Thrasher Presents: Thrasher's Top Ten Video Games, Part Eight

Here's a look at what's gone down so far in my countdown:

Streets of Rage 2 (Genesis)
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (PS1)
Thrasher Presents: Skate and Destroy (PS1)
Everything or Nothing (PS2)
Freedom Fighters (PS2)
Crazy Taxi (PS2)
NHLPA '93 (SNES)


Goldberg! Goldberg! Goldberg!

WCW/NWO Revenge (N64)

This is probably the oddest pick I've made yet. Nevertheless, Revenge represents the pinnacle of my shamefaced, lifelong love for the absurd pseudo-sport of professional wrestling. For many people, wrestling is grotesque and idiotic, but for me, it's high theatre. I find it simultaneously hilarious and intriguing, and in 1998 my fandom reached its apex. Everything coalesced in one summer, and I can still vividly recall the moment when Goldberg defeated World Heavyweight Champion "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan live on TNT. I wasn't even past my tenth birthday when that happened, but watching that video brings all those memories back to me. Revenge is the game that captures all that drama in one cartridge and, if you're like me, all those memories too. For me, there's nothing like seeing Sting rappel down from the rafters to interfere in your contest. To this day, I consider this to be one of the most enjoyable multiplayer ever made. The controls are fluid and easy to learn, and the matches are as entertaining and dramatic as many of the televised bouts. Furthermore, each wrestler feels unique but balanced. Some excel at brawling with stop signs and briefcases, while others prefer to jump from the top rope and perform all kinds of acrobatic maneuvers, but one never becomes dominant over another. In my mind, no other wrestling game can touch this one for depth and accessibility.