WWE 2K16 (New-Gen) Review: Good God, Almighty!
Game Reviewed: WWE 2K16
Release Date: October 24, 2015
Developer: Yuke’s Media Creations
Publisher: 2K Sports
Platform: [Reviewed: PlayStation 4], Xbox One
Genre: Wrestling
Rated: T for Teen
It’s hard to turn away fro one of the greatest games in sports entertainment, and this is the year that Yuke’s and Visual Concepts have ensured regardless of age , core gamer or not this will be the year everyone would love the opportunity to Raise Some Hell.
WWE 2K16’s roster is hands down on the largest ever, and it’s not all based on multiple in-ring attires. Thanks to this year focusing on the Texas 
Rattlesnake Stone Cold Steve Austin, 2K16 focuses on the one man that not only started but personified the Attitude Era that won over the loyal fans of today and shut down the competition, literally. And thanks to the Austin Era, all of the historic matches and superstars have made their way back into the squared-circle.
No one can argue with the dramatic difference and risk taken in WWE 2K15 as the game mechanics seen a massive overhaul; this year’s authenticity is genuinely fascinating. WWE 2K16 transitions directly from entrances to in-ring action with no loading times all, including the loading process for created superstars. As wrestlers make their way to the ring, you now have the ability to kick-off the action rather early by disrupting their entrance and engaging from the ramp, or a surprise attack from behind. Be mindful of getting the opponent in the ring within the short window of attack as the match could potentially result in a no contest.
The in-ring action has seen much of an overhaul, including an increased difficulty in the AI, allowing the mechanics of 2K15 to work more effectively. Therefore, in addition to stamina playing a major role in your match, you’ll need to be mindful of the number of reversals allowed at a time. Rather than having the opportunity to reverse every move, a new meter has been implemented to limit the number of back and forth exchanges to five. While you can regenerate your number of allowed reversals, it allows matches to feel more genuine as wrestling aren’t able to counter “Everything.”
A solid mention here would be the new tweaks of the AI behavior. WWE 2K16 definitely gives the player a show as they watch and equally entertain
the in-game universe. You’ll find yourself needing to become more a strategist at not only timing reversals, but when to perform signatures and finishers as well. In most matches, performing a finisher rather early and the AI having a bit of energy most likely “will” result in a kick out. Preservation is key.
I also thoroughly enjoyed watching my opponents lose their minds as they either grabbed weapons from under the ring and attack me, disqualifying themselves or simply walking up the ramp as the referee counted them out. Again, small tweaks that captures true-life wrestling moments.
The pin and submission system has been tweaked this year as well. Rather the bar meters that would appear when wrestlers go for the cover or submission, they’ve become mini-games that can been a bit challenging to even WWE veterans. One issue with the system however is the almost-never ending submission matches. Even when the AI tends to have no energy to keep going in a match, they still have the ability to push out of submissions.
The MyCareer mode is back and is more involved in the lifespan of your superstar. You’re able to choose your rivalries, follow or contest The Authority, choose which title you want your wrestler to aim for and eventually (FINALLY) earn the opportunity to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Customization is an open door in WWE 2K16 as your once again allowed to create your own superstar or diva, championship belt and arena while having the liberty of uploading your face or custom logos.
The commentary team of JBL, Cole and Lawler has been slightly updated. While having the 3 amigos at the table, JBL’s comments are very seldom leaving the majority of the commentary to the normal two-man team.
While 2K16 have a few opportunities, none of them this year is a major setback to the overall experience. The Austin Era and Career Mode both promise in deliver on entertaining WWE fans and gamers alike. Last year’s inconsistencies didn’t sit well due to a lack of content; but this year is 2K’s comeback! It’s a New Day and seriously Time to Play the Game!
The Scores
Gameplay: 4.5/5
Visuals: 4.75/5
Audio: 4.5/5
Controls: 4/5
Replay Value: 4.25/5
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