It has become an annual tradition this time of the year, just when things are heating up in the WWE universe and the promise of another Wrestlemania is right around the corner, that your favorite wrestling superstars get the pixel treatment. Since taking over the reigns as WWE’s video game developer, 2K Sports has managed to breathe new life into what was becoming a stagnant and repetitive series. But with just a few releases under the 2K banner, the magic may already be gone with WWE 2K17.

All of the offerings you’ve come to expect in a WWE game are here. Between new superstars and veterans, WWE 2K17’s playable characters roster is stacked, and that’s saying something. Not only are classic grapplers like Stone Cold Steve Austin here in all their glory, but you can also play as his old character, Stunning Steve Austin (you have to be a devoted wrestling fan to know that one). The attention to detail when creating your own wrestler has also hit a new high, or low, depending on your take. For example, you can now choose how much you want your guy or gal to glisten. You know, be oiled up. This is both comical and slightly disturbing; it is also a sign that the priorities were not where they should have been when it came to putting this game together and adding new elements.

The standard My Career Mode and WWE Universe mode are here again, and there’s really not much improvement or development with either. Whereas past WWE 2K games introduced new concepts, this year’s release treads the same old ground. The improved gameplay they like to boast about every year doesn’t seem that new at all. In fact, it’s just as sluggish and annoying as ever. Sure, it makes sense to have a hard time getting back on your feet after being on the receiving end of a dropkick, but come on. This has always been a standout blemish for WWE games. It creates tension and excitement, but it also makes you want to dropkick someone for real.

It’s not really anyone’s fault that WWE 2K17 is redundant. It simply falls into the same category as other sports games that come out year after year with updated rosters and menus and nothing else. The initial creative spark for WWE and 2K Sports isn’t there, like it was in the beginning. You hate to see them begin treading water, but that’s the feeling you get when playing WWE 2K17. Add to this the confusing music accompaniment of P. Diddy and the focus on non-crucial elements (glistening), you can’t help but get the impression that WWE2K17 tries to be the wrong kind of different.

By Jason Savio