If you’re a wrestling fan/gamer of a certain age, you probably have warm, fuzzy memories of the titles published by THQ back in the day. Anecdotally, this writer bought a Nintendo 64 specifically for WWF No Mercy, and played the heck out of it simply because it was so much fun.
AEW hasn’t shied away from the idea that its upcoming console game, AEW Fight Forever, is in that same vein — particularly since it’s published by THQ Nordic. And with Gamescom taking place this week in Germany, AEW Games showed off some footage (with some help from the Dark Order’s Evil Uno and Colt Cabana) that definitely reinforced that notion.
As you can see below, the footage features Kenny Omega and Adam Cole doing battle, complete with some signature moves for each wrestler.
What was your favorite part of the #AEWFightForever gameplay reveal at @gamescom?#AEWgames @AEW @THQNordic @YUKES_AEW pic.twitter.com/ilXPFN5Wy0
— AEW Games (@AEWGames) August 24, 2022
There’s something about the way the wrestlers move that immediately calls to mind the classic wrestling games from the early 2000s. The graphical style is in that vein as well; even though it’s definitely several steps forward from the likes of No Mercy, it’s also not going for a certain aesthetic instead of precise photorealism.
AEW has invested heavily in AEW Fight Forever, and Omega has spent a lot of time working with the development team at Yuke’s since the game was first announced in November 2020. Starting a new gaming franchise of any kind can be an uphill battle, but this footage makes it look like the Fight Forever team is on the right track.
There’s still no set release date for AEW Fight Forever, though the expectations are that it will go live in late 2022 or early 2023. It will be available for current gen (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch) and last gen (PS4, Xbox One) consoles, as well as PC.