WWE 2K17: Expert Review Roundup and Analysis

While WWE 2K17 has only been on store shelves for a few days, many of the internet's leading video game experts have already immersed themselves in WWE's latest title and offered some in-depth analysis.

It will likely take weeks or even months of tinkering to get a proper feel for every aspect of 2K17 because of its many gameplay and customization options along with Universe Mode and MyCareer, but early indications are that it is another step forward for the burgeoning franchise.

Here is a rundown of the top expert reviews available online, as well as a closer look at some of the top features that are already earning praise.

Site	Expert	Score
GamesRadar.com	Ben Wilson	4/5
Forbes.com	Brian Mazique	8.6/10
SegmentNext.com	Omar Majeed	7/10

Top Features

Backstage Fighting

One of the biggest additions to WWE 2K17 is undoubtedly the ability to take a match from the ring into the crowd or even the backstage area. Doing so was possible in past years, but after a lengthy absence from WWE video games, it returns as one of the most highly anticipated features in recent memory.

Ben Wilson of GamesRadar offered a glowing review of ringside and backstage fighting because of the freedom it provides gamers:

"

Fighting at ringside feels fresh thanks to new TV-aping camera angles, and tiny details you only usually notice when watching in an arena—such as spotlights tracking each wrestler.

From here, brawling into the crowd is a treat: there's an area north-west of the announce desks loaded with weapons, where you and your opponent can re-enact ECW's greatest hits with glee. And backstage battles are the best of the lot. You can free-roam around the gorilla position, dressing room, and Authority office, whacking your opponent every way from Sunday, and pulling off brutal 'OMG' finishers such as a powerbomb into an oak table.

"

WWE 2K17's in-ring action is great in its own right, but backstage fighting makes it feel as though there are few limitations to what is possible over the course of a match.

Some of the greatest rivalries in wrestling history have to been too intense to confine to the ring, and while recent editions of WWE 2K haven't been able to replicate that feeling, 2K17 does so quite effectively.

One can only assume even more weapons, environments and possibilities will be added in future iterations of the game, but in terms of backstage fighting's return, it is a huge success that promises to keep gamers hooked for a long time to come.

Creation Suite

Customization has long been one of the biggest keys to the replayability of WWE's video games, and WWE 2K17 takes that to the next level with the best Creation Suite that has ever been offered in a wrestling title.

Brian Mazique of Forbes was blown away at the options and possibilities offered in terms of creating Superstars, arenas and championship belts:

"

The creation suite for WWE 2K16 was crazy deep, but this one is just ridiculous. The roster is already pretty hefty. There's well over 100 Superstars to choose from, and that's not counting the ones that will be available via DLC. ...

Unlike NBA 2K, there's a good amount of hairstyles to choose from, and even the template styles can be altered with dye. The coloring can be placed anywhere on the Superstar's body where there's visible hair. ...

The arena and championship belt creation options are just about as deep. You can now place props almost anywhere you want in the arena. This becomes even more relevant because of the ability to fight up the ramp, under the stage and in the locker room.

"

While the roster is large enough to keep players occupied for a long time because of the sheer number of dream matches available, the Creation Suite adds so many more potential options to the mix.

Not only can gamers create or download WWE and NXT Superstars who didn't make it into the game, but they can also add wrestlers from other promotions, legends or essentially any person who has ever existed since the Creation Suite makes it possible to accurately render almost anything.

There are tons of arenas and belts available in the game as well. However, the logo creator changed the game in the past, and its inclusion means any wrestling show or belt in the history of the sport can be replicated either precisely or closely to the real thing.

Every player can create the WWE Universe they desire, and that is what makes the Creation Suite such a vital part of the game.

Promo Engine

Cutting an effective promo is among the most important aspects in becoming a top Superstar in WWE, and plenty of emphasis is placed on that in WWE 2K17 thanks to the new promo engine.

The feature can be used in both Universe Mode and MyCareer, and as pointed out by Omar Majeed of SegmentNext, it replaces what was a clunkier option in past games:

"

While 2K16 featured voice acted, mass effect-like dialogue choice interview segments in its MyCareer mode, WWE 2K17 further enlarges the verbal component of sports entertainment in MyCareer by completely dropping the voice acting from interviews but instead adding promos to the campaign.

Promo system is a simple text-based mini game that allows players to do solo or dueling rants by selecting dialogue from four different options presented to them. The system then judges player performance not only according to the consistency with character's heroic or villainous disposition but also in relation to the type of crowd that is in the arena.

"

WWE 2K17's promo engine is hugely important because of the fact it affects the created Superstar's popularity and ability to upgrade in MyCareer.

In addition to being able to develop a face or heel character, challenges can be laid down, which shapes the way the entire mode plays out.

The promo engine also takes some skill to master since it is important to remain consistent in terms of tone and maintaining a character.

It is a great addition to one of WWE 2K17's premier game modes, and it goes a long way toward making MyCareer feel deeper and more authentic than ever before.

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