When All Elite Wrestling burst onto the scene in 2019, it disrupted the professional wrestling landscape by providing the first credible alternative to WWE since the demise of WCW. Just as AEW carved out its niche with a more mature, in-ring focused product, AEW: Fight Forever attempts to challenge the simulation-heavy WWE 2K series with a return to classic, arcade-style wrestling. While it succeeds in capturing the spirit of old-school brawlers, the final product feels like a mid-card effort struggling to justify its premium price tag.
A Nostalgic, Arcade-Style Foundation
Fight Forever leans heavily into the DNA of legendary AKI-developed titles like WWF No Mercy and WCW/nWo Revenge. For players tired of the dense, complex control schemes found in modern simulations, this game offers a refreshing, pick-up-and-play experience. Executing moves is intuitive, relying on simple button combinations rather than complicated mini-games. The momentum-based system is particularly satisfying, rewarding aggressive play and punishing those who are struggling, which adds a layer of genuine tension to every bout.
However, the gameplay is not without its flaws. While the action is faster and smoother than its competitors, the AI—especially in tag team scenarios—can be frustratingly obtuse. Interacting with weapons remains an clunky experience, and the default auto-targeting system is a persistent nuisance that necessitates a switch to manual controls. Furthermore, the lack of a proper tutorial leaves newcomers to fumble through basic mechanics, which is an unnecessary barrier to entry.
Presentation and Roster Limitations
The game includes staple match types like ladder matches, the Casino Battle Royale, and the Exploding Barbwire Deathmatch. Unfortunately, these are wrapped in a lackluster presentation. Dated graphics, sparse voice acting, and a complete absence of commentary make the experience feel unpolished. Additionally, the inclusion of bizarre, low-effort mini-games feels like a distraction rather than a value-add.
The roster serves as a time capsule, reflecting AEW’s landscape from 2021 to early 2022. While core stars like The Elite, Jericho, and Moxley are present, the omission of major names like The Acclaimed, Toni Storm, and Samoa Joe is glaring. The gender disparity is also significant, with only 13 women represented compared to 36 men. While the stylized, action-figure aesthetic is charming, the actual character likenesses are inconsistent at best.
The Road to Elite Disappointment
The story-focused “Road to Elite” mode is perhaps the game’s biggest letdown. Players guide a wrestler through a series of matches and bizarre social activities—like dining or sightseeing—to become world champion. Much of this feels like tedious filler. Most egregiously, playing as a female wrestler is a broken experience: after the first month, the game simply forces players into the exact same storyline as the male characters, ignoring the women’s division entirely.
Creation Suite and Final Verdict
The creation suite suffers from a severe lack of depth. With no facial sculpting and limited gear options, users are restricted to creating generic approximations of wrestlers rather than truly unique characters. The inability to share creations online further diminishes the longevity of the mode. Building arenas is equally limited, providing little incentive to grind for in-game currency.
AEW: Fight Forever possesses a solid gameplay core that occasionally channels the simple joy of ‘90s wrestling games. However, the lack of polish, shallow modes, and disappointing creative options hold it back. Until the developer expands on this foundation, it remains a title that even the most dedicated AEW fans may find difficult to justify as a main event purchase.
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