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AEW: Fight Forever

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of AEW: Fight Forever
Item: AEW: Fight Forever
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresAction, Fighting, Sports, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJun 29, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperYuke's

Overview

AEW: Fight Forever combines nostalgic arcade-wrestling with All Elite Wrestling finishers and moves. Featuring a big roster of AEW talent, multiple match types, robust career mode, tons of customization options, more than 40 weapons, and so much more!

Elsewhere

7.4

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

AEW: Fight Forever's "Road to Elite" career mode shows promise with engaging branching storylines and real-life AEW references, but critics largely deem it underwhelming. Reviews highlight a lack of narrative depth, repetitive content, and minimal player choice impact, describing it more like a tutorial than a robust experience. Despite some fun elements, the overall execution falls flat, leaving many fans craving a richer storytelling experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

24%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions regarding the story mode of AEW: Fight Forever, particularly the "Road to Elite" career mode, reveal some positive aspects that critics have noted. Several reviewers, such as DualShockers and Hardcore Gamer, highlight the mode's potential for engagement, mentioning the branching storylines and player choices that can lead to varied outcomes. The inclusion of real-life AEW events and the ability to shape a wrestler's journey are seen as commendable features that add a layer of authenticity and immersion. Additionally, some critics, like GameSpot, appreciate the irreverent and fun approach to storytelling, suggesting that the mode can be entertaining despite its shortcomings. However, a significant number of critics express disappointment with the overall execution of the story mode. Many reviewers, including We Got This Covered and TechRadar Gaming, criticize the lack of narrative depth and engagement, describing the experience as rushed and more akin to a tutorial than a fully fleshed-out career mode. Critics like GameGrin and PlayStation LifeStyle point out the repetitive nature of the storylines and the limited impact of player choices, which detracts from the overall experience. Furthermore, the absence of voice acting and the reliance on basic gameplay mechanics are seen as missed opportunities to enhance immersion and player engagement. The overall consensus among critics is that while AEW: Fight Forever's "Road to Elite" mode has the foundation for a compelling wrestling narrative, it ultimately falls short in execution. Many reviewers, such as IGN Portugal and Checkpoint Gaming, agree that the mode lacks the depth and continuity necessary to create a truly engaging experience. Despite some positive elements, like the potential for replayability and the incorporation of AEW's history, the overwhelming sentiment is that the story mode feels underdeveloped and fails to provide the immersive experience that fans of wrestling games might expect. Critics suggest that without significant improvements in narrative coherence and engagement, the mode may not satisfy players seeking a rich storytelling experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

AEW: Fight Forever is praised for its nostalgic, accessible gameplay and straightforward controls, making it great for newcomers. Critics enjoy its arcade-style action and diverse match types. However, it's hindered by clunky mechanics, slow animations, and AI issues, leading to a less engaging experience. While it captures the essence of classic wrestling games, it lacks depth and polish, leaving room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of AEW: Fight Forever has garnered a mix of praise from various reviewers, particularly for its nostalgic appeal and accessibility. Critics like Push Square and Hey Poor Player highlight the game's straightforward controls, making it easy for newcomers to pick up and enjoy. This sentiment is echoed by GamingBolt, which notes that while the controls are simple to learn, they allow for a depth of strategy as players can execute strike combos, grappling, and reversals. The arcade-style approach, reminiscent of classic wrestling games like WWF No Mercy, has been appreciated by several critics, including Pure Xbox and Digital Spy, who commend the fast-paced action and engaging match types. The inclusion of unique match types and mini-games adds variety, enhancing the overall experience, as pointed out by critics like Cultured Vultures and GameSpew. However, despite these positives, several criticisms have emerged regarding the gameplay. Many reviewers, including Inverse and GameSpew, describe the gameplay as clunky, with slow animations and cumbersome mechanics that can frustrate players. Critics like DualShockers and Gaming Nexus mention issues with opponent-switching mechanics and short match durations, which detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the AI has been criticized for being predictable and inconsistent, as noted by IGN and GameGrin, leading to a less engaging experience during matches. The lack of depth in move sets and the confusion surrounding the countering system have also been highlighted by critics like Stevivor and SomosXbox, indicating that while the game captures a nostalgic feel, it falls short in delivering a polished and refined experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that AEW: Fight Forever offers a fun and accessible wrestling experience, particularly for those who appreciate the arcade-style gameplay reminiscent of older titles. However, the game is marred by technical issues and a lack of depth, which prevent it from fully realizing its potential. While some critics, like Metro GameCentral and God is a Geek, celebrate the fast-paced and enjoyable in-ring action, others emphasize the need for refinement in mechanics and AI behavior. The game appears to be a solid foundation with room for improvement, and while it successfully taps into the nostalgia of wrestling games, it may not satisfy players seeking a more complex and polished wrestling simulation.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

AEW: Fight Forever's graphics receive mixed reviews; while its cartoonish style and animations shine, many critics slam the visuals as blurry and outdated, especially on older consoles. Character models are often unrecognizable and poorly rendered, significantly detracting from the gaming experience. Overall, the game falls short of modern standards, leaving players disappointed with the lack of polish and depth in customization options.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

31%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of AEW: Fight Forever have garnered some positive feedback, particularly for their cartoonish style and energetic animations. Critics like XboxAddict praised the game for its vibrant visuals and well-rendered character models, noting that the overall aesthetic contributes to the game's lively atmosphere. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Worth Playing, highlighted the smooth movement and good lighting effects, suggesting that certain aspects of the graphics have been effectively executed. The game’s nostalgic feel, reminiscent of classic wrestling titles, was also appreciated by critics like VideoGamer, who noted that the unique traits of each wrestler are well-reflected in their character models. However, the negative aspects of the graphics are significantly more pronounced across the reviews. Many critics, including Digital Trends and SomosXbox, criticized the visuals for being blurry and outdated, particularly on the Nintendo Switch and older consoles. The character models were frequently described as unrecognizable or poorly rendered, with PlayStation LifeStyle and Shacknews noting that they often appeared plasticky and lacked detail. Furthermore, issues such as frame rate hiccups, clipping, and a general lack of polish were highlighted by several reviewers, including PCMag and Gaming Age, who remarked that the graphics felt like they belonged to earlier console generations, thus detracting from the overall gaming experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that AEW: Fight Forever's graphics and visual design fall short of contemporary standards, with many reviewers expressing disappointment in the execution. While some aspects, such as the cartoonish style and energetic animations, were appreciated, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game suffers from significant graphical shortcomings. Critics like TRG and GameSpew echoed this sentiment, stating that the visuals are dated and detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. The lack of depth in character customization options, as noted by DualShockers and New Game Network, further compounds the issue, leaving many players feeling that the game does not deliver the visual experience expected from a modern wrestling title.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

AEW: Fight Forever's soundtrack and sound design receive praise for variety and quality, enhancing the wrestling vibe and gameplay personalization. However, critics slam the absence of in-match commentary, deeming it a major flaw that leaves matches feeling flat and less immersive. Issues with voice acting quality further detract from the experience, leading to a consensus that while the music shines, the overall sound design falls short, harming the game's immersion.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

33%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of AEW: Fight Forever have garnered some positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding the game's soundtrack. Many reviewers, such as Hardcore Gamer and XboxAddict, praised the variety and quality of the music, highlighting the inclusion of original and licensed tracks that resonate with the wrestling atmosphere. Critics like Hooked Gamers and Digital Spy noted the extensive selection of customizable music, especially in career mode, which adds a personal touch to the gameplay experience. Additionally, the crowd audio and sound effects, as mentioned by GameGrin and Generación Xbox, enhance the overall atmosphere during matches, creating an engaging environment for players. However, the majority of critics pointed out significant shortcomings in the sound design and music, particularly the absence of in-match commentary. This omission was frequently cited as a major detractor from the gameplay experience, with reviewers like GameSkinny and Digital Trends emphasizing how it makes matches feel flat and less immersive. Critics such as SomosXbox and Checkpoint Gaming echoed these sentiments, noting that the lack of commentary and scripted voiceovers detracts from the authenticity of the wrestling experience. Furthermore, issues with the quality of voice acting were highlighted by Pure Xbox and Shacknews, who criticized the uninspired delivery and lack of depth in character interactions. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while AEW: Fight Forever features a commendable soundtrack and effective crowd sounds, it suffers from notable deficiencies in sound design, particularly due to the absence of commentary and inconsistent voice acting. The reviews collectively suggest that the game could benefit from a more robust audio experience, as highlighted by critics like TechRadar Gaming and TRG, who noted that the lack of commentary makes matches feel lifeless. As a result, while the musical elements are celebrated, the overall sound design leaves much to be desired, ultimately impacting the game's immersion and presentation.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

While AEW: Fight Forever's voice acting has some positive notes, like entertaining dialogue and authenticity, critics largely slam it for being limited, scripted, and lifeless. The absence of dynamic commentary and engaging performances, especially from notable figures, detracts from the game’s immersion and overall quality. Overall, the voice work is seen as a weak point that falls short of AAA expectations, highlighting a crucial area needing improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

69%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in AEW: Fight Forever has garnered some positive remarks from critics, particularly regarding the entertaining dialogue and the authenticity brought by character grunts and short phrases. VGC noted that the dialogue enhances the overall experience, while Hardcore Gamer appreciated the minimalistic approach, suggesting it contributes to a sense of realism. Some critics, like GameSpot, acknowledged that while the voice acting is present, it serves its purpose without overwhelming the gameplay, allowing players to focus on the action. Additionally, the quality of certain voice snippets, such as those from Tony Khan, has been highlighted as a positive aspect by critics like PlayStation Country. However, the overall sentiment regarding the voice acting leans heavily towards the negative. Many critics have pointed out that the voice acting is limited and often feels scripted or lifeless, detracting from the immersion that a wrestling game typically aims to provide. For instance, Stevivor described the commentary as stiff and passionless, while Checkpoint Gaming criticized the dialogue for being awkward and unengaging. Critics like DualShockers and Inverse emphasized the absence of significant voice acting, particularly during matches, which many felt was a missed opportunity for enhancing the game's narrative and emotional depth. The lack of dynamic commentary, especially from prominent personalities like Jim Ross, has been a recurring complaint, with multiple reviewers noting that this oversight significantly impacts the overall presentation. In conclusion, while there are some commendable elements in the voice acting of AEW: Fight Forever, the consensus among critics is largely negative. The limited scope of voice work, combined with instances of poor delivery and a lack of engaging commentary, has led to a perception of the voice acting as a weak point in the game's overall design. Critics such as Shacknews and TechRadar Gaming have highlighted these shortcomings, indicating that the game's potential for immersion is undermined by its vocal performances. Overall, the voice acting in AEW: Fight Forever appears to be a significant area for improvement, as it currently fails to meet the expectations set by a title marketed as a AAA wrestling game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

AEW: Fight Forever shows inconsistent technical performance across platforms. Xbox Series X and PC versions deliver commendable 60 FPS and smooth online play, but are plagued by frame drops, bugs, and AI issues. The Nintendo Switch version is particularly problematic, suffering from severe performance problems and unresponsive controls. While there's potential, the game lacks the polish expected from a modern wrestling title, resulting in a mixed reception from critics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

35%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of AEW: Fight Forever varies significantly across different gaming platforms, with some positive aspects noted by critics. On Xbox Series X, for instance, MondoXbox highlighted that the game maintains a steady 60 FPS, which is commendable, especially during gameplay. Similarly, Pure Xbox reported a smooth online play experience with no lag, indicating good performance in that aspect. On PC, several reviewers, including VGC and Worth Playing, noted that the game runs smoothly on mid-tier PCs and even the Steam Deck, with only minor performance issues during replays. The Nintendo Switch version, while generally criticized, did receive some acknowledgment for being playable despite its shortcomings, with Starbit mentioning that the performance is "weak but playable." However, the negatives across all platforms are substantial and cannot be overlooked. On Xbox Series X, critics like Generación Xbox and XboxAddict pointed out performance issues, including frame drops, bugs, and problems with button responsiveness and collision detection. For PC, IGN Portugal and Hardcore Gamer noted significant bugs and AI issues that detract from the overall experience, with graphical glitches and odd AI behavior reported by multiple sources. The Nintendo Switch version is particularly troubled, with Digital Trends and TouchArcade describing numerous bugs, performance issues, and unresponsive controls that significantly impact gameplay. Critics like Pocket Tactics and NintendoWorldReport echoed these sentiments, highlighting frame skips and loading issues that create a frustrating experience. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that AEW: Fight Forever struggles with technical performance across all platforms, albeit with some variations. While Xbox Series X and PC versions have moments of solid performance, they are marred by glitches and bugs, as noted by critics like DualShockers and TechRadar Gaming. The Nintendo Switch version is largely viewed as problematic, with many reviewers expressing disappointment over its technical shortcomings, as highlighted by TouchArcade and Pure Nintendo. The game appears to have a solid foundation but ultimately lacks the polish and refinement expected from a modern wrestling title, leading to a mixed reception overall.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

AEW: Fight Forever has mixed reviews on replay value. Critics praise the "Road to Elite" career mode and mini-games for potential engagement, but many highlight limited content and repetitive gameplay as major drawbacks. The game lacks depth and variety, making long-term interest questionable. While some players may enjoy it initially, without significant updates, sustaining player engagement could be a challenge.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions surrounding the replay value of AEW: Fight Forever reveal a mixed bag of sentiments. On the positive side, several critics highlight the potential for replayability through various modes, particularly the "Road to Elite" career mode, which offers branching story paths and different outcomes, as noted by GameSpot and Hardcore Gamer. Critics like COGconnected and Press Start Australia also mention the inclusion of mini-games and customization options, which can enhance player engagement and encourage multiple playthroughs. Additionally, some reviews, such as those from NintendoWorldReport and Pure Nintendo, point to daily and weekly challenges, suggesting that there are enough activities to keep players entertained over time. However, the negatives are quite pronounced, with many reviewers expressing concerns about the overall limited content and repetitive gameplay. Gaming Nexus and Cultured Vultures both pointed out the lack of meaningful unlocks and a shallow roster compared to competitors, which could lead to quick player disinterest. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Metro GameCentral echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the limited match types and lack of depth in both the story mode and creation suite, which detracts from the game's long-term appeal. The consensus among many reviewers is that while there are enjoyable elements, the repetitive nature of the gameplay and lack of diverse modes significantly diminish the replay value. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward a cautious outlook on the replay value of AEW: Fight Forever. While there are aspects that could entice players to return, such as the career mode and mini-games, the overarching sentiment is that the game lacks sufficient depth and variety to sustain long-term engagement. Critics like IGN and We Got This Covered highlight the limitations in content and modes, suggesting that players may not find enough reasons to revisit the game frequently. As a result, while some fans may enjoy the initial experience, many reviewers agree that the game may struggle to maintain player interest over time without significant updates or additional content.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

76%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

AEW: Fight Forever has garnered a mix of opinions from critics, with several reviewers highlighting its potential and nostalgic appeal. Critics like Impulsegamer and GameGrin noted that the game offers a fun and engaging wrestling experience, capturing the essence of classic wrestling games. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Pocket Tactics and MondoXbox, praised the unique match types and career mode, suggesting that these elements provide a solid foundation for future updates. The game’s arcade-style approach has also been appreciated, with IGN and Digital Spy recognizing its ability to adapt the fundamentals of wrestling gameplay for a new audience. However, the game is not without its shortcomings. Many critics, including Gaming Nexus and GameSpew, pointed out that AEW: Fight Forever feels bare-bones and lacks the depth and features expected from a wrestling title in 2023. Technical issues, such as programming errors and poor graphics, were frequently mentioned, with reviewers like TRG and GameSpot emphasizing these flaws as significant drawbacks. Additionally, the limited roster and customization options were criticized by Player 2 and ZTGD, which detracted from the overall experience and made it difficult for some players to fully engage with the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while AEW: Fight Forever shows promise and offers enjoyable gameplay, it ultimately falls short in several key areas. Many reviewers, such as Push Square and Shacknews, suggest that the game may appeal primarily to hardcore AEW fans, but its lack of content and polish makes it hard to recommend at full price. Critics like SpazioGames and Digital Trends echoed this sentiment, indicating that while the game is a solid starting point for AEW in the gaming world, it requires significant improvements to compete with established titles like WWE 2K23. As a result, many believe that AEW: Fight Forever could benefit from future updates to enhance its depth and overall quality.

TL;DR

AEW: Fight Forever hits nostalgia with fun arcade-style wrestling, but critics say it feels incomplete and lacks depth for a 2023 title. While praised for unique match types and engaging gameplay, it suffers from technical issues, a limited roster, and poor graphics. Most agree it’s a decent start for AEW but needs significant improvements to compete with WWE 2K23, making it hard to recommend at full price.

MONSTER

Reviews

130 reviews found

CGMagazine

Jun 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

AEW: Fight Forever is an arcade-style wrestling game that appeals to both nostalgic players and newcomers, offering quick and enjoyable gameplay.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 5

Jun 29, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that AEW: Fight Forever is the best wrestling game in the past 20 years, with addictive gameplay, a deep control scheme, and fun additional modes, despite some disappointing aspects like the basic creation suite and lack of community uploads.

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Softpedia

Jun 29, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

AEW: Fight Forever provides a solid foundation for wrestling fans but may not engage newcomers due to its limited narrative and technical issues.

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XboxEra

Xbox Series X

Jun 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

AEW: Fight Forever successfully modernizes classic wrestling games, offering a fun experience with some limitations in customization and match variety. It has the potential to grow into a long-running series.

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GamePro Germany

PlayStation 5

Jun 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

AEW: Fight Forever is a fun and accessible wrestling game that prioritizes simplicity over complexity, making it enjoyable for casual players, despite its lower production values.

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Hey Poor Player

PlayStation 5

Jun 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

AEW: Fight Forever is a solid wrestling game that balances arcade-style gameplay with engaging modes, making it a worthwhile experience for fans.

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Slant Magazine

PlayStation 5

Jun 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

AEW: Fight Forever is an accessible and breezy rendition of AEW's product, with a focus on fast-paced action and death-defying performances. While it may not offer strict realism, it has potential for future growth and is better than other AAA wrestling games.

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Comicbook.com

PlayStation 5

Jun 29, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

AEW: Fight Forever has a solid core gameplay experience but falls short in story depth and roster variety; still enjoyable for AEW fans.

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VGC

Jun 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

AEW: Fight Forever offers a fun and playable experience with satisfying combat and humor, despite some limitations in story length and customization.

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GamingBolt

PlayStation 5

Jun 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

AEW: Fight Forever is described as a return to form for pro-wrestling games, offering a decent alternative to the WWE games with its fun, fast-paced gameplay and lots of minor details. The mid-tier graphics and lack of complete entrance animations are mentioned as drawbacks.

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