Introduction

Wrestling games are like that slightly embarrassing uncle at holiday dinners: sometimes they bring the fun, and sometimes they just leave everyone questioning their life choices. AEW Fight Forever, the debut wrestling title based on the All Elite Wrestling promotion, is trying to be that cool uncle, the one who shows up with pizza and stories from his youth. But does it actually deliver, or is it just a weird story about that time he 'almost' met Hulk Hogan? Let's dive in and see if you'll be pillow fighting with your friends or just fighting forever in a quest for a worthy opponent.

Gameplay

AEW Fight Forever presents itself with the arcade-style gameplay that'll make nostalgic gamers squeal with glee. Featuring various match types, from singles to exploding barbed wire deathmatches (because what else screams 'family entertainment' like that?), players can have fun while they grapple with how to actually control their characters. If you're trying to become a button-mashing master, you'll need to practice your moves and time your counters just right; otherwise, your opponent will be heating up their victory champagne while your avatar is face down on the mat. The "Road to Elite" career mode invites you to take an AEW roster member or a custom character through a story that spans 2019 to 2020. Spoiler alert: you might not meet many legends in this journey, but there are a plethora of mini-games to keep you entertained. Think of it like wrestling-themed 'Mario Party' without Mario, 'cause he probably had better things to do than witness this debacle. Players will need to manage their character's performance in matches and play through animated storylines, adjusting their strategies based on whether they win or lose. However, don't be surprised if you find the mini-games more engaging than the actual wrestling.

Graphics

Graphics-wise, Fight Forever takes you on a trip down memory lane-if that lane happens to be decorated with your uncle's old wrestling VHS tapes from the '90s. While the character models resemble a sort of 'uncanny valley' version of your favorite wrestlers, they almost make you think about sending a concerned tweet somewhere. The arena designs, however, have that charming nostalgic feel. You'll love to see the vibrant visuals mixed with the chaos of wrestling moves occurring in a somewhat acceptable manner. Put simply, it's like a cartoon character made it back to the wrestling ring. You get the vibe, but don't expect anything jaw-dropping; instead, get ready to appreciate everything that was cool about older wrestling titles.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, AEW Fight Forever is a fun jaunt that's buried somewhere between nostalgia and discomfort. While it manages to capture a stripped-down arcade charm reminiscent of classic games, it also feels like a rookie wrestler still trying to find their footing. If you're looking for an entertaining way to pass the time with friends (or an unending quest for competence), this game works. Sure, it might not be the biggest title in the wrestling universe with a fully developed creative suite and a hefty roster. Still, it holds a special place for those wanting to leap back into the ring without the shock of realistic graphics. So if you fancy diving into the ring and experiencing a wrestling debut-it might not be just another missed opportunity. It's a wild ride, even if it feels a little unstable! But hey, sometimes you just have to roll with the punches!

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