Introduction

Wrestling games often don’t get the attention they deserve. Apart from WWE games published annually by 2K, there hasn’t been much competition. AEW, founded in 2019, brings a new contender to the ring with AEW: Fight Forever. Featuring famous wrestlers like Matt Hardy, Sting, Chris Jericho, and CM Punk, this game promised to bring something fresh. But did it deliver? Let’s dive in.

Game Modes

AEW: Fight Forever includes standard modes like 1v1, 2v2, and free-for-all matches with up to 4 players. However, some iconic modes like Hell in a Cell and Steel Cage are missing, which is a disappointment. The Casino Battle Royale mode only supports up to 4 players in the ring at a time, limiting the chaos fans enjoy. Additionally, the Ladder Match mode only allows 1v1, which feels restrictive.

Career Mode

The Career Mode lets you create a wrestler and follow their journey from beginner to AEW champion. Customization options are decent, allowing you to tweak appearances, moves, and finishing moves. However, the mode’s storytelling falls flat, with dull text-based dialogues and repetitive sequences. It lacks engaging cutscenes or voice acting, making it hard to connect with the experience.

Gameplay

Gameplay mechanics are straightforward, with basic attacks, grapples, and movement controls. Each wrestler has unique moves and finisher combos. The Special and Signature Move system adds excitement, rewarding players for building momentum. However, AI behavior is disappointing, making matches feel too easy. The lack of advanced combos and similar feel across wrestlers also limits replay value.

Graphics and Technical Performance

The graphics are underwhelming, feeling outdated with stiff animations and low-detail environments. On the technical side, frame rates remain stable, but glitches like awkward character movements detract from the experience. It feels like a missed opportunity to shine visually.

Conclusion

AEW: Fight Forever struggles to compete with WWE games, feeling incomplete in many areas. While there’s potential for updates, the current experience leaves much to be desired. Fans of AEW may enjoy it, but others might find more satisfaction in older wrestling titles.

Final Rating: 6.5/10