WWE 2K15 Review (PS4)
THE GOOD
+ Improved gameplay. Finally the series takes a step into the unknown, completely rehauling the gameplay. The controls are different, there's a new stamina system so you can't run around all the time, the matches start with some tactical chain wrestling and it all feels more crisp.
+ Feels like the real product. The new match pacing can make up for quite epic encounters which makes a long-time WWE fan like me happy.
+ The graphics. After years of badly outdated character models and crowds, 2K15 finally brings an all-new realistic graphical style. The wrestlers now actually look like themselves down to every little detail, thanks to scanning technology. The biggest stars like John Cena and Randy Orton for example, look eerily real.
+ The roster. It's not the biggest roster, but it's quite up-to-date and includes a few personal favorite legends of my own.
+ New additions like the Superstar Studio. To be able to finally fully edit the attires of in-game superstars is a huge thing and makes keeping superstars looking up-to-date possible. If only we could edit hair and beard too. The logo uploader is also a great addition, allowing people to use real pictures on their created characters.
THE BAD
- Stripped down create modes. The CAW mode which has been a major selling point for years for me at least, is a bitter disappointment with very limited morphing options and a lot of stuff has been taken out. Creating entrances has also been dumbed down and there's no create-a-finisher, no create-an-arena and no create-a-diva. Also no custom music. A major step back.
- The gameplay is still not all there. While feeling like the actual product, the gameplay still feels a bit sloppy, unresponsive and well, slow. Collision detection is not that great and the constant dragging to set up a move is annoying.
- My Career is a disappointment. It's a noble try, but it ultimately fails.
- The ring feels weirdly small. It takes like three steps for Kane to run from one end of the ring to the other.
- Taken out match types. No handicap, slobberknocker, Championship Scramble...
- Uneven character models. Some guys like Cena, Orton, Triple H and Cesaro look amazing, while guys like Shawn Michaels (what's up with the hair?) and Dean Ambrose could use a lot of tweaking.
- Small, mediocre soundtrack. Only like ten songs that are played over and over... they're bound to become irritating.
- The Royal Rumble match. Please, completely rehaul the gameplay of this match, because what we currently have is about as fun as watching Big Show cry.
THE VERDICT
WWE 2K15 is clearly a prototype, but it's still a step in the right direction. Everything is stripped down and halfway there, but this is still a good new beginning for the series. Feel free to kick the score down a bit if you're not a WWE fan, though (7.7 or something).
Score: 8.1