AEW: Fight Forever, released three years after its initial parody announcement, delivers a nostalgic wrestling experience reminiscent of classic arcade-style games. With Hideyuki “Geta” Iwashita, director of WWF No Mercy and WCW/nWo Revenge, at the helm, the game aims to recapture the simpler yet engaging gameplay of wrestling’s golden age. Does it succeed? Let’s find out.
AEW Fight Forever Screenshot
The gameplay is undoubtedly Fight Forever’s strongest suit. The controls are intuitive enough for newcomers to grasp quickly, while offering sufficient depth for seasoned players to master advanced techniques. Matches are fast-paced and dynamic, with each wrestler boasting unique attributes and movesets. Kenny Omega’s signature V-Triggers and Jon Moxley’s brutal counters are just a couple of examples of how the game faithfully captures the distinct styles of AEW’s roster. The attention to detail extends beyond move sets, with each wrestler’s appearance and mannerisms accurately represented, surpassing even the most dedicated fan-made creations in other wrestling games. The game is also packed with Easter eggs and references, rewarding players who experiment with creative offense and recreate iconic AEW moments.
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However, Fight Forever falters outside the ring. The create-a-wrestler feature is disappointingly limited, though the extensive moveset customization options offer some redemption. The “Road to Elite” story mode, while entertaining, can be completed in a few short hours. Perhaps the most glaring shortcoming is the roster. Seemingly based on a late 2021 cutoff, the game omits many key AEW additions, including the Trios Championships, Orange Cassidy’s International Championship, the Ring of Honor acquisition, and wrestlers like Samoa Joe, Saraya, The Acclaimed, and Jamie Hayter. Even the tag team division, a hallmark of AEW, is sparsely represented, with current champions FTR relegated to DLC. While many fan favorites and main eventers are present, the roster’s limitations become apparent quickly.
Despite these drawbacks, Fight Forever’s lighthearted approach keeps the experience enjoyable. The “Road to Elite” mode blends Street Fighter II-style visuals with the humor of Being The Elite sketches. The mini-games offer a fun diversion reminiscent of Pokemon Stadium. Extreme stipulation matches, from Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatches to chaotic Lights Out brawls, add another layer of over-the-top entertainment.
Fight Forever’s core gameplay is undeniably fun and captures the spirit of classic wrestling games. While future updates and DLC could address some of its shortcomings, as hinted by developers, the potential for a sequel to build upon this foundation is exciting. While it may not revolutionize the wrestling game genre, AEW: Fight Forever offers a refreshing alternative to WWE’s annual offerings and will undoubtedly satisfy fans of AEW and those seeking a nostalgic wrestling experience.
In conclusion, AEW: Fight Forever successfully delivers a nostalgic arcade-style wrestling experience with engaging gameplay. While hampered by a limited roster and underdeveloped features, its lighthearted approach and potential for future growth make it a worthwhile title for AEW fans and wrestling game enthusiasts.
Rating: 4 out of 5
AEW: Fight Forever’s Standard and Elite Editions are available for PlayStation 5 & 4, Xbox Series X/S and One, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft Windows.
