WWE 2K15: New Trailer Highlights New Gameplay Concepts and Features

WWE 2K15 plays like a simulation wrestling title. Some may ask how a scripted exhibition of athleticism and drama can be a sim. Once you've played a match of this game, though, you'll have a better understanding of what I mean.

As mentioned in the video above, the developers for WWE 2K15 sought to capture all the nuances and the ebb and flow of a WWE match in this year's gameplay. By normalizing the pace and implementing more effects from fatigue and cumulative punishment, the gameplay feels as much like a real athletic event as it ever has.

When you see the likes of Cesaro, Adrian Neville and Sami Zayn pulling off their phenomenal move sets in motion-capture gear, it's almost as impressive as when they perform their signature maneuvers live on Monday Night Raw.

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#youtube WWE 2K15 - Paul Heyman gameplay! | (VIDEO) http://t.co/wJsWrrEAI0 #wwe2k15

— king (@xKingMoex) October 19, 2014"

Seeing that moves like Cesaro's apron suplex and Zayn's dive between the ring post and turnbuckle are in the game raises expectations for the virtual in-ring action.

Having played the game on two separate occasions, I can vouch for how appropriately heavy the Superstars feel. If you're in a long, laborious match, the Superstar you're controlling won't be nearly as spry late in the match as he was when he and his opponent first locked up.

Climbs to the top turnbuckle and pins after high-impact maneuvers will look the way they do on WWE programming: slow and dramatic. It may sound like a small thing, but the subtle dramatizations during matches are the difference between regular and classic confrontations.

The mini-game at the outset of the match is something that will take some getting used to for many fans. Some may love it. Others may hate it. The struggle for control of a match is a real thing, and it was a good idea to attempt to regulate the way this important aspect of the process plays out.

Soon, we'll all find out just how well it works when we have an opportunity to play the retail version. WWE 2K15 releases on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on Oct. 28 and on Nov. 18 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Follow Brian Mazique, aka FranchisePlay, the Sports Video Game Journalist