WWE 2K16

WWE 2K16 is the next installment in the wrestling sports game series, launched back in 2000 on PlayStation One with the release of WWF Smackdown!. Initially, the cycle was being developed by THQ, but after it went bankrupt in 2012, the franchise was taken over by 2K Games which now produces all WWE titles in cooperation with Yuke’s.

Contrary to its predecessor, WWE 2K16 is a console exclusive and was not released on PC. A the game’s visuals vary depending on the platform, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 editions present somewhat worse graphic quality than the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions.

Gameplay

The game once again takes us to the ring to fight current and former wrestling superstars, including Steve “Stone Cold” Austin, Seth Rollins, Daniel Bryan, Dean Ambrose, “Bad News” Barrett, or Paige and Finn Bálor. WWE 2K16 offers the biggest selection of wrestlers in the history of the series, a total of 120 characters, including both male and female wrestlers. The game features also some rising stars from the less famous NXT Wrestling. What is important, each wrestler is different not only in terms of looks, but also fighting style (including unique moves).

The latest installment in the WWE 2K series traditionally brings lots of novelties and improvements to the gameplay mechanics, mainly as a response to the fan feedback. These include rebuilt control system that allows for much better control over wrestlers’ behavior. The takedown system was also modified, and the new targeting system allows us to strike at nearly all body parts of our opponent to which he or she will react accordingly (for example: grab the hurting arm or head). The game also introduces new kinds of “accessories”, including metal chairs, tables, hammers, baseball bats and numerous other re-purposed items.

The developers did not forget about the Creation Suite known from WWE 2K15, allowing us to not only create our very own wrestler (male or female), but also design our custom tournaments, arenas, and even an entire wrestling show.

Game modes

MyCareer remains the primary gameplay mode of WWE 2K16 on PC, XONE and etc.; as usual, we guide our original wrestler through subsequent stages of wrestling career. The story mode, 2K Showcase, makes a reappearance in the game. It allows us to recreate the most iconic fights in the entire history of WWE, and unlock additional legendary wrestlers, arenas and, match types as we progress through the game. The gameplay is complemented by a wide selection of multiplayer modes that can be played via the Internet or on a single machine.

Technology

WWE 2K16 introduces numerous visual enhancements, whose aim is to provide an even better recreation of the unique atmosphere of a wrestling event, i.e. the physics and wrestler animations were enhanced. We can also admire such detail as realistically looking hair or sweat. Furthermore, the ring surroundings and the cheering crowd have become more varied. As far as audio is concerned, Michael Cole and Jerry “The King” Lawler, the commentators known from the previous installments in the series, are joined by John “Bradshaw” Layfield. The game has a very diverse soundtrack, including music by such artists as Billy Idol, Marilyn Manson, Run DMC, or Skid Row.

Additional information

2K Games prepared an exclusive bonus for all players who pre-ordered the game. They will be given the option to play as the T-800 model cyborg from the 1984 Terminator and the 1991 Terminator 2: Judgment Day - with Arnold Schwarzenegger reprising the role.

Last updated on 18 February 2016