The professional wresting video game "WWE 2K15" has now become available to PC gamers starting today. Before that, it was previously only available to console gamers.
Nick Paglino of Wrestle Zone published the press release 2K sent in regards to the PC version of the game. It can be downloaded from Steam for $49.99.
"WWE 2K15 for Windows PC represents another step forward for the WWE 2K portfolio as we continue expanding the brand's content offerings to additional platforms," Greg Thomas, President at Visual Concepts, said. "PC gamers who are long-time franchise fans are certain to enjoy the comprehensive and authentic WWE experience through simulation-based gameplay for the very first time."
According to 2K, more downloadable content, which would include playable characters and "new story-driven content," would be available to gamers at no extra cost. The free content would be available to download sometime in spring 2015.
"WWE 2K15 for Windows PC mirrors the in-game content offered in WWE 2K15 for the PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, including a notable roster of WWE Superstars, Divas and Legends, the story-driven 2K Showcase and franchise-first MyCareer experience," 2K wrote.
2K added that gamers would be able to access "two playable Sting characters" and "two playable Hulk Hogan characters." In addition, gamers would have "instant access to all unlockable content available in the game."
"WWE 2K15 offers a gameplay experience designed to elevate the long-running WWE 2K franchise while accurately depicting what players experience on WWE's television programs and during live events," 2K wrote. "New animations captured in an authentic WWE ring, a new chain wrestling integration, strategic strike attacks, a new stamina mechanic and an updated on-screen display reflecting player health, momentum and stamina dramatically change the gameplay experience."
2K contended that "WWE 2K15" would be "the most realistic simulation to date for the franchise," adding that the game uses "new proprietary facial and body scanning technology present highly realistic WWE Superstars, Divas and Legends." The company also elaborated on the game's new feature, MyCareer.
"In MyCareer, players begin their journey at the WWE Performance Center, where they are mentored by the facility's head trainer, Bill DeMott," 2K wrote. "Players go on to compete on NXT, where they encounter a roster of current and future WWE Superstars."
The reviews have yet to come in for the PC version of "WWE 2K15." However, Don Saas of GameSpot managed to review the console version of the game, available for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, back in October 2014.
"The current-gen releases of WWE 2K15 nail the production and athletics of wrestling better than any game in the franchise, but the character-driven, storytelling soul of the WWE is lost in the process," Saas wrote.
Saas added that the storytelling "quickly devolves into an endless series of text-driven messaging."
"If you're lucky, Vickie Guerrero or William Regal will provide you with short snippets for why you should care about your match, but, more likely, your fight will lack any sort of context and you'll be wrestling purely for the money and upgrade points," Saas wrote.
Saas also pointed out the shortcomings of the technology used to create models from real-life characters in "WWE 2K15."
"John Cena looks like a jowly, Cro-Magnon bulldog, and any characters with large foreheads seem comically misproportioned in the game," Saas wrote. "That's nothing compared to characters with large mouths, though, such as The Miz or Summer Rae who become almost monstrous with freaky, distended smiles. They'd look more at home in a Silent Hill game."
Saas gave the game a "mediocre" rating of 5/10, adding that the game reminded him "too much of the modern WWE."
"It is capable of delivering great in-ring action, and it has the flashy production values that none of Vince McMahon's competitors have ever been able to replicate, but it's hard to care about why any of it is happening beyond the moment-to-moment competition," Saas wrote. "While that can provide plenty of entertainment while you're playing/watching Raw, it leaves the sinking feeling that the wrestling you love lacks the spark to be special anymore."
The Windows PC version of WWE 2K15 is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and sells for $49.99.
