I got the NXT Edition. The box is quite big and can be hard to open the initial flap if you are a collector and care about keeping the packaging intact. Inside comes with the 2k17 game, the NXT Enhancement Pack (Nakamura, Apollo Crews and Nia Jax in game - note that 2k start roster decisions on the week before WrestleMania weekend), the stunning Nakamura signed print and one of the Topps trading cards which has a piece of canvas from NXT Takeover London. Inside the secondary flap has a large red sealed box which has the Demon Balor collectible statue, the statue looks stunning and well detailed. I cannot comment on how the statue feels as I am keeping my collectible sealed in the box.
The graphics look great and captures the feel factor of the WWE arenas well. From the get go once you start the game up, WWE fans are treated to the 'Then, Now, Forever' video common on WWE Programming. The new main menu user interface looks polished and very easy to use compared to 2k16. The character models look superb, having the faces and likenesses of each wrestler modeled closely to each performer. 2k17 has a slightly changed loading screen for each match, with a loading bar at the bottom under each match stipulation, and with build-up commentary in the background. The entrances look great and capture the likeness of each wrestler coming out on to the ring well (Nakamura's entrance has been made like his entrance at NXT Takeover Dallas - Nakamura is only available via the NXT Enhancement Pack), but like last year's, the wrestlers do not walk out into the arena but appear in the centre.
The sound is well done in 2k17, this year's iteration soundtracks have been chosen by Sean Combs aka Puff Daddy, who also did the soundtrack for NBA 2k17. 13 songs are included from Black Sabbath to French Montana. The wrestler entrance music as always is superb, with the option to have your favourite entrance music playing in the main menu like 2k16. Matches especially the crowds sound great and respond to every move and taunt, they get you invested in the moment of the match as you try and perform well in ring. However the entrance sounds are a bit 'off' - the crowd loud cheers are mostly not in sync with the wrestler entrance taunts. Also no Mauro Ranallo in this edition commentating on 2k17 matches, the usual commentary team is in all matches including NXT matches.
The gameplay has been improved even more from the impressive 2k16 gameplay. Controls feel sharper and more fluid, and this year a new 5 star system is in place. With greater talk from the IWC about 'Match of the Year' candidates it is fitting that 2k have included a system where the better the match you perform (based on how well you play, and the variation in your moveset) the higher the rating. The first match I played in the game was an example of the many 'dream matches' now doable in game - Nakamura vs AJ Styles - and the system is very effective. Spam a move and the rating goes down (aka Goldberg v Brock Lesnar WrestleMania 20 in 2004), work your way and fight back after receiving an utter beating from your opponent throughout the match, and the rating shoots up. A new unlock system for 2k wrestling games has been introduced, VC, a progression system to unlock wrestlers and improving replayability.
The arena interaction has changed from 2k16, roll out of the arena from above or below your arena view, and the view changes to a side view of you and the opponent. If you are on one side of the arena and the opponent is on the other side (or if in Backstage Brawl, you are in one room and the opponent is in another room), the screen is split to show both wrestlers. There is far more arena interaction in 2k17 than ever before in a 2k series game, you can now venture out into the crowd to brawl with your opponent and with more weaponry in play. Backstage brawl is a treat, you can brawl with an opponent and interact with objects to your advantage, or venture into the interview areas, the General Manager's office or the locker room to knock out your opponent. There are some slight glitches to gameplay, not as many or as bad as other 2k wrestling games, but are likely to get patched by the development team. Also Online is sub-par, reversals rarely work online due to the ping differences between players and lag compensation, leaving matches clunky.
I have never had more fun in a wrestling game since well before the pre-2k era. Matches feel superb and keep you invested throughout the match. The arenas, staging, lighting, crowds, and the gameplay make the game a treat to play with. This is better than last year's iteration. This is the best 2k wrestling game ever made.
- Deadpooled
Some of you may know that the latest instalment in the WWE gaming franchise 2K20 was released late last year to generally poor reviews. Some of this was based on graphical issues, but mostly it was due to the many glitches and bugs found – many of which are hilarious to witness.
Fire Pro needs more love. The last PS4 title gets regular playtime from me.
I hear that there are financial troubles at the studio, but I'm hopeful for a Switch port one of these days.
I have Fire Pro for PS4 and PC but it seems more of like a Sim creator rather than people actually playing out matches. I still dont like anything as much as the N64 games
Golden Era of wrestling games in the Golden Era of wrestling. I've been contemplating going back and getting a N64 and getting those classic's
WWF Wrestlemania 2000
WWF No Mercy
WCW vs. nWo Revenge
Yes, the WWE ones at least. The last good one was 2K14 and the last great one was Here Comes the Pain.
This weeks’ 52 Games in a Year choices feature WWE 2K17 on Xbox One, and Kingdom Hearts 2: Final Mix, part of the 2.5 HD Collection on PS4.
Which wrestling video games make the strongest claim to be champion? Find out with Screen Critics list.
Some of my personal favorites would be Wrestlefest (Arcade), Wrestle War (Arcade). Wrestlemania (Arcade), WWF Super Stars (Arcade) and Pro Wrestling (NES)
Day of reckoning 1+2, smackdown hctp and shut your mouth are all time greats to me. That said I do enjoy what the new 2k games have to offer even though they are still missing content that was in older games.
