WWE 2K16: Will it Meet Our Expectations?

WWE 2K15 came with heavy expectations. Whenever there is a move to a different generation, there is an expectation to showcase an improvement in graphics and gameplay with new features, thus WWE 2K14 was a truly excellent title. It boasted the best wrestling roster in years and ’30 Years of WrestleMania’ was very impressive. When the benchmarks are raised so high, it sometimes gets difficult to top every time.

That was the ultimate problem with WWE 2K15. While it was a visual spectacle, it was loaded with issues related to the gameplay and features. There were easily around $30 or more downloadable content (DLC) that should have been the game's part from the beginning. Those who waited and bought the limited-time digital-only ‘WrestleMania Bundle’ from the PlayStation Store and Xbox Games Store, were lucky to get complete DLC and the game together for $60.

The popular and hotly-anticipated ‘Path of the Warrior’ featuring the career of Ultimate Warrior's founding father was half-baked. There were only eight matches, in which two were finished in a blink. Sid Justice was supposedly included in the showcase as a playable manager, but gamers were unable to access his character outside of the 'Path of the Warrior' showcase mode. This turned off a lot of fans.

Cutscenes and attires were very good, but Hulk Hogan’s model was the current one with his 80s attire. A great effort in principle, but the execution left one wanting more and much better.

In terms of gameplay, the new back and forth chain grappling was so annoying and cumbersome, that it was better to switch it off. The introduction of stamina meters provided some intense match moments. However, it did not make up for the difficult reversals or submission button mashing. Also, kicking out of a pin required a lot of practice.

The less said about the Creation Suite, the better. There was neither create-a-arena or create-a-finisher nor create divas option. The only enjoyable mode was the Showcase mode, that was on disc as well as the downloadable ones. The game received mixed to average reviews from several critics, which showed clearly that something wasn’t right with the game. While WWE 2K14 was perfect with a terrific roster and had accessible gameplay with a lot of fun, all the Creation Suite modes were missing from the latest entry.

2K Sports needs to put out a wrestling game that is as good as WWE 2K14 to make the fans happy. The Showcase mode was a great idea that can be further improved upon in WWE 2K16. The pin system, reversals and chain grappling have to be reworked also to improve the gameplay.

Its time to have a roster complete with not only legends and current superstars, but also downloadable content that gives a complete retail version even when it is not purchased. Nevertheless, the Creation Suite's missing features need to return as well.

If 2K Sports fails to address the issues, then gamers are better off playing WWE 2K14 and the Showcase modes in WWE 2K15.