WWE 2K16 Review

Oh hell yeah! WWE 2K is back for another year and thankfully has improved upon it's predecessor. WWE 2K16 has improved on gameplay, modes and has a brand new showcase mode that truly is the bottom line. Is it worth entering back to the square circle? Oh hell yeah it is.

Story - Since this is a sports game you're not going to find much characterization, plot or themes in this one. However WWE 2K16 does offers up a showcase mode and MyCareer mode. Showcase mode tells the story career of WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin. The game highlights most of the key moments of Stone Cold's career in great fashion. Battling the rattlesnakes top opponents with full cut-scenes is a blast. The game even included some of his Stunning Steve Austin days for good measure. If you're a Austin fan this is something you might want to check out. In addition MYCareer mode also has story elements as you create a wrestler trying to make it big in the WWE. I always liked modes like this because it gives you such a sense of accomplishment when it's over. You can form alliances, start rivalries, side with factions and really pave your way. This gives you a full experience on what it's like in WWE programming and it has a much better improvement than last year. 

Gameplay - The gameplay in WWE 2K16 has improved and is adding a lot more strategy when it comes to matches. One of the most biggest improvements that I love is the reversal system. In previous WWE games all you had to do is press the reverse button on time and you will reverse. This still applies but 2K added more realism to it. Now you can't just keep reverse everything. The reverse system has a meter now that makes it so players aren't spamming the reverse system. Once the meter goes out it leaves you open for any attack until the meter refills. It works just as the stamina meter feature in the game. 2K makes it more realistic to how guys fight in the ring. You don't see tons of reversal on TV, guys do sweat and get tired. The pacing of the ring battle is nearly perfectly capture in this game. It's still has some kinks to work out but so far so good. Other little additions are the breakout feature which allows players to interrupt entrances are welcome add ons. Matches that you wanted are back such as Fatal Four Way TLC, Hell In A Cell, Handicap and more. There still no fighting in a crowd or backstage areas. Or even 8 men in the Royal Rumble at a time. With so many technological advances I'm surprise 2K has not brought in these things yet. The game offers a huge roster but fans will be disappointed that Sasha Banks and other popular NXT Divas didn't make it this year. Create a wrestler is also improve giving players more custom features than ever before. Unfortunately customize music is still not back yet. 

Graphics - The graphics are a slight improvement from last year. The wrestlers look great. The Undertaker, Bray Wyatt, Sting and Dolph Ziggleer look the best out of the bunch. The crowd also seen improvements. The crowd has a lot more individuality and really brings in the feel of WWE. One gripe is that Renee Young didn't translate that well graphically. But other than the graphics do hold up very well.

Sound - Sound is probably the weakest element in WWE 2K16. The broadcasting still sound horrible. JBL being added to the commentating didn't even help this year. He sounded tired or uninspired. The crowd still doesn't capture the spirit as of the WWE. Some highlights like this is awesome is great, but still no true capture of John Cena's polarizing reaction. 

Replay Value - With Showcase Mode, MYCareer, WWE Universe and regular exhibition. You will be spending a lot of time with WWE 2K16.

Final Score 8.5/10