WWE 2K15 Detailed Hands-On Impression: I’m A Bo-Liever

Let me go there now and confirm that Visual Concepts tapping into the WWE 2K video game is what was extremely “Best for Business.” When I picked up the PlayStation 4 controller and experienced WWE 2K15, I didn’t just play the game, I embraced it.

Before I talk about WWE 2K15 please not that you are reading an impression from an enthusiast that have played WWE dating back to WrestleMania on the original Nintendo Entertainment System. I’ve played WrestleMania 2000, No Mercy, Royal Rumble, Smackdown, Raw; you name it I’ve played it. So as you read “this” preview it shall be no holds barred.

I like to take a look under the hood, not just the body and cosmetics. So before I focused in-depth on the match itself, I decided to look around and view the game from the audience perspective. So as I look at the arena I noticed the seating which looked quite realistic in comparison to a live event, specifically reminding me of the Houston Toyota Center.

In every seat were unique character models; Men, Women and children with their own clothing showing off their favorite wrestler’s clothing. An even greater mention was the crowd reaction. In previous versions of WWE games the audio would feel simply dubbed or random chants would fill the atmosphere. However in WWE 2K15, I noticed a few fans physically cheer on or boo wrestlers and yell out one-two counts shown by both face expressions and hand gestures.  You read that right as the crowd looks as genuine as the competitors themselves.

Now, let’s step into the ring. We’ve already had the opportunity to look at gameplay, but nothing official to render the true quality of WWE 2K15. And because of it I questioned 2K15, but after playing it just a few times I was hooked!

The new mini-game requiring you to find your sweet spot on the initial grapple honestly felt a bit too much. Keep in mind it’s also a mode that can be switched off at any time. But when playing online there’s two choices, adapt or perish. But it’s okay, because on November 18^th you can not only adapt but even be a winner. All you got to do is Bo-Lieve.

The fighting mechanics are worth all the marbles. I played using Randy Orton, John Cena and Goldust. I love how authentic the experience has become. As wrestlers become fatigue they no longer bounce back to their feet as fast as they did in WWE 2K14. Instead you see the wear and tear on the superstars through facial expressions and as they slow pace to stand or reach for the ropes. Everything you see in the ring and on TV, you see in 2K15.

Signatures and Finishers are also revamped allowing you to store them for use at your choice of execution. As the WWE superstars begin to lose their health which is summed as three bars, you can find the best times to perform charged finishers and power pins, screaming on the inside “the champ is here.”

There were two changes that I found myself needing to adjust to, reversals and kicking out pins. After knowing exactly when to tap that reversal button, timing has now changed based on the situation. Both reversals and kick outs felt to have a bit of a lag to it. Imagine playing a multiplayer match with someone with a horrible connection; that was my “initial” impression. But once I took time to adjust, it was like I never missed a beat.

We were given a glimpse of the commentary as new lines were heard from Cole and the King. With it being an early build I can only hope that the old Smackdown commentary will finally be deleted. Respectively I can’t tell you how much I’m tired of hearing Jerry said, “Look at the Gold,” “

Now there are still so much to know about WWE 2K15 that we can hope will soon be answered. I for one am excited about the new WWE Career mode that will take your personal superstar from the performance center with coaches and mentors to house shows to NXT to Live Shows, ultimately on your way to being crowned WWE Champion.

And let’s not forget the WWE 2K Showcase that will feature 33 matches highlighting Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H 2002-2004 rivalry and C.M. Punk vs. John Cena from 2011-2013. In addition, Mark Little has confirmed additional rivalries to come as future DLC. In my opinion, a season pass worth investing in.

I however have my wish list. Will we get to fight in the crowd again as we once have in Smackdown vs. Raw? Will “Fall Count Anywhere” truly mean anywhere? Can we take the fight from backstage to the front arena and vice versa? Can PPV matches once again start with their epic intros? Will Universe 3.0 properly follow with storylines?

WWE WrestleMania 2000 on Nintendo 64 used to excite me as PPV matches showed the build up to the event. So as an example we could see the past several weeks of WWE Raw highlighting Cena vs Lesnar prior to the main event. Will it ever make its return?

Believe me when I say that WWE 2K15 will deliver what the WWE Universe have waited years for. To quote Triple H, it’s time to play the game! Innovative is an understatement when explaining 2K15. Thanks to Visual Concepts WWE 2K15 just may be the best wrestling experience ever. WWE 2K15 will release on November 18th, 2014 for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.