Serving as the game’s single-player over the last few years, 2K made the decision to scrap it this time around in order to concentrate on other areas. Personally I think what’s here works and works well, but I can understand why there have been some raised eyebrows about the lack of a Showcase mode. Outside of it, however, is a different story. Ultimately, then, WWE 2K17 is a success when it comes to in-ring action. It’s the smartest way to make wrestling feel like wrestling. They all take a physical toll on your digital fighter’s body.

That’s pretty much been eradicated now because of how both you and your opponents react to moves. It was just too easy to interrupt what would be a winning cover. AI opponents would be far too eager to break up a pin – meaning it would go on forever – and if you were playing with friends it seemed impossible to win. Multi-person encounters have always been messy in WWE. Such additions also tie in to certain match types. In the past, wrestling games have been guilty of ignoring the idea of strategy or tactics. You can choose to shorten this period and return with less stamina, but that could very well be your undoing, given that you’re in a weakened state. It allows you to – surprise, surprise – roll out of the ring following a beating, and you have to be patient before you can get back involved. It’s obvious that 2K realises such small touches are important, hence why a “roll out” mechanic has been included this time around. Somewhat wonderfully, wrestlers actually sell these manoeuvrers, too, which is a far cry from when they’d leap back up to their feet regardless of what punishment had just been dealt out. The impact of a bodyslam as someone is hurled into the mat is instantly apparent, and that goes for all manner of moves as well.

Since every move in a wrestling match should feel like it hurts, the pace of the game has been slowed right down – and it’s all the better for it. In that regard, 2K17 is the best version released by the company to date. While there may be some people who are disappointed by which modes have been included this time around – and we’ll get to that in due course – what matters most is how it plays. This is exactly what 2K has been doing for the last few years, and 2K17 is, arguably, the best of these miniature jumps. Sometimes in such cases developers are forced to iterate as opposed to completely change the foundations. Available on PS4 (version tested), Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PCĪs with most sport franchises, the biggest hurdle that faces WWE 2K17 is what it can do to justify another annual purchase.

Wwe 2k 17