AEW: Fight Forever

The initial reception of Story of AEW: Fight Forever’s narrative mode, Road to Elite, highlights some promising elements despite its flaws. Critics like Pocket Tactics and DualShockers praised its branching paths and replayability, noting that player choices influence storylines and character development through scripted matches and varied activities. GameCritics acknowledged the game’s incorporation of wrestling history and character traits, while XboxEra highlighted its light RPG-style progression and humorous cutscenes. Additionally, Nintendo Life and Digital Trends appreciated the mode’s “pleasantly silly” approach and integration with AEW’s real-world events, offering a fun, if lightweight, experience for fans. These positives suggest that Road to Elite has potential as an engaging career mode, particularly for those invested in AEW’s lore. However, the majority of critics found the narrative mode underwhelming due to its lack of depth and execution issues. TheSixthAxis criticized the “terrible AI” and “little gravitas,” making the single-player experience feel like a chore, while GameSkinny and PlayStation LifeStyle pointed out the mode’s disjointed continuity, shallow decision-making, and repetitive structure. IGN and We Got This Covered lamented the simplistic, incoherent storylines, with the latter calling it “more like a tutorial than a compelling experience.” Many also noted the absence of voice acting (We Got This Covered, Push Square) and the underdeveloped consequences of player choices (Meristation, Gaming Nexus). Even Wccftech, who praised its authenticity to AEW’s real-life events, acknowledged that the mode felt “somewhat outdated” compared to other wrestling games. These critiques underscore a recurring theme of missed potential in storytelling and mechanics. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward disappointment, with Road to Elite being seen as a flawed but occasionally enjoyable career mode. While some praised its humor, branching paths, and connection to AEW’s history (DualShockers, XboxEra, Wccftech), the overwhelming sentiment was that it lacked depth, consistency, and engagement. TechRadar Gaming and Meristation emphasized its rushed nature, while GameSpot and Digital Spy noted repetitive playthroughs and unfulfilled narrative promises. Despite a few positive aspects, the mode’s shortcomings—such as poor AI, minimal replayability, and shallow storytelling—dominated reviews, leaving many critics unconvinced of its lasting appeal. The game’s story mode, while not entirely without merit, ultimately failed to deliver a cohesive or compelling experience for most players.

The gameplay of AEW: Fight Forever receives praise for its nostalgic arcade-style design, accessibility, and fast-paced action. Many critics highlight its simplicity and ease of entry, with IGN noting "fast-paced in-ring action" and a "unique momentum system" that adds dynamism to matches. The game’s focus on straightforward controls—such as the "strike or grapple" mechanics praised by NintendoWorldReport and the intuitive special move activation described by TheSixthAxis—makes it appealing to both casual and veteran players. Additionally, the variety of match types, like the "Exploding Barbwire Deathmatch," and the inclusion of signature moves and strategic elements (e.g., GamingBolt’s mention of "stacked roster" and unique wrestler quirks) contribute to its charm. Critics like GameSpot and Press Start Australia emphasize its connection to classic wrestling games, evoking the spirit of titles like WWF No Mercy with its blend of strikes, grapples, and momentum-based combat. However, several critics point to significant flaws that undermine the experience. Issues with clunky controls, repetitive mechanics, and technical inconsistencies are frequently cited. Checkpoint Gaming and GameSpew criticize the lack of depth and balance, noting matches often resolve through "spamming moves" or "sloppy" gameplay. Inverse and DualShockers highlight slow animations, cumbersome finishing moves, and problematic opponent-switching mechanics, while TRG and Meristation mention buggy combat and flawed systems like the "reverse system." The game’s limited AI responsiveness, as noted by IGN and GameCritics, further detracts from immersion, and performance issues on certain platforms (e.g., Pocket Tactics’s complaints about clunky match flow on Nintendo Switch) add to the frustration. Many feel the gameplay feels "surface-level" (Stevivor) or "outdated" (TierraGamer), with a lack of polish that hinders its potential. Overall, the consensus leans toward AEW: Fight Forever being a nostalgic, arcade-style wrestling game that prioritizes accessibility and fun over complexity. While it successfully captures the essence of classic titles with its momentum-driven mechanics and variety of match types (GamingBolt, Press Start Australia), its technical flaws and repetitive design prevent it from reaching the depth of competitors like WWE 2K. Critics like IGN and VGC acknowledge its strengths in simplicity and nostalgia, but others, such as Checkpoint Gaming and GameSpew, argue that these positives are overshadowed by a lack of polish and innovation. The game feels like a love letter to wrestling fans of the past, but its execution leaves room for improvement, making it a divisive experience that appeals more to those seeking casual fun than to players craving refined mechanics.

The graphics and visual design of AEW: Fight Forever received mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its nostalgic charm and stylistic choices. GameGrin noted the game’s "charming, cartoon-like aesthetic" that pays homage to classic wrestling titles, while Metro GameCentral praised the "cartoony style and slick animations," particularly commending the recreation of the Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatch. XboxEra and Pure Xbox emphasized the "slick animations" and "hand-crafted animations" that enhance gameplay, with some critics like IGN acknowledging the game’s "energetic animations" despite its dated character models. Additionally, CGMagazine pointed to a "spectacular presentation" with real event footage, and GAMINGbible highlighted remastered visuals and enhanced lighting as a positive upgrade. These elements suggest the game successfully captures a retro arcade vibe that resonates with fans of older wrestling games. However, the majority of critics criticized the game’s graphics for being outdated and inconsistent across platforms. TRG, Digital Trends, and Pocket Tactics described the visuals as "dated," resembling "PS2-era" or "older generation titles," while GameSpew and PlayStation LifeStyle called out "plasticky," "awkwardly animated," and "wonky" character models. Issues like low resolution on the Nintendo Switch (Digital Trends, Starbit), frame hiccups (Digital Trends), and unrecognizable character designs (Pocket Tactics) were frequently mentioned. Critics also noted a lack of polish in animations, with Xbox Tavern criticizing the "lack of flair" in entrances and GameSkinny pointing to inconsistent wrestler models. The game’s multi-platform release further exacerbated these issues, as TierraGamer and Wccftech highlighted how graphical shortcomings undermined immersion and modern expectations. Overall, the consensus among critics is that AEW: Fight Forever leans heavily on nostalgia but falls short in delivering visually polished or contemporary graphics. While some praised its cartoonish style and nostalgic appeal (GameGrin, Metro GameCentral), the majority criticized its dated character models, inconsistent detail levels, and technical flaws across platforms (TRG, Digital Trends, GameSpew). The game’s visual design feels like a compromise between retro charm and modern expectations, with mixed results in execution. Critics like IGN and GameSkinny noted that while certain elements—such as animations or specific modes—shine, the overall presentation lacks the polish of competitors like WWE 2K. Despite these shortcomings, the game’s aesthetic choices and nostalgic nods provide a unique identity, even if it fails to meet the visual standards of today’s wrestling games.

The sound design and music of AEW: Fight Forever received praise for its variety and customization options, particularly in terms of soundtrack selection and ambient atmosphere. Critics like Hardcore Gamer highlighted a "fantastic soundtrack with a variety of songs," while PCMag noted the inclusion of original and licensed music tracks that can be customized, enhancing player immersion. The crowd chants and background music were also seen as effective in creating an energetic wrestling environment, with Softpedia acknowledging that "the crowd chanting enhances the experience" despite some artificial fight sounds. Additionally, GameGrin praised the "good playlist of music and crowd audio" for its atmospheric contributions, and GGRecon commended the game’s ability to capture AEW’s quirks through accurate sound design. These positives suggest that the game’s musical elements were generally well-received, particularly in their diversity and flexibility. However, the lack of commentary and voice acting during matches was a recurring criticism across multiple platforms. GameSkinny, GameSpot, and VGC all pointed out the absence of ringside commentary, which they argued diminished the immersive experience. Digital Trends and Nintendo Life noted that matches felt "flat" without commentary, while IGN criticized the "inconsistent" voice acting and "forgettable" music. The scripted nature of some voices, as highlighted by GameSpot, further detracted from authenticity. Additionally, issues like generic music replacing licensed tracks (e.g., Slant Magazine’s mention of "generic butt-rock") and incomplete wrestler entrances (Multiplayer.it, Stevivor) were seen as significant drawbacks. The lack of full voiceover in story modes and the reliance on text for dialogue (Push Square, Impulsegamer) also frustrated some reviewers, emphasizing a disconnect between the game’s ambition and its execution. Overall, while AEW: Fight Forever showcased strengths in its soundtrack customization and ambient audio, the consensus among critics was that these positives were overshadowed by critical flaws. The absence of consistent commentary, voice acting, and authentic AEW-specific sound elements—such as full entrances and licensed music—was a major point of contention across platforms. PCMag and VGC acknowledged the game’s musical variety but stressed its shortcomings in immersion, while IGN and Slant Magazine highlighted how these issues made the experience feel "low-budget" or incomplete. Despite some praise for specific aspects like crowd sounds or customization, the lack of cohesive audio design—particularly in matches—left many reviewers disappointed, suggesting that AEW: Fight Forever prioritized accessibility over the immersive depth expected from a wrestling game.

The voice acting in AEW: Fight Forever receives mixed but generally modest praise, with some reviewers acknowledging its presence despite its limitations. Critics like GameSpot note that voice acting is "present," though it’s criticized for sounding "scripted" and undermining immersion. Others, such as VGC, highlight "entertaining dialogue" that enhances the experience, while PlayStation Country praises specific performances from figures like Jim Ross and AEW founder Tony Khan, calling them "solid." Additionally, Worth Playing mentions that pre- and post-match snippets and wrestler taunts are of "generally good quality," suggesting some effort was made to incorporate voice work. These positives, however, are often framed as minor contributions rather than standout features. The negatives dominate the critique, with most reviewers emphasizing the lack of depth, consistency, and immersion in the voice acting. Vgames and Inverse directly state there is "no voice acting" at all, calling it a "missed opportunity," while DualShockers and XboxEra describe it as "minimal" or "poorly recorded." Many critics, including Checkpoint Gaming and Shacknews, criticize the "lifeless" and "phoned-in" delivery from key figures like Jim Ross, with TheXboxHub noting his performance is "not engaging." The absence of in-match commentary—highlighted by Digitally Downloaded and TierraGamer—is a recurring complaint, as is the reliance on text over voiceovers for storytelling, as noted by Hey Poor Player and GameCritics. These issues collectively undermine the game’s potential to deliver an immersive wrestling experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that AEW: Fight Forever falls short in its voice acting, with most agreeing it is either minimal, poorly executed, or absent during critical moments. While a few positive remarks exist—such as PlayStation Country’s acknowledgment of Tony Khan’s performance and VGC’s praise for dialogue—the majority view the voice work as a significant flaw. The lack of consistent commentary, especially from AEW’s iconic announcers, is repeatedly cited as a major drawback, with TechRadar Gaming and TRG calling it a "significant oversight." Despite some isolated positives, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game fails to leverage its wrestling pedigree for immersive audio, leaving players reliant on text or sparse voice clips rather than dynamic, engaging commentary.

The technical performance of AEW: Fight Forever varies significantly across platforms, with some systems showing promise despite notable flaws. On Xbox Series X, several critics highlighted positive aspects, such as MondoXbox noting a steady 60 FPS and quick load times, while XboxEra praised the clean UI and smooth gameplay. Pure Xbox emphasized seamless online play with no lag, and Xbox Tavern acknowledged that multiplayer issues were less severe than on other platforms. For PC, VGC and Worth Playing reported smooth performance on mid-tier hardware and the Steam Deck, with PCMag noting it runs well on a mid-range PC despite minor graphical glitches. On Nintendo Switch, while some critics like Stevivor described the version as "weak but playable," others such as Digital Trends and Nintendo Life pointed to significant issues like frame drops, freezes, and poor visuals. The PS5 received mixed feedback, with GameGrin noting smooth performance and minimal clipping, though IGN and TechRadar criticized bugs and unpolished mechanics. However, the technical shortcomings across platforms are more pronounced. On Xbox Series X, DualShockers and Gamereactor UK reported glitches like characters disappearing and story mode crashes, while TheXboxHub highlighted collision detection issues. For PC, critics like IGN Portugal and Softpedia criticized AI flaws in tag team modes and graphical glitches, with PCMag noting cloud save problems. On Nintendo Switch, the consensus was bleak: Digital Trends described "numerous bugs" including teleportation and unresponsive controls, while Nintendo Life noted 30fps performance and freezes. The PS5 faced similar challenges, with IGN and DualShockers citing AI issues and character disappearance, and Cultured Vultures calling the controls "clumsy." Even on platforms where performance was smoother, such as Xbox Series X, critics like XboxTavern and ZTGD pointed to multiplayer frustrations and ladder match glitches, indicating persistent polish issues. Overall, the technical performance of AEW: Fight Forever is uneven but shows more stability on Xbox Series X and PC, with Nintendo Switch and PS5 facing the most severe issues. While Xbox Series X critics like MondoXbox and XboxEra praised consistent frame rates and UI polish, the Switch’s technical struggles—highlighted by Digital Trends and Nintendo Life—underscored its underperformance. PC reviewers, despite noting smooth runs on mid-tier hardware (VGC, Worth Playing), also emphasized a lack of polish compared to competitors. The PS5 version, while occasionally stable (GameGrin, SpazioGames), was frequently criticized for bugs and AI flaws (IGN, TechRadar). Despite these issues, the game’s core mechanics remained functional across platforms, with many critics acknowledging its potential for improvement through updates. However, the technical inconsistencies—particularly on Switch and PS5—left a significant mark on the overall experience, making it clear that AEW: Fight Forever is a title in need of refinement rather than a polished launch.

The reviewers generally acknowledge some positive aspects of AEW: Fight Forever’s replay value, particularly its branching story modes and customizable elements. Critics like IGN and Press Start Australia highlight the Road to Elite mode’s potential for multiple playthroughs, with unique story outcomes and nods to AEW’s history. VGC and Hey Poor Player note that the game’s Snapshot Album and branching narratives encourage revisiting content, while Game Informer and GGRecon praise the variety of match types and customization options. Additionally, Pure Nintendo and NintendoWorldReport emphasize daily/weekly challenges and mini-games as engaging distractions, suggesting the game offers enough surface-level content to keep players occupied temporarily. These elements indicate that while not deeply immersive, the game provides some structured repetition and creative freedom for fans of wrestling games. However, the negatives dominate the critique, with many reviewers pointing to a lack of depth, repetitive mechanics, and insufficient content to sustain long-term engagement. Gaming Nexus and Starbit directly criticize the low replayability due to a repetitive story mode and limited unlocks, while Pocket Tactics and PlayStation Universe note performance issues and a short career mode that fail to entice players. GameSkinny and Metro GameCentral highlight dated rosters and shallow creation tools, and XboxEra and Wccftech argue that the lack of customization and polish undermines the experience. Even positives like local multiplayer (e.g., Checkpoint Gaming) are tempered by complaints about repetitive gameplay and limited match types. Many reviewers, including TechRadar and Digital Spy, suggest that while the game is fun for short sessions, its shortcomings in content and innovation make it unlikely to retain players beyond initial playthroughs. The overall consensus among critics leans toward a mixed but largely negative assessment of AEW: Fight Forever’s replay value. While some praise its branching narratives, mini-games, and customization (e.g., VGC, Press Start Australia), the majority emphasize that these elements are overshadowed by repetitive mechanics, limited content, and technical flaws. IGN, Game Informer, and GamingBolt acknowledge the game’s potential for multiple playthroughs but stress that its shallow execution and lack of polish hinder long-term appeal. Conversely, a few reviewers like Vgames and Worth Playing suggest that the game’s engaging gameplay and future DLC could mitigate some issues. Ultimately, the critical reception suggests that AEW: Fight Forever offers fleeting enjoyment for wrestling fans but falls short of delivering the sustained replayability expected from a competitive wrestling title.