While WWE 2K16 improved gameplay in several key areas, giving matches a more authentic feel, 2K17 carries over many elements, while tweaking others, making it the most life-like wrestling game ever created. But these changes are not enough as 2K17 also represents the shortest jump in quality for a WWE game in many years. The flagship game mode 2K Showcase, which recreates historic matches and memorable moments through in-game cut-scenes, QTEs and video packages are completely gone. Although it does make some sense considering Brock Lesnar is on the cover of the game and his greatest opponents, such as Kurt Angle, are no longer with WWE; it does not add enough to justify the removal of 2K Showcase.
There are no new game modes and the new features are mostly half-baked. The heavily advertised new Promo feature works well but quickly loses its lustre. During a promo, players choose from one of four lines and must take into consideration the crowd, their heel or face status, and speaking in a consistent tone in order to get the biggest reaction. Promos can be interrupted by other wrestlers, which can lead to intense confrontations.
My favourite new addition is the rollout mechanic in matches with more than one superstar. The action is mostly centred on two wrestlers in the ring while others will roll out in order to recover. Players when fully recovered will receive a buff, but can also come into the ring earlier in exchange for a debuff. It removes a lot of the chaos that used to take place during triple threat matches.
WWE 2K17 continues to refine the gameplay as well as the presentation, but the new additions are in no way worthy of replacing the Showcase mode. With fewer game modes and not enough exciting new features, it becomes hard to recommend WWE 2K17 if you have played last year’s game but is still a good enough buy if you’re just jumping into the franchise.
Some of the presentation issues and bugs, including the atrocious commentary, are still present and it does nothing to fix long term problems such as the barely functioning online component. Overall, the game was built up to be more than what it ended up achieving.
