'AEW: Fight Forever' Review: A Pulse-Pounding Explosion of Action and Nostalgia

AEW: Fight Forever delivers a pulse-pounding wrestling experience that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. With its seamless gameplay, easy pick-up-and-play mechanics, a star-studded roster, and a nostalgic nod to wrestling games of the past, YUKE's has created a game that deserves a standing ovation from both die-hard wrestling enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

The waiting is over, after being in development for over three years, AEW: Fight Forever is available now (for those who ordered the Elite Edition) and showcases the true dedication of the team behind it. With input from top AEW wrestlers such as Kenny Omega and Evil Uno, the game benefits from firsthand knowledge and the passion of those who live and breathe the sport. This collaboration ensures an authentic representation of AEW's dynamic style and adds an extra layer of realism to the already impressive gameplay.

Available on multiple platforms including PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch, AEW: Fight Forever utilises the power of Unreal Engine to deliver stunning visuals and smooth gameplay across all systems. As expected, the gameplay experience varies depending on the platform you're playing. On the Xbox Series S, the game performs flawlessly with fast loading times, ensuring uninterrupted action. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch version, while slightly slower and less refined, still manages to be surprisingly playable for such an underpowered system. This versatility caters to a wide range of players and allows them to enjoy the game on their preferred platform and even on-the-go.

AEW: Fight Forever stays true to the authenticity and origins of AEW by including details like the Cody Rhodes character. For months fans have speculated if Cody would retain his neck tattoo and his Kingdom theme after leaving AEW for WWE. Fortunately, both are included in the game, adding to the authenticity and attention to detail that fans appreciate. Another delightful surprise is the presence of William Regal in a coaching role, guiding new players on how to perform moves, block attacks, and maximise their gameplay potential. It would be thrilling to see him as a playable character in a future update!

While the initial roster of 50+ All Elite wrestlers is impressive, some fans might be disappointed if their favourite wrestlers aren't available at launch. However, AEW and YUKE's plan to add further characters through regular season updates, though these may come at an additional cost and the inclusion of free character updates still remains uncertain.

It should be noted that the game currently does not include the new AEW: Collision show or updated branding for Dynamite, but these issues are expected to be addressed in future updates, enhancing the overall experience and depth of the game.

With its pick-up-and-play mechanics, AEW: Fight Forever is accessible to both seasoned gamers and casual players. The game offers a diverse array of match types, including the explosive barbed wire deathmatch, which injects excitement and variety into bouts. We were left feeling a little disappointed when we realised that cage matches weren't included as a match type.

While the game's restriction to a maximum of four wrestlers in the ring at once may disappoint some, this choice likely helps optimise performance, particularly for the Nintendo Switch version. However, given the popularity of trios matches in AEW, the absence of six-wrestler tag matches is unfortunate.

The inclusion of daily and weekly challenges gives players reason to return to the game regularly, providing additional rewards and encouraging replayability. The single-player career mode, Road to The Elite, acts as a highlight, reflecting the week-by-week journey of an AEW wrestler, complete with appearances on Dynamite, Rampage, and Dark. Progressing through this mode unlocks various milestones, surprises, and even the chance to play as unlockable characters like the late Brodie Lee.

Playing matches in Fight Forever earns AEW bucks, which can be spent in the online shop to purchase in-game items. However, it is worth noting that with just half a day of playtime under my belt, the available items were already fully obtained. It remains to be seen if obtaining items will become more challenging upon the game's release.

To fully enjoy the online features, players will need a subscription to either Xbox Live, PlayStation Plus or Nintendo Online. Additionally, the create-a-wrestler (CAW) mode although not lacking in quality, may suffer from comparisons to the more extensive features found in WWE's long-established 2K line of games. It's important to remember however that AEW: Fight Forever is a newer title, and as such, it may take time for the developers to expand and refine the CAW mode. The lack of the ability to upload and download CAWs may also dishearten some players who enjoy sharing and accessing creations made by the community.

Speaking of the community, one aspect of the game that has generated mixed reactions is the inclusion of mini-games. While initially exciting, these mini-games may not resonate with the majority of players. Upon closer examination, they may feel somewhat disconnected from the core wrestling experience and could potentially be ignored by many.

Overall, AEW: Fight Forever offers a promising wrestling experience that pays homage to the nostalgia of classic wrestling games while introducing new elements specific to All Elite Wrestling. With YUKE's Co. Ltd. at the helm, the game showcases their expertise in delivering wrestling games and does a great job in capturing the essence of AEW. Despite some limitations, such as the initial roster size and absence of certain match types, AEW: Fight Forever deserves a solid 4 out of 5 rating. The game's road to success lies in future updates that address player concerns, expand the roster, and refine the overall experience. Wrestling fans, both old and new, should look forward to immersing themselves in the world of AEW and writing their own legendary stories within the squared circle.

AEW: Fight Forever is available now on your platform of choice.