WWE 2K16 Reviews
WWE 2K16 delivers the biggest roster ever in a WWE videogame, but with only one Showcase campaign, will this year's instalment deserve to be tagged in for another year?
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.
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 provides everything that wrestling fans will want to see outside of the ring. Was it not for the long and annoying loading times, the creation system and general control that you have over things would be enough to get it into the main event at Wrestlemania. A few minor fixes and changes here and there would do wonders, but the constant loading and the frankly abominable issues with the fighting engine that remain unfixed destroy any semblance of realism and are enough to relegate it to the indies.
WWE 2K16 is a return to form for the series, and it is great to see that the development team has managed to right the ship. With such a huge roster and numerous, deep gameplay options, there is easily enough content in here to hold over wrestling fans this year. The actual action in the ring is much improved, but there are some edges that could be smoothed out in next year's iteration.
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 isn't exactly the best wrestling game we've ever played. But it's not the worst, either.
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.
WWE 2K16 takes the series to new heights, despite having the same old issues.
WWE 2k16 is a strong entry in the series, and feels like a more enjoyable game than the previous entry. That said, it's not changed dramatically - the core gameplay remains similar and if you didn't like the last few games in the series then you'll probably want to skip this one. However, for fans who want the newest rosters and ring improvements, along with a great career mode to play through, this game really delivers.
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.
A solid mid-carder
Is hate too strong a word?
Sure, all the gaping wounds that have plagued the series over the years are slowly getting fixed with each year that passes, but that does not change the fact this is a very sick series. In its current form I believe it is one that can never rise above mediocrity.
WWE 2K16 boasts an insane roster with fine-tuned gaming mechanics that makes this one of the best games in the franchise. If you're looking for your wrestling fix, then WWE 2K15 is that game
I can look past the things that annoyed me and see that a ton of effort was put in to get this game where it is, and it's a game that fans of wrestling, and the franchise, will appreciate. If you've loved WWE 2K games in the past, or even miss the N64 days, give WWE 2K16 a go.
WWE 2K16 does so many things right that a little forgiveness is in order. Everyone involved seems to recognize that mistakes were made with WWE 2K15 and went out of their way to send the series in the complete opposite direction. The disconnect between character's appearances and occasional stiffness speaks more to a lack of polish than effort, and the result is a generally positive experience that helps renew faith in yearly WWE installments. In fact, WWE 2K16 is so comprehensive, I imagine people will have trouble finding reasons to upgrade to WWE 2K17 next year.
Wrestling fans have been waiting for a truly great game for their sport of choice for years, if not decades. All that waiting has mostly paid off as WWE 2K16 is a strong game that can stand well with the genre's heavy-hitters without looking too out of place. WWE 2K16 isn't without its flaws, but it's the most feature-rich wrestling game to come along in a while, with a right massive roster, a good deal of likable modes and well-fleshed out main attractions in the domains of 2K Showcase and MyCareer.
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.