WWE 2K16 Standard Edition - Xbox One

The last WWE game to truly capture my attention was WWE 13. With that said, 2k16 feels like a huge step back in the right direction. Let me preface my review by saying I've only played about 5 matches but in those 5 matches the drama and excitement was something that was definitely present. Something I haven't felt in a wrestling game in a long time. The all new limited reversal system is a welcomed addition. Playing with Seth Rollins I had 5 reversals at my disposal allowing myself to burn one off here and there while when playing as Cactus Jack and only having 3, I found myself taking a bit more of a beating holding on to my few reversals for bigger moments. Before, strategy in a wrestling game was to revserse almost everything, gain a special, hit the special, gain finisher, hit finisher and so one, it had a more mortal kombat like feel to it. With the new systems in place, Limited reversals and stamina, I found myself actually strategizing about how I'm going to wear down my opponent with out getting too gassed and keeping enough "just in case" reversals in my arsenal. And changes depending on who I was and who I was taking on. The graphics look a lot better than last years game, although I think there is some room for improvement (they'll get there) There are tons of superstars (120) most of which all need to be unlocked, but still a good mix already at your disposal Lots of match types to choose from with the inclusion of some favorites that were missing last year. Create and Arena and title are back and it was fun to mess with the options on those modes. One thing I've really come to like is the atmosphere of the game while playing in a match, commentary is still pretty bad, but the crowd getting into it and the expressions and body language by the wresting models as the game goes on makes the drama feel more Epic. I don't think it's a great game, it's not perfect, but it certainly isn't nowhere as bad as most folks seem to make it out to be. There are a lot of improvements that have been made since last years entry and in many ways this is the game we should have gotten last year to be honest. I think of your a wrestling fan of the past, present or both, you'll be thoroughly entertained, especially with all of different modes at your fingertips. I'm giving this game 4/5 stars, 8.4/10! Can't wait to dig into it more.

This is 2K's second attempt at a wrestling game on these new consoles. Last year's effort was missing a ton of features and modes and what was offered felt bare bones. This year offers a career mode that is much more fleshed out and allows you to create a character that you can take through a full career similar to 2K's other sports games and the experience is fun. There are definitely some glitchy moments like cut scenes that pause randomly to load dialogue or the AI going nuts for no reasons during matches, flying all over the place. The game looks good and plays OK. It has plenty of match types and a large roster of stars. My biggest complaint is I am kind of done with these showcase modes. It was neat to relive the attitude era a few games ago, but if I want to relive a certain superstar's career (this year's showcase is about Steve Austin) I would rather watch it on their network, not play it. Overall I think if you like wrestling and you liked the controls of the previous games this one is much more fleshed out than WWE 2K15

Anyone who has played 2K16 compared to 2K15 knows right off the bat that we are in for a treat. 2K15 quite frankly was on of the worst wrestling games ever produced under the WWE banner, but this year 2K Sports and WWE have made a comeback. WWE 2K16 boasts the largest roster in WWE history with 100 slots for CAW so you have the opportunity to make one heck of a roster. The new reversal system makes the game quite a bit more strategic and challenging especially for long time players who have mastered the old reversal system. There is new features throughout my career, showcase mode, as well as many of the strikes/grapples have been re-animated for a much more realistic look and feel. Overall, I can definitely recommend this game for both new or old wrestling fans. The reversal system favors newer players, the roster favors everybody, and there is nearly endless replay value with how many variable options come from exhibition or universe mode. Pros: large roster, showcase mode, improved gameplay, 100 CAW slots Cons: Bizarre missing match types like tag team ladder matches, and the new submission system is absolutely awful. I used to play on legendary in previous games, and now only win about 50% of the time on hard because when you get put in a submission you are nearly guaranteed to lose.