Another year, another WWE game. However, this one looks like it could be a game-changer. We got a special early hands-on look earlier this week and this game looks like it has the potential to be the best one since WWE SmackDown: Here Comes The Pain which is considered by many fans to be one of the best WWE games ever, if not the best.
WWE 2K15 was considered a major letdown amongst fans but last year’s edition, WWE 2K16, received a much more favourable review. With WWE 2K17, 2K Games have improved on all the major aspects of 2K16 and have added a few features that fans have been waiting for. Add to that a blockbuster roster and an updated gameplay engine, and we have a game which will look to set the bar as far as modern wrestling games are concerned.
We’ll have a full review of WWE 2K17 when it comes out but for now, here are 5 things you need to know about WWE 2K17.
5: One game, three editions
WWE 2K17 comes in 3 editions – the regular edition, the Digital Deluxe edition and the NXT edition.
The Regular version of the game gives the player access to two versions of Goldberg along with two WCW arenas.
- The Digital Deluxe edition comes with a host of extra features:
- - Two playable versions of Goldberg
- - Two WCW arenas
- - A digital copy of WWE 2K17
- - The full Season Pass and all future DLC
- - An exclusive theme (only available for PS4)
- - The NXT Legacy Pack (only available for PS3/Xbox 360)
- The final version is the NXT Edition and it’s the awesomest of the lot and the edition that I’m going to get myself. The NXT edition comes with:
- - Special Packaging
- - Physical copy of the game
- - Exclusive “Canvas2Canvas” lithograph autographed by Shinsuke Nakamura
- - 8-inch “Demon” Finn Balor figure
- - The Full Goldberg pack
4: Gameplay
WWE 2K17 brings us the most authentic wrestling experience we have seen in a game so far. It tries to capture the feeling of a WWE Live event and does a great job in replicating it as much as possible.
The gameplay is also more fine-tuned this year with the pacing replicating the magic of a pro-wrestling match much better – the match goes through highs and lows, fast-paced segments and slower segments just like a real match.
Some fans were not happy with last year’s submission system so 2K have added a new secondary submission system to WWE 2K17.
3: Take the fight backstage
This is a feature that fans have been clamouring for years and 2K has heard the fans voices and delivered. I grew up playing the old SmackDown: Here Comes The Pain where and I’ve been waiting for this feature in the modern games for years.
Now, fans can take the fight backstage seamlessly, just like in WWE. The backstage areas look fantastic and there are even tiny details like backstage people standing around and talking in the distance while you send your opponent through a backstage monitor.
2: Historic additions to the roster
WWE 2K16 had a huge roster of over 120 Superstars and WWE 2K17 trumps event that. There are historic additions to the roster like Goldberg, who is the pre-order bonus. Add to that historic additions like AJ Styles and the ‘King of Strong Style’ Shinsuke Nakamura and you have a roster that will even have the hardcore fans drooling over.
Let’s not also forget, that 2K17 is the first game that has the Four Horsewomen – Sasha Banks, Charlotte, Becky Lynch and Bayley. We also have Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows who appear as part of the Future Stars DLC.
That’s quite a few new additions and I haven’t even mentioned all of them.
1: The improved My Career mode
WWE 2K17 has also added some exciting new features to the MyCareer mode. Without a Brock Lesnar Franchise Mode in the game this year, there is more pressure on MyCareer mode to shine this year and 2K are set to take it to the next level.
2K17 has incorporated a new promo engine to the MyCareer mode and backstage interviews with Renee Young will add a new dimension to the career mode. Faces will be expected to cut face promos while heels are expected to cut heel-ish promos. Without great promos, a Superstar’s development will stall.
The Superstar’s journey will begin in NXT and they will rise through the ranks of the WWE all the way to the main event of Wrestlemania. At some point, the player will also come face to face with Brock Lesnar and his advocate, Paul Heyman. With the importance of Brock Lesnar in this year’s game, this meeting will likely help shape the Superstar’s destiny.
For latest WWE News, spoilers and rumours visit our Sportskeeda WWE section.
