Flashes of Fun, Fumbled Execution
AEW: Fight Forever had the weight of expectation on its shoulders-billed as a throwback to the golden age of wrestling games like No Mercy and Here Comes the Pain, fans were hyped. The AEW brand brought energy, innovation, and a much-needed alternative to the WWE-dominated gaming landscape. Unfortunately, while Fight Forever has moments of greatness, it doesn't quite live up to the hype.
The Good: Stadium Stampede is a Blast
Let's give credit where it's due-Stadium Stampede mode is pure chaos in the best way possible. It captures the wild, anything-goes nature of AEW's signature match types and gives players something unique you won't find in other wrestling games. There's humor, absurdity, and mayhem-this mode is where the game shines brightest and proves what Fight Forever could have been if it pushed the envelope more consistently.
The Gameplay: Serviceable but Sloppy
The core gameplay tries to bring back the arcade-style combat of old-school wrestling titles. At times, it does feel fluid, simple, and satisfying... but too often it just feels clunky and unrefined. Animations can be stiff, hit detection is inconsistent, and matches can devolve into button-mashing chaos without much depth.
There's fun to be had here, especially in multiplayer, but the gameplay doesn't evolve or deepen the more you play.
The Meh: Modes, Roster, and Polish
Beyond Stadium Stampede, the rest of the game feels... undercooked. Career mode is barebones, the customization is limited, and the overall presentation feels more "budget title" than "next-gen wrestling experience." The roster, while filled with AEW favorites, is surprisingly thin for a company loaded with talent, and DLC plans feel like catch-up rather than meaningful expansion.
Final Verdict - 6 out of 10
AEW Fight Forever has heart, and it's clearly a passion project. It brings a fresh energy and a few great ideas-Stadium Stampede alone is worth checking out-but the game as a whole lacks polish and staying power. It's a decent first step, but AEW needs a stronger follow-up to truly contend in the wrestling game arena.
