WWE 2K16 Reviews
An improvement over last year's WWE 2K15, 2K16 still isn't perfect but it introduces a brilliant roster, an immersive Showcase mode, and plenty of match types to get hot and sweaty with.
The best WWE game for years, which may seem like faint praise but WWE 2K16 works as both a sports sim and a quality fighter in its own right.
WWE 2K16 is an improvements over WWE 2K15 by adding many of the lost features missing from last year's game. However, it is far from a flawless video game. It is a step in the right direction so hopefully everything turns out perfectly in WWE 2K17.
WWE 2K16 is the studio's latest endeavor, and while there are a lot of improvements from last year's title, the game just can't get the job done.
Thanks to improved mechanics and a solid 2K Showcase, WWE 2K16 is a significant improvement over last year's lacking release. However, the technical hiccups found in prior games are still littered throughout this outing, and continue to undermine the experience.
WWE 2K16 is definitely a step up from WWE 2K16, the creative modes were sorely missed in WWE 2K15 and with the improvements added also made them the most definite versions of create an arena and championship to date. Presentation is also fantastic in WWE 2K16 with the audio improvements and no loading screens between entrances with a very smooth transition from one entrance to the other taking the loading screens place. It's awesome how much playability there is to have in WWE 2K16. Although the game has it's share of bugs, a terrible commentary voice over, and missing modes, there is still a lot of fun to be had with this game. 2K aren't there just yet, but they are starting to find a rhythm.
WWE 2K16 feels more like an expansion pack than a whole new release, but it's still a great package for anyone looking to experience WWE on the PC. The in-ring action has only really changed in terms of the reversal system, but it still does a good job of recreating the action seen in the real life show. There are still some match types missing from the free play mode, and the flagship Showcase mode, while, while it excellently represents Stone Cold Steve Austin's career, has been disappointingly reduced from five, to two different campaigns. Fans of the show or of the previous game are sure to find something to enjoy, yet it still doesn't have something that will recapture those who have already drifted away from the franchise.
WWE 2K16 is a better game than last 2K15, largely thanks to the expansive range of options and features that have been reinstated. The 2K Showcase is fantastic, but the core gameplay hasn't changed enough to warrant a hearty recommendation.
A game that if you love wrestling you will find a reason to love it. Otherwise, game needs polish and better design decisions.
WWE 2K16 is built for a very particular type of fan valuing authenticity above all else.
The big thing to take away from WWE 2K16 is that not much has changed, yet again. The roster is a lot bigger, and features that were missing last time do return, but this game being back in line with your 2014 release isn't something we should be thankful for. The fighting, which was slated last year anyway, only seems to have been limited yet again, but not to a devastating degree - it just still isn't good enough.
2K's historical video packages are a great trip down memory lane, but the moment-to-moment action isn't worth remembering
Is hate too strong a word?
The WWE video games were a bad installment away from becoming a laughing stock. Thankfully, WWE 2K16 introduced a strong new feature, as well as one of the best Showcase modes the franchise has ever seen. The MyCareer mode still needs a lot of work, but the basic premise is still one that can succeed. With the largest cast of wrestlers the franchise has ever seen, 2K and Yukes have done a solid job righting the WWE 2K ship. That being said, there is still a lot of work to be done.
WWE 2K16 definitely makes some strides in the right direction, but with Showcase mode becoming a little stale and Career Mode somehow taking a step back, it's clear that 2K is very much still getting to grips with the series. The gameplay is getting better and presentation-wise there's not a great deal that needs improving, but it's going to be a while before we see the publisher with championship gold around its waist.
While an improvement over last year, WWE 2K16 still represents a series that has a ways to go before realizing its full potential. We appreciate the large roster and 2K Showcase but this is strictly meant for the hardcore fan.
Despite relative improvements in presentation, WWE 2K16 ultimately makes a crucial mistake when it comes to understanding professional wrestling: the fiction is a lot more fun than the reality.
WWE 2K16 isn't exactly the best wrestling game we've ever played. But it's not the worst, either.
WWE 2K16 pushes the franchise further down the sim path, to its detriment. It's also buggy and ugly – a fatigued veteran destined for the bush leagues.
A solid mid-carder