WWE 2K17 Reviews
2K17 retains this incredibly in-depth editing for the face, but streamlined customization of the body to selectable pre-sculpted parts.
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.
Like previous versions, WWE 2K17 takes some major steps forward, but then takes even more steps backwards and unfortunately, it takes even more steps backwards than WWE 2K16. There is still plenty of fun to be had in WWE 2K17 but the nagging issues that rear their ugly heads year after year will eventually pop up and ruin said fun, once again.
While WWE 2K17 can be a ton of fun, a few specters of its past keep it from being a flawless experience.
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 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 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.
2K's best iteration of the sport attempts new ways to incorporate the "Entertainment" part of WWE, while the wrestling sees minor upgrades.
Much like the games before it, the forgiving nature of the fights and the over the top visuals makes it a lot of fun to play with friends when you're not actually taking things seriously. In that sense, the series has constantly delivered, and WWE2K17 is no exception. If you've not got any of the earlier games, this is a good one to add to your collection.
All in all WWE 2K17 is a really good experience. The smaller design choices both in the ring and for customising your experience are incredible, and when looked at as a completely package it is the best wrestling experience I have had to date.
Without a doubt, the wrestling action in WWE 2K17 is some of the best the franchise has seen in a very long time. All of the improvements result in matches that are more fluid, more entertaining, and are generally very balanced and satisfying. It does a fantastic job at coupling deep sub-systems with arcade-like appeal. However, the career mode is hobbled by an absence of compelling storylines. The WWE Universe mode and it's plethora of customization options are massive time investments, and the freedom to build the perfect roster is very cool. Promos are a great idea. It's a shame that there's a little too much guess work involved, and the results tend to be disappointing. The lack of polish isn't game breaking, but the long load times and occasionally baffling AI can get annoying after a while. Still, if pro wrestling fans are willing to persevere, they'll find a lot to like.
WWE 2K17 is fun. But much like a loved one who has a substance abuse problem, I know it could be better.
The forward momentum from last year’s improvements already seems to be faltering, as the weight of bugs and glitches ruin many of the new features.
Refinements to its measured combat make for a better game, but problems still persist in key areas both in and outside the squared circle.
By acting as a simulation rather than embracing the promotion silliness, WWE 2K17 misses the mark wildly. What chance they had to make MyCareer a marquee game mode and a game changer was wasted by half-baked ideas. There’s a lot going on with the other modes on offer and it plays better than most wrestling games out there, but its presentation suffers greatly as a result. As a tool for promoting Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar 2, it’s done its job, it’s just a shame that was the best thing WWE 2K17 achieved.
Some of WWE 2K17 is brilliant, especially with the well animated moves, some new mechanics and a huge roster. Sadly, however, all the good is undermined by awful presentation.
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.
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.
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.