WWE 2K17

WWE 2K17 is an excellent wrestling game with a lot of superficial trappings to it that bog it down. The flow of matches is better than ever outside of triple threats and fatal four ways, which are now a stop and go affair. Career mode remains fairly aimless even with it being given something resembling goals now. Universe mode is improved, but a bit more time-consuming than ever before thanks to the presentation.

Aside from some nagging and egregious legacy issues, WWE 2K17 is really good. The game delivers where it counts most: graphics, gameplay and options. This is easily the best wrestling release in over a decade.

New ideas and innovations help move the franchise forward, but a lot of the same bugbears are still prevalent. Until we get a new engine I believe we are always going to be waiting for that truly amazing wrestling game experience. Until that happens, 2K17 is a nice bridge between that gap.

WWE 2K17 has lost the Showcase, demanded by nostalgic players, but has improved the general gameplay experience, easier to learn than in the last entry. A wide array of fighters, new animations, new combat areas, hundreds of skills and a superb Career Mode make WWE 2K17 a must for every wrestling fan.

I really miss 2K Showcase, and 2K17 is still weak in areas that I feel should have been shored up by now, but its excellent combat, and generous amounts of customization help it retain its title.

The dialogue choices aren’t exactly Mass-Effect-calibre, but it’s a welcome means of disrupting the match-match-match routine. And of finding new ways to insult Reigns every week, should you so desire. [Christmas 2016, p65]

Prepare to be grapple hooked. [Dec 2016, p.77]

The omission of Showcase mode really stings, but the sheer number of wrestlers and customization options make up for it somewhat. [Nov 2016]

Presentation hiccups and an undercooked Promo Engine aren't enough to take the shine off of 2K's latest take on the WWE franchise. Generously stuffed with the largest roster seen to date along with an encompassing creation suite, WWE Universe mode and a whole host of significant tweaks to the core experience, WWE 2K17 is the best entry in the series since Brock Lesnar last found his mug on the cover.

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.

Sure, the lack of a showcase mode is disappointing, but the pros far outweigh the cons. 2K17 gets it right in the most important area, and that’s 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.

Despite the missing-in-action Showcase mode, another step in the direction of a more complete, tactical and realistic wrestling experience, outside and inside the ring.

A varied and fulfilling selection of pretend-o-fights, bolstered by new features which don’t all work exactly as intended – but show tantalising promise for the future.

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.

WWE 2K17 has minimal improvements, but important absences, like the 2K Showcase mode. The lack of Showcase mode gave My Career the chance to shine on its own, but it won't be the case and we feel that Paul Heyman's character has been wasted.

WWE 2k17 is not an innovative chapter. It perfects some flaws of its predecessor and introduces some (minor) additions, but remains very conservative.

WWE 2K17 is a very decent wrestling game, which offers players the true WWE experience through its host of famous wrestlers and its surprisingly layered gameplay.

WWE 2K17 offers some improvements when compared to its predecessors, but hiding the popular Showcase mode behind a paywall is hard to forgive.

WWE 2k17 has a solid combat system, great roster and new features in WWE Universe and MyCareer. However, the absence of Showcase mode and some graphics issues are incomprehensible.