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Is the WWE in Good Hands at 2K Sports?

Is the WWE in Good Hands at 2K Sports?

WWE games have varied in quality pretty drastically over the past five years. Most recently WWE 2K16 was released with more than a little fanfare, and the game was a huge step in the right direction, especially compared to its predecessor. Considering that WWE 2K15 was 2K Sports’ first attempt, though, I think it’s safe to say that progress has been rapid. Now, I know a lot of you are probably thinking that WWE 2K14 was the first WWE game published by 2K, and that’s true, but that game already had THQ’s mitts all over it before it went bankrupt and 2K Sports acquired the WWE license as part of the resulting auction. The WWE 2K games are actually just now coming into their own.

THQ made a lot of fun games, but its WWE games were only loved by the most hardcore wrestling fans. While typically rich with features, they all had a low-budget look and feel to them, like polish wasn’t a priority at all. Looks aren’t everything, and the rough animations and awkward transitions between moves probably didn’t bother a lot of you, but for anyone looking for a serious or competitive multiplayer experience THQ’s offerings just didn’t cut the mustard. Right before THQ went under reversals were added as a main gameplay mechanic and the reversal system was preserved in WWE 2K14. For many of you, the reversal system ruined the game as it became far too easy to get caught in a back-and-forth reversal volley between another experienced player. Noobs who lacked the chops were always at a distinct disadvantage.

2K has stepped up and shown its commitment not only to delivering a thrilling, cinematic experience (which is absolutely critical for a WWE game), but to delivering a well-balanced, competitive fighting game as well. The resource / stamina system that 2K and Yuke’s introduced in WWE 2K16 forces players to think strategically about how and when to execute their reversals, and encourages creativity in and out of the ring as recovery has become a major part of an effective offense for the first time. 2K16 also delivered in a huge way on something that fans had been complaining about since the THQ days: the roster. WWE 2K16 may not have a “create a move” feature (please bring this back), but it does boast over 120 wrestlers and divas, and probably the best gameplay in any WWE game ever.

Is the WWE in Good Hands at 2K Sports?

Things are going in the right direction, and I have a feeling that WWE 2K17 could be the perfect WWE game. Apparently I’m not the only one. It was recently revealed that 2K and WWE have extended their partnership with a new, multi-year agreement. That shows confidence; it shows promise; it shows that Yuke’s has found a new home and that it works really well with Visual Concepts and the 2K Sports team. With the successful launch and post-launch of WWE 2K16 we saw that 2K was eager to show that it’s listening to fans. What more could you ask for?

If you were born before 1990 you probably have a lot of good memories with THQ’s games, but I think it’s safe to say that as far as WWE is concerned, that bankruptcy was a blessing. 2K Sports is where Yuke’s belongs, and the series is only going up from here. What was the one thing missing from WWE 2K16 that you hope to find in 2K17?

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