WWE 2K17 Reviews
Playing WWE 2K17 is as frustrating as being a fan of Dolph Ziggler: There’s a lot of potential there, but those in charge of the game just won’t let it shine.
Overall WWE 2K17 is a game that feels like a wasted opportunity that is only saved by Universe Mode, a robust character creator, and some solid tweaks to the combat mechanics. However, the massive amount of bugs, disappointingly shallow MyCareer Mode, laughable voice overs (and lack thereof!), and heavy reliance on counters make it a less than thrilling experience.
WWE 2K17 is the best wrestling game in years and also introduces some new features that should become highlights over time. A complete overhaul at some point in the future wouldn’t go amiss, just to see what 2K is capable of with a fresh slate, but what's been added here is all very welcome and well executed.
WWE 2K17's adherence to 'realism' brings notable gameplay improvements, but ultimately comes up short when it comes to the main event. MyCareer continues to be an unpolished, unfocused chore and is indicative of a WWE game that forgets that why two testosterone-fuelled titans enter the ring is as important as the action between the ropes.
2K Games has once again managed to top itself by creating an incredibly in-depth wresting experience. WWE 2K17 may not be as accessible as I would have liked, but if you’ve stuck with the series this long, there are plenty of reasons why you should continue to do so.
It seems like every single year the WWE 2K games take a stride forward, but also a few steps backwards. 2K17 is no different as for every smart gameplay change there is a missing feature or a worthless addition. The yearly release schedule is clearly making it difficult for the team to fix issues while also adding new features, so they’ll have to make a choice sooner rather than later if trying to juggle both each year is worthwhile. For now, WWE 2K17 is barely off Jericho’s list.
While WWE 2K17’s fighting action is slowly getting to the point where it’s a real contender, pretty much everything outside of the matches themselves – including the new Promo Engine, which is nonsensical - is riddled with glitches that degrade the experience to the point of frustration.
The game is a bloated monolith that, much like the WWE itself, is due for a much-needed shake-up.
WWE 2K17 isn’t the big leap that fans have been clamoring for, but it is a more refined simulation of the real life WWE product. The missing 2K Showcase mode hurts the game's overall value, but the refinements and tweaks to the gameplay, especially when playing multi-person matches helps produce a much more fun experience.
WWE 2K17 tries very hard to innovate itself back into what the game was at the height of the THQ era, but also tries too hard to be a complex simulator. While simulation works for it's other sports titles, 2K didn't need to morph the WWE series into the same thing. 2K continues to try and turn players away with their innovation in everything but DLC practices and graphics. This is what WWE games should have been 3 games ago, now it just feels like stagnation... Like watching WWE RAW.
WWE 2K17 is a marginally better game than 2K16, as the core mechanics feel like they've been refined a bit, but with the fantastic 2K Showcase consigned to the bin and no new modes to replace it, this is a package that's now sorely lacking. You might as well play last year's game, unless you're a massive fan that has to have the most up to date roster possible. Otherwise, WWE 2K17 is an enjoyable wrestling game that could still do with a bit of a kick up the backside for next year's instalment.
WWE 2K17 has clear focus with what makes for a good wrestling experience. The visuals, the options for gameplay and the beautiful atmosphere of the game make this wrestling title worth your time. The controls do bring the gameplay down a bit, though, as they feel stiff and linear for the most part. Regardless, the rest of the game shows that Yuke’s and Visual Concepts has certainly started to point this series in the right direction.
Overall we think WWE 2K17 has improved so many features and polished the gameplay to make 2K17 a well-needed success to bring the 2K series back to solid ground. Take into account the added features and a huge roster; this installment has ticked many of the boxes fans were looking for when this title got announced. WWE 2K17 is a truly refreshing chapter in this franchise, and with a few tweaks, we think they will have a solid showing next year. We give this game an 8/10.
There is plenty for fans of wrestling to like in WWE 2K17. There is a lot that I found enjoyable. While I’ve been on the verge of giving the game the people’s elbow, especially sitting through the long load times and when I lost a match because I couldn’t tag back into a tag team match; it’s a ‘tag’ team match, and I couldn’t figure out how to ‘tag’. It’s in the bloody stupid title. But, I’m going to keep playing. I love all the bluster, all the blood, and I want to eventually get a win by submission. And I will keep playing until I finally get Mr. Perfect to win the Royal Rumble.
You will get out of WWE 2K17 exactly what you put into it - be it a quick go for exciting ring action or an in-depth wrestling simulator which you can sink many hours into.
The core gameplay loop is fine, and there's some enjoyment to be had with this game's more measured take on wrestling, but... even for what it is, WWE 2K17 is ultimately a disappointing game that falls short.
Although WWE 2K17 didn’t need to be a strong step forward from its previous release, it’s still difficult not to be disappointed with how little has changed from year-to-year.
2K's best iteration of the sport attempts new ways to incorporate the "Entertainment" part of WWE, while the wrestling sees minor upgrades.
WWE 2K17 is fun. But much like a loved one who has a substance abuse problem, I know it could be better.
Overall I would say the game accurately portrays WWE programming at the moment. What do I mean by that? Well, the emphasis is all on the ring work, but the ability to tell a story lets it down.