and Syxx in WWE 2K22.

The most recent WWE-based wrestling game not only managed to bounce back from the disastrous WWE 2K20, but turned out to be one of the most enjoyable wrestling games in years. Borrowing elements from competitive fighting games, WWE 2K22 appeals to non-wrestling fans with well-paced in-ring action that's immensely fun to play. The game certainly isn't perfect, but it's by far the best of the bunch for new fans.

The retooled combo system is the most enjoyable change in this yearly entry, as it makes the flow of matches much more realistic. There's a clear exchange of momentum between players, mimicking the drama of actual pro-wrestling. Much like No Mercy and Wrestling Empire, WWE 2K22 is the kind of game that's perfect for pick-up-and-play action, but also rewards players who take the time to dig deep into the mechanics.

While the sports simulation nature of the WWE 2K series isn't for everyone, there's little denying that it helps keep things easy to understand. 2K22 is a more grounded, understandable experience when compared to how wild some wrestling games can get. While outrageous moments can certainly be fun, the more realistic approach of 2K22 might be just what is needed to draw in non-wrestling fans.