WWE 2K17: 10 Improvements It Needs

4. Gameplay

The more strategic gameplay used in 2K16 has grown on me over the last few months, so much so that I now prefer it to the more arcade-type gameplay seen in the early SmackDown titles. The match pacing - which is as close to the real life product as it has ever been in wrestling games - just works, and most of the new features that were integrated into the game are a step up from what we've been offered before. However, there are a couple things that need changing in my opinion, with the submission system being the first port of call. Yes it takes a while to get used to, but for me, I can't help but think it would be more fun if the pendulum system that's currently in place was stripped back and replaced by and out-and-out game of cat and mouse - with your analogue stick in complete control of where your marker in the circle goes. Then we have the reversal system. You think you've got it nailed down in terms of knowing when to hit it, but even though an indicator flashes up on screen, you're sometimes left a little perplexed as the trigger doesn't respond and your left on the receiving end of an opponent's move. It's so frustrating. If it was more responsive, it would make life a whole load easier. God knows were already up against it with the rationed reversals at our disposal.