WWE 2K15

Since the days of THQ and Jacks Pacific, the WWE or WWF if you’re from that generation, has always been a subject for video games. Whether it was WWE Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain, Smackdown! Shut Your Mouth or Smackdown vs Raw, there was always a licensed game on hand to let you play as your spandex-wearing heroes. While the licence has changed hands to 2K, the same holds true in today’s gaming landscape. WWE games are still being made on an annual basis and WWE 2K15 was 2015’s attempt at bringing the action of Smackdown and Raw to your TV screens.

This game plays much like a wrestling game like we mentioned above, with a roster of wrestlers to choose from, a story mode to play out, various creation settings and a cavalcade of game modes and match options that make these games capable of providing endless hours of fun.

At a push, we could say that this game is similar to the UFC game series seeing as the same developer creates this title but nothing really replicates the action present in a licenced WWE title

A Change Of Pace

One thing that you could always count on in these games were matches that were fast-paced, frantic and full of action. However, it seems with the change to current-gen consoles, a change was also made to the pace with which you fight in this game. The controls feel more cumbersome and calculated which in one way provides a sense of realism to the same but on the other hand, it slows the action down and significantly reduces the fun factor.

However, this change in impetus seems to have brought a few fixes to the game. One of which being the various glitches that were present on the PS3 and 360 seemingly being a thing of the past. If only they knew what would happen in WWE 2K20. Occasionally you will have some clipping and physics issues with inanimate objects and weapons but overall, the improvements are welcome.

A step Backwards

Since 2K took over proceedings in the production of WWE titles, the story mode has been growing in quality ever since, with more intricate details being added, voice acting being on point, sub-stories and feuds being peppered into the main plot, training and publicity were a factor. There were different stories for those who chose to be heels. Overall it has been a real coming of age story and 2K15 should have been the culmination of all this progress to produce a masterclass in entertainment.

What we got, however, was a bland story with a handful of side plots that were uninspired or interesting. A few additional details beyond the necessary and the main plot that is streamlined to the point that it’s oversimplified and just plain boring. There is the showcase mode that allows you to recreate the most amazing moments in WWE history but even this feels a little stale and some inclusions just seem thoughtless and the omissions seem even more so.

Cutting content

There seems to be a reason why the story mode seemed so simplistic and streamlined. The whole game has picked the previous sequel for parts. The creation mode has been scaled back drastically, with no way to create custom stories, custom belts or even a female wrestler which is baffling, even five years ago.

Even the match types have taken a hit from the previous year’s roster, with matches such as the ‘I Quit’ match, the elimination match and the four-man hell in a cell match all being canned. This even translates to the wrestling cast with names of the time like Sin Cara and Zach Rider inexplicably not making the cut. It just seems like 2K wasn’t ready or prepared for the step-up to next-gen and made cuts to fill in the cracks.

Stop the Damn Match!

This game has some strong points in the form of its graphical detail and showcase matches. It has some divisive assets such as its slower-paced action. Though, what stands out above all is the abundance of weak points with this title.

There is a severe lack of personalisation or creation that can be done within this title which is a staple of the series. There are so many cutbacks to make the step up to next-gen, the story mode is the weakest in years and above all, its just not as fun as it was merely a year ago.

Pros

• Graphically, a step up
• Glitches are less common
• Showcase matches can be really interesting

Cons

• Story mode, creation mode, modes and rosters have all been cut back
• The gameplay feels much more sluggish