It comes as no surprise that the rising popularity of the novel All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has sparked the development of a video game based on the franchise. AEW has positioned itself as a viable alternative to mainstream pro wrestling dominated by WWE, thanks to its talented roster and high production value. THQ Nordic’s AEW: Fight Forever capitalizes on this success, drawing from developer Yuke’s expertise in creating WWE titles to deliver an arcade-style gameplay experience reminiscent of the beloved retro game “WWF No Mercy.”
While fans of recent WWE 2K games might find the lack of flashy elements in AEW: Fight Forever off-putting, the game’s emphasis is not on realism. Instead, it offers a distinct style that combines cartoon-like proportions with a grounded appearance. This blend gives the game a unique aesthetic, although it may be seen as tonally inconsistent by some. One drawback of this approach is evident in the in-game roster, which features wrestlers’ models instead of real-life portraits. Combined with a lackluster menu and forgettable music, this creates a subpar first impression.
However, AEW: Fight Forever shines in its electrifying gameplay. Every hit and collision feels impactful, without overwhelming players with overly complex controls. Like Yuke’s previous titles, the game encourages players to build momentum throughout a match, chaining combos and executing taunts to set up powerful finishing moves. Core mechanics such as body part damage allow players to target specific weak points and wear down their opponents strategically. For example, focusing attacks on an opponent’s head as CM Punk proved highly effective in executing the Go to Sleep (GTS) finisher.
The game represents damage levels through a visual diagram that appears at the bottom of the screen. This diagram progresses from yellow to red as more damage is dealt, providing a clear indicator of the opponent’s vulnerability. Similarly, a momentum meter is displayed alongside the damage diagram, notifying players when they should capitalize on their momentum by executing a finisher. The game also rewards players who manage to turn the tide of a match, as opponents’ momentum diminishes quickly, making it harder for them to execute finishers.
Escaping pinfalls and submissions is straightforward, only requiring button-mashing instead of intricate timing-based mini-games. The in-ring action is fast-paced and enjoyable but lacks the responsiveness and polish of the WWE 2K games. There are instances where wrestlers miss punches or springboard attacks within range, and maneuvers like whipping opponents into ropes or corners feel clunky. The default targeting system in AEW: Fight Forever often fails, leading many players to switch to manual controls early on.
The learning curve of AEW: Fight Forever can feel daunting due to the game’s tutorial mode, which offers little guidance. This lack of direction leaves players to figure out controls on their own, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the game restricts movement to a single straight direction, requiring players to stop briefly and change angles when they want to alter their course.
While the opponent AI is generally lacking in intelligence, Tag-Team matches are particularly chaotic. Tagging in a partner results in the opponent’s teammate entering the ring, regardless of their corner. This often leads to a messy brawl, with all four wrestlers attacking each other simultaneously. The referee does not intervene, allowing the chaos to persist for extended periods. If the AI partner mistakenly strikes someone after things have calmed down, all four wrestlers remain in the ring for several minutes without attempting to exit.
AEW: Fight Forever incorporates weapons into the gameplay, including baseball bats, steel chairs, kendo sticks, skateboards, frying pans, and even explosives like propane tanks. However, the controls for picking up and using weapons can be frustratingly unresponsive, leaving players unable to wield them effectively.
In terms of presentation, AEW: Fight Forever is underwhelming. Match commentary is practically nonexistent, leaving players with only background music and ambient crowd noise. The absence of wrestler entrances, which have been greatly shortened, detracts from the immersive experience. While some players may skip these sequences after a few weeks of gameplay, they are a defining aspect of professional wrestling and their elimination diminishes the game’s appeal. Furthermore, given its AAA price tag, AEW: Fight Forever falls short of delivering the quality expected.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom for AEW: Fight Forever. The game showcases a level of goofy brutality that exceeds what the WWE 2K series has achieved. For instance, there is an Exploding Barbed Wire death match that electrifies the ropes, damaging anyone who comes into contact with them. This creates a sense of urgency and tension, forcing players to stay in the center of the ring. Furthermore, ladder matches offer entertaining moments despite occasional issues with controls. On the other hand, the Casino Battle Royale mode, AEW’s version of the Royal Rumble, feels shallow due to the game’s limitation of featuring only four wrestlers on screen at a time. This restricts the chaos and spectacle the match is known for. Additionally, popular match types such as the steel cage and six-man tag-team matches are absent from AEW: Fight Forever, giving the game a somewhat bare-bones feel that may become repetitive over time.
One area where AEW: Fight Forever succeeds is in its short but enjoyable career mode, called Road to Elite. While more casual players may find it appealing, it falls short of offering a fully immersive experience.
Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Eugen Boglaru is an AI aficionado covering the fascinating and rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence. From machine learning breakthroughs to ethical considerations, Eugen provides readers with a deep dive into the world of AI, demystifying complex concepts and exploring the transformative impact of intelligent technologies.
