The Surprising Achilles' Heel of AEW: Fight Forever's Successor

AEW: Fight Forever, for better or worse, delivers exactly what it promised. On the positive side, the moves pack a punch and the core gameplay is exhilarating. The accessibility is commendable as players can grasp the mechanics after just one match. However, the game falls short in certain aspects. The disappointingly limited create-a-wrestler mechanics and flawed kickout system result in matches ending too quickly. These flaws can potentially be rectified through patches, but a new game would be necessary to enhance Fight Forever's presentation.

To clarify, AEW: Fight Forever's presentation does have some standout elements. The accurate name cards displayed during entrances and the variety of arenas offered are excellent. The taunts and character-specific dodges add tremendous depth, making each wrestler feel unique and true to their real-world counterparts. However, there are three significant areas that a sequel should focus on improving: graphics, entrances, and commentary.

How The Next AEW Game Could Fix Fight Forever’s Shortcomings

AEW: Fight Forever embraces the nostalgic charm of classic wrestling games like WWF No Mercy, but this aspect has its drawbacks. Numerous critics have highlighted the game's lackluster graphics, and although visuals may not be the utmost priority in a wrestling game, it is undeniable that AEW: Fight Forever falls short in this aspect – especially on next-gen consoles, where so much more is achievable. While the cartoonish graphics do somewhat align with the arcade style, they are not essential to maintain that vibe, and the game would still be enjoyable even if its wrestlers had a slightly more polished appearance. Introducing the facial scanning technology used in the WWE 2K series could be an effective method to address this, as it has significantly enhanced the character models in those games.

Apart from the graphics, there is room for improvement in the entrances as well. Although it is true that many players eventually start skipping entrances after a few weeks of gameplay, some players genuinely enjoy watching them. While the intention of short five-second entrances was likely to speed up gameplay and get players into the action faster, they fall a tad too brief, depriving players of the proper anticipation and buildup that a high-quality entrance can provide.

AEW: Fight Forever strikes a balance between entrances in the WWE 2K games and avoids the often dull walks to the ring. However, the game should consider including the moment when wrestlers exit AEW's heel or face tunnel to enhance the grandeur of the entrances. This additional time would allow players to fully enjoy the controllable pyrotechnics and savor their favorite wrestler's entrance music.

The next AEW video game should prioritize improving the commentary for a better presentation. Currently, Fight Forever lacks substantial commentary, with only a brief snippet from someone like Jim Ross before the match begins. This minimal commentary may deter some players who value the immersive experience. Excalibur's rapid-fire naming of moves on television greatly enhances the AEW experience, making his commentary style a natural fit for the video game. Incorporating Taz's humorous remarks would also elevate the enjoyment of matches. Allowing players to choose between commentary and music would cater to the preferences of AEW's diverse fan base.

AEW: Fight Forever offers a refreshing arcade style, but it could benefit from adding elements of realism for a better presentation, without straying into the realm of simulation seen in the WWE 2K series. By incorporating slightly longer entrances, the inclusion of commentary, and more accurate character models for the AEW roster, the next game could enhance the overall experience while maintaining Fight Forever's emphasis on enjoyment.

You can find AEW: Fight Forever on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.