AEW: Fight Forever recaptures the attitude of golden-age wrestling games

polygon.com:

Ask most wrestling fans, and they’ll mention the late ’90s and early 2000s as the best era, both for the in-ring product and the collection of video games that were released for Nintendo 64 and PlayStation. Games like WWF No Mercy, WCW/nWo Revenge, and the early SmackDown! series were easy to learn but difficult to master. Almost 25 years later, All Elite Wrestling is looking to capture that ease of use and nostalgia with AEW: Fight Forever — and it comes pretty damn close.

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Mechanically, Fight Forever is rooted in the golden era of wrestling video games, largely because AEW tapped developer Yuke’s, which made said games. Beginners can button mash their way to victory, but also slowly learn an assortment of showy and acrobatic moves depending on when and how long you press those same buttons. AEW manager William Regal guides you through a series of tutorials to demonstrate how the game’s simple fundamentals can appeal to casual fans looking for a nostalgia rush, while the high skill ceiling holds unlocked potential for hardcore wrestling aficionados. As I spam taunts, I’m brought back to those years spent gripping my N64 controller. As I leap from the corner of the ring, I’m reminded of the days spent playing WWF No Mercy.

Stylistically, Fight Forever is also looking to the past, with an