It’s never easy to have to pump up new games every year. A limited development window means that publishers have little time to really change the way a game is played, and that’s just one of the problems facing WWE 2K16. It also needs to win back fans after the disastrous release of its predecessor. That title faced harsh criticism for removing massive amounts of content, leaving players with only the scraps of what could and should have been a much better game. It’s safe to say that the Yuke’s team has certainly had their job to do for WWE 2K16’s success.
Game
What they improved immediately is the gameplay. The WWE 2K series has never tried to be like other fighting games that rely on complicated combos and expert timing. Instead, it has always been designed to encapsulate the pure entertainment and spectacularity of wrestling. WWE 2K16 nails it perfectly. There is no need to memorize the move sets here. Instead, you just have to keep in mind the basic controls that will allow you to put on a spectacular show.
To this end, the controls are relatively basic. You can kick and punch as you would expect, but also grab or lift an opponent with the push of a button. Other keys are mapped to actions such as counterattacks, allowing you to turn an opponent’s attack against them. It is a system that works very well and guarantees a good flow in any wrestling match. Another good thing about this is that anyone should be able to pick it up and try it out without having to worry too much about learning to play.
Counterattacks
Speaking of counterattacks, a new addition to WWE 2K16 is the introduction of a limit to how this particular move can be used. A scrolling news banner across the screen keeps players updated on how many more times they can use a reversal. It’s an elegant way to get this information that doesn’t interrupt the dive, as it really feels like part of the overall presentation.
Allowing only a certain number of reversals is also a smart decision in terms of keeping matches going. Matches now feel more offensive, with players not simply playing defensive waiting for an opportunity to strike.
The ability to take rest holds has a similar effect. While the attacks may have gone into slow slogs in previous installments, these rest grabs give both players a chance to regain stamina so the fights can stay energetic the entire time.
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