Raw, formerlySmackdown).
WithWWE 2K15s jump to the next generation, theyve given the whole system upgrades.
Of course, that means visually.
Big E, John Cena, and Brock Lesnar look like theyre the real deal at times.
But look at me starting off with the graphics like a jerk.
The real meat is gameplay and luckily thats the best thingWWE 2K15has going for it.
2K Sports has been focusing on making it less an arcade-y fighting game and more of a simulation.
Some of it is cosmetic.
During suplexes, someone might bounce their feet off the ropes on the way down.
Theres some real weight to the movements and it feels more true-to-source.
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What the new system brings to the table is measuring stamina.
Theyve tried this before years ago, but here its a bit more balanced and better thought out.
You start out fresh as a daisy, but between beatings and exertion, you start to get sluggish.
you oughta pace yourself instead of just going offense, offense, offense.
Some would consider this a negative, but I like it.
It also leads to one of my favorite little touches.
Wasting that time might give them a better shot at kicking out, just like in the actual matches.
Also new is the lock-up system.
Unless you turn off the option, you dont just start the match with powerbombs and piledrivers.
The two players lock up and press buttons which initially plays like Rock, Paper, Scissors.
What sets the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions apart from the previous generation versions is MyCareer.
Its the first WWE career mode in five years and its a welcome sight.
You play as a created wrestler and venture to break into the company.
Eventually, he gets you a WWE contract and a spot onNXT.
Just so you know, having Sami Zayn in this game earned this review an entire point.
Most of the time, it isnt winning or losing thats important, but how you wrestle.
You want to get the crowd into your match.
Do a lot of reversals.
Dont just use the same two moves again and again and again.
Kick out at 2, even if it’s possible for you to kick out at 1.
Do lots of signature moves and finishers when possible.
Make it as competitive as possible and dont just squash the opposition like theyre nothing.
Turn enough heads and soon Triple H will promote you to the main roster.
Then you get to work your way to the main roster, where youll go for some real gold.
By hitting certain spots from the original match, you earn extra costumes and the like.
Remember how I gave this review an extra point for having Sami Zayn?
Im deducting a point for reminding me that Kevin Nash was involved in that CM Punk storyline.
Luckily, these nostalgia-based modes in WWE games are a great vehicle for the companys excellent video editing crew.
and cutscenes happen as part of it.
I didnt notice any changes from the last game.
The biggest problem with the game is whats missing.
A lot of the creating tools are gone.
No more creating moves, arenas, title belts, or even storylines to download.
Thats a drag right there.
I played with the create-a-wrestler system in an attempt to make myself.
Its pretty lacking compared to previous games.
You also cant create female wrestlers.
You only have eight to choose from and they can only fight each other.
This wouldnt be a problem if they would just let men and women wrestle in this game.
Speaking of the Royal Rumble, for some reason you’re free to only make it 30-man.
No 10, 20, or 40-man Rumbles.
Seems like an unnecessary change.
Other match types got removed.
No backstage brawling either.
What a great match!
Lets look at some highlights!
I tell you, I need to see the highlights for this match!
This match had some amazing highlights, so lets look at some!
WWE 2K15is an odd beast.
The bells and whistles of yesteryear have fallen off, but the core is stronger.
If you skippedWWE 2K14and want to get back into these games, Id say give it a go.
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Rating:
3.5 out of 5
