Introduction

Welcome to the ring, folks! In this digital arena where large men in tights grapple like their lives depend on it, AEW Fight Forever swings for the fences—but does it hit a home run or land us in the outfield of mediocrity? Let’s lift the curtain on this new wrestling title that aims to put the smack-down on its competition.

Gameplay

If you've been itching for an arcade-style wrestling game reminiscent of the glory days of yore, you're in for a treat—of sorts! AEW Fight Forever boasts a range of match types from singles skirmishes to explosive barbed wire theatrics. The game daringly rips off a page from classics like WWF No Mercy, throwing in intergender matches and a Career mode called 'Road to Elite' that spans multiple AEW events. You navigate a year in the life of a wrestler: random matches, storylines, and even optional side quests that seem like they were thought up on a caffeine-fueled Monday night between bites of cold pizza. However, beware! It appears that while they’ve packed the punches, they may have skimped on the narrative depth—some angles feel as bare as a newly waxed ring.

Graphics

Visually, the game aims to channel the vibrant style that fans of bygone wrestling games will appreciate. The character models are exaggerated, and the color palette is as bright as a neon sign in Times Square at an all-night party. However, the visuals aren't without their own ‘glaring’ flaws—a lack of polish shines through at times. While we expect our wrestling titans to look imposing, seeing them clip through ropes or engage in wonky hit detection can pull you right out of that immersive ring experience. Think of it like watching a premier wrestling event and seeing someone trip over their own feet—awkward, yet oddly endearing!

Conclusion

In the grand scheme of wrestling titles, AEW Fight Forever doesn’t quite enter the Hall of Fame, but it's not a total flop either. With fun arcade-style gameplay drawing inspiration from classics, it serves up some nostalgic wrestling goodness. Still, it falters with limited presentation and fewer modes than we hoped, definitely leaving us wanting more, like a main event without the celebrity guest referee. AEW Fight Forever is the kind of game that fans will joyfully crank up now and again, but it might not be enough to keep you glued to your chair long-term. Strap on those boots, folks—it’s a fun ride, but just don’t expect it to go down in history. Instead, think of it as a decent opening match: good, but we’re all waiting for the main event.

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