AEW: Fight Forever, the debut wrestling game from Yuke’s and THQ Nordic, enters the ring with the ambition of bringing back the arcade-style fun of classic wrestling games. While it delivers in some aspects, its limitations become evident, leaving it a solid contender but not quite a championship contender.
In the Ring: Fast-Paced, Flashy Action
Fight Forever’s core gameplay embraces a pick-up-and-play approach. The controls are intuitive, relying on a combination of light and heavy attacks, grapples, and directional inputs. This simplicity allows for quick, fluid matches filled with over-the-top moves and exaggerated animations. The momentum system adds another layer, rewarding aggressive offense and leading to flashy signature moves and finishers.
The game shines in its tag team matches, replicating the chaotic energy and dynamic teamwork of AEW’s signature bouts. Partner interactions are smooth, and the ability to chain moves and finishers together creates a satisfying spectacle.
However, the combat system also faces limitations. Move sets, while diverse, can feel somewhat repetitive, and the lack of complex counters or chain grappling reduces the depth for seasoned wrestling game players. Additionally, AI opponents can be erratic and prone to glitches, hindering the overall match flow.
Beyond the Bell: A Mixed Bag of Modes
Fight Forever offers a variety of modes, including:
Career Mode: This mode takes inspiration from Yakuza, featuring a branching storyline where you rise through the ranks of AEW. While entertaining, it lacks the depth and customization options found in similar modes of competitor games.
Exhibition Matches: This standard mode allows for quick, customizable matches with various rules and stipulations.
Online Multiplayer: Online matches offer the thrill of competing against other players, but the current netcode can lead to lag and connection issues.
Mini-Games: These offer a fun diversion, testing your timing and reflexes in various wrestling-themed challenges.
While the variety is commendable, the overall content feels limited. The roster, while featuring a good chunk of AEW’s top stars, misses some notable names and lacks the depth of its competitors. Additionally, the lack of creation tools and a robust universe mode leave a void for players seeking a more immersive experience.
Presentation: A Celebration of AEW
Fight Forever captures the spirit of AEW with its vibrant visuals. The cartoony character models are charming and distinct, while the arenas are meticulously recreated, brimming with energy and detail. The game’s soundtrack, featuring licensed themes and original compositions, further amplifies the AEW atmosphere.
However, the presentation also has its shortcomings. Commentary can be repetitive and lackluster, and the overall polish falls short of the highest standards, with occasional graphical glitches and animation hiccups.
Final Verdict: A Fun Foundation with Potential
AEW: Fight Forever is a solid debut wrestling game with a strong foundation. Its fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay is undeniably fun, especially in tag team matches. The presentation effectively captures the spirit of AEW, and the core mechanics offer a satisfying pick-up-and-play experience.
However, the game’s limitations are undeniable. A smaller roster, repetitive movesets, and a lack of depth in certain modes hold it back from truly challenging established franchises. While enjoyable for casual wrestling fans and newcomers to the genre, Fight Forever needs further refinement and content expansion to compete for the championship belt.
FAQs
What is the core gameplay like?
Fight Forever offers fast-paced, arcade-style wrestling with simple controls focusing on light and heavy attacks, grapples, and directional inputs. It prioritizes flashy moves and over-the-top action over complex technical wrestling.
How are tag team matches?
Tag team matches are a highlight, replicating the chaotic energy and dynamic teamwork of AEW. Partner interactions are smooth, and chaining moves and finishers together creates a satisfying spectacle.
Does the game have a deep career mode?
The career mode is inspired by Yakuza, featuring a branching storyline where you rise through the ranks of AEW. While entertaining, it lacks the depth and customization options found in similar modes of competitor games.
What other game modes are available?
Exhibition matches allow for quick, customizable matches with various rules and stipulations. Online multiplayer lets you compete with other players, while mini-games offer a fun diversion testing your wrestling-themed reflexes.
Is the roster diverse and complete?
While featuring a good chunk of AEW’s top stars, the roster misses some notable names and lacks the depth of competitor games like WWE 2K.
Can I create my own wrestlers or storylines?
Fight Forever currently lacks any creation tools or a robust universe mode, limiting the long-term engagement for players who enjoy those features.
How is the presentation and atmosphere?
The game captures the spirit of AEW with vibrant visuals, detailed arenas, and licensed themes and original music. However, commentary can be repetitive, and the overall polish falls short of the highest standards.
Is the game suitable for casual wrestling fans?
Yes, the intuitive controls and fast-paced action make it accessible for newcomers to the genre.
How does it compare to established wrestling games?
Fight Forever offers a unique and enjoyable experience, but it lacks the depth and content variety of established franchises like WWE 2K in terms of roster size, move sets, and game modes.
Is this a game for hardcore wrestling fans?
While the core gameplay is fun, the limitations in roster, move sets, and overall depth might leave hardcore fans wanting more complexity and customization options.
In conclusion, AEW: Fight Forever is a promising debut wrestling game with a distinct arcade-style charm. Its fast-paced action, energetic tag team matches, and vibrant presentation offer a fun and accessible experience for casual fans and a nostalgic throwback for veterans. However, its limitations in roster size, move set depth, and content variety hold it back from truly challenging the established wrestling game giants.
While it may not be the undisputed champion yet, Fight Forever has laid a strong foundation for the future. With further development, content expansion, and refinement of its mechanics, it has the potential to become a major contender in the ring, offering a unique and enjoyable alternative to the current wrestling game landscape.
Whether it ultimately dethrones the reigning champion remains to be seen, but AEW: Fight Forever has undeniably entered the match with a fighting spirit and the potential for a knockout win in the future.
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