Why AEW’s Next Game Continuing to Put Gameplay First Would Just Make Sense

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Why AEW's Next Game Continuing to Put Gameplay First Would Just Make Sense

Highlights

  • AEW Fight Forever found some success at launch, but hasn’t focused enough on improving its core gameplay.
  • Gameplay flaws held the game back while its updates focused on other aspects, like venues and mini-games.
  • AEW must prioritize improving in-ring quality for future games in order to succeed.

As a lifelong wrestling fan who grew up in the golden era of Hulkamania and the Attitude Era, I was beyond excited when AEW Fight Forever hit the shelves. The prospect of an authentic wrestling game outside the WWE bubble was tantalizing, and for a while, it seemed like the developers were on the right track. However, it’s clear now that they focused too much on flashy add-ons and not enough on the core gameplay.

It’s likely that the journey for AEW Fight Forever will transition towards complete seasons and fewer updates in the coming months. By bundling all previous DLC content into a single package, AEW seems to be suggesting that there won’t be any new DLC offerings soon. Initially, fans of AEW Fight Forever were thrilled to have a new wrestling game outside the WWE sphere. Yet, it didn’t take long for players to realize that the game wouldn’t continue expanding beyond the initial ideas introduced.

It was anticipated that the game “AEW Fight Forever” would remain engaging with fresh wrestlers and game enhancements every now and then, making each season unique. Although a future edition promises excitement, it requires a shift in focus. For the sequel of “AEW Fight Forever“, prioritizing gameplay mechanics is crucial for greater overall success.

AEW Fight Forever Had an Exciting Start, But Didn’t Prioritize Gameplay Enough

The difference between WWE and AEW often comes down to what fans expect from each company. WWE is more like a fighting theater show with bells and whistles expected in between the wrestling matches. In contrast, AEW focuses more on the sports aspect of trying to showcase athletics, with the aftermath of winners and losers providing the storytelling. Competition and the things wrestlers do to win matches or feuds dictate what the stories are.

AEW Fight Forever should have incorporated an engaging and lifelike experience within the wrestling matches. The game is commendable for its attention to detail, such as role swaps and seamless movements in the ring that truly embody the authenticity of wrestling. However, certain imperfections prevented it from being flawless. Yet, there was a promising outlook for a future project to build upon these foundations.

Enthusiasts eagerly awaited news about seasonal enhancements and modifications to rectify issues, as well as prospective advancements within the ring, regarding AEW Fight Forever. The signature and finisher moves in this game had a straightforward design, yet some demanded near-perfect timing in the ring. For instance, Adam Page’s famous buckshot lariat finishing move could only succeed if both wrestlers and their opponents were precisely positioned, highlighting its potential flaws.

In addition to other problems, it was evident that AEW Fight Forever had some shortcomings, such as limited match stipulations and the inability to fight outside of the ring area. Performing high-flying moves was difficult unless the opponent was correctly positioned within the ring and a wrestler was near enough on the top rope. The star rating system added an interesting element, but it too had its drawbacks that left players feeling frustrated.

AEW Fight Forever Updates Focused On Other Aspects Of Game Too Much

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but admire games that dare to push boundaries and be innovative. AEW Fight Forever, for instance, aimed high with its ambitious plans to spice up the gaming experience by incorporating new mini-games and additional venues. However, it seems that not enough players were captivated by these secondary features, which ultimately didn’t translate into success.

The developers of AEW Fight Forever came up with the most ambitious concept: Stadium Stampede mode. This feature mimicked battle royale-style games such as Fortnite, letting users engage in wrestling matches across a football field against other players. Just like in battle royale games, there were wrestling-themed weapons and power-ups to employ. Regrettably, despite the significant investment of time, effort, and resources, Stadium Stampede mode didn’t gain widespread popularity. Today, it typically attracts only a few active participants during online play, largely due to the absence of crossplay.

AEW Fight Forever Match Stipulations Online Multi-Player Option Crossplay Option
Standard (singles, tag, triple threat) Yes No
Casino Battle Royal Yes No
Exploding Barbed Wire Death Match Yes No
Ladder Match Yes No
Stadium Stampede Yes No
Minigames No No

As a passionate gamer diving into AEW Fight Forever, I was thrilled about its potential to shine beyond just gameplay, thanks to its impressive lineup of modes and fresh faces like Adam “Edge” Copeland, Swerve Strickland, Samoa Joe, and Toni Storm. The roster additions promised a thrilling experience, enhanced even further by the season passes. However, despite the star-studded cast, the gameplay felt surprisingly repetitive, and regrettably, issues that were present from day one continued to linger.

In the development of AEW Fight Forever, it’s crucial to explore creative methods to enhance the match quality even further. The live AEW matches stand out for their thrilling back-and-forth exchanges, seamlessly choreographed action. Building upon the promise shown by AEW Fight Forever, a future game should focus on refining in-ring combat with more intricate mechanics and enjoyable extras to create an exceptional gaming experience.

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2024-08-21 13:03