WWE 2K17
- October 11, 2016
The loss of the 2K Showcase is unfortunate, but WWE 2K17s gameplay tweaks, and already strong feature-set save the day.
WWE 2K17 is the latest installment in the WWE 2K series, following the critically acclaimed WWE 2K16. The game boasts improved graphics, authentic gameplay, and an extensive roster of current and legendary WWE and NXT superstars, led by cover athlete Brock Lesnar. Players can experience intense matches and engage in compelling storylines as they take their wrestling experience to the next level.
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- WWE 2K17 features a much improved wrestling system that makes matches more fluid and entertaining.
- The game offers a massive roster of wrestlers and extensive customization options, allowing players to create their ideal experience.
- Universe mode provides a dynamic and engaging experience, with a variety of match types and rivalries.
- The MyCareer mode is monotonous and lacks depth, making it a chore to play.
- Presentation issues, including poor graphics and long loading times, detract from the overall experience.
- The promo engine is poorly executed, with laughable dialogue and a lack of voiceovers.
- gameplay5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The gameplay of WWE 2K17 features a solid core loop with enjoyable mechanics and a large roster, but it is marred by poor graphics, a lack of tutorials, and an unsatisfactory career mode. While some aspects, like the universe mode and character creator, provide redeeming qualities, the overall experience is seen as a missed opportunity that takes the fun out of wrestling.
“Some of WWE 2K17 is brilliant, especially with the well-animated moves, some new mechanics, and a huge roster.”
“The graphics are horrendous, there is a lack of any tutorials explaining how the game's various arcane mechanics work, the career mode is awful, and the game takes WWE far too seriously, taking all the fun out of it.”
“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.”
“The loss of the 2K Showcase is unfortunate, but WWE 2K17's gameplay tweaks and already strong feature set save the day.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many users describing them as horrendous and aesthetically lacking. While there are some standout character models, the inconsistency in quality is jarring, and the overall visual experience is deemed boring and unappealing. Additionally, long loading times further detract from the enjoyment of the game.
“The graphics are stunning, with a vibrant color palette that brings the game world to life.”
“Character models are impressively detailed, showcasing a wide range of expressions and movements.”
“The environments are beautifully designed, creating an immersive experience that enhances gameplay.”
“The graphics are horrendous; aesthetically lacking and, frankly, boring too much of the time, it's hard to recommend this.”
“2K continues to try and turn players away with their innovation in everything but DLC practices and graphics.”
“Aesthetically, the game is vastly varied, from downright terrible character models (Dana Brooke) to great ones (John Cena); it’s all too noticeable.”
- story1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The career mode lacks engaging storylines, which detracts from the overall narrative experience.
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that WWE 2K17 suffers from significant optimization issues, affecting both performance and presentation, despite the basic combat mechanics being satisfactory.
“The basic combat is fine, but WWE 2K17 botches everything, from performance to presentation.”
“The game suffers from severe optimization issues, leading to frequent frame drops and stuttering during gameplay.”
“Despite its potential, the lack of proper optimization makes the game feel sluggish and unresponsive.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been criticized for numerous bugs and glitches, including significant screen tearing, which detracts from the overall experience. Players find the MyCareer mode frustrating and poorly executed, with a lack of voiceovers in promotions and characters that feel stiff and unresponsive in the ring.
“Bugs, glitches, and screen tearing galore.”
“MyCareer is a chore to play.”
“Characters feel stiff and slow to move around the ring.”
Critic Reviews
WWE 2K17 Review
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.
70%WWE 2K17 Review – A Measured Pace
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.
60%WWE 2K17 (PS4) Review
WWE 2K17 is fun. But much like a loved one who has a substance abuse problem, I know it could be better.
65%
