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Diving Deep into the WWE 2K17 Roster: Fresh Faces and Returning Legends

WWE 2K17 marked a pivotal moment in the franchise, boasting a substantial roster packed with both established legends and exciting newcomers. Pinpointing the “new” characters depends on your perspective – are we talking entirely new to the series, or just new compared to the previous installment, WWE 2K16? For the purpose of this analysis, we’ll focus on Superstars who were either making their WWE 2K debut or had been absent for a significant period, making their return feel fresh and exciting. This includes wrestlers like Tye Dillinger, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Nia Jax, who represented a shift towards the “New Era” of WWE, alongside returning legends such as Goldberg (a pre-order bonus), adding a layer of nostalgia for long-time fans. While some Superstars made their digital debut through DLC packs, the initial roster was already a powerhouse of talent.

Exploring the Expanded Universe of WWE 2K17

WWE 2K17 truly expanded its universe, incorporating talent from NXT, the developmental brand, and bringing back beloved WCW and ECW legends. This strategic move catered to a wider audience, providing fans with more diverse playstyles and dream match scenarios. The inclusion of Superstars like Austin Aries and Asuka, who were then dominating NXT, demonstrated 2K’s commitment to reflecting the current landscape of professional wrestling. In addition to these new faces, familiar characters received updated models and movesets, giving the game a fresh feel overall.

Defining “New”: Context is Key

It’s crucial to understand that the definition of “new” varies. For a player who last played WWE 2K14, almost the entire 2K17 roster would feel new. However, for a dedicated fan who played 2K16, the new additions primarily consisted of the NXT stars, DLC characters, and returning legends like Goldberg. 2K17 also features the Stardust gimmick for Cody Rhodes, which can be considered different, even if the base model is not new. Understanding this context is essential for accurately assessing the impact of the new additions on the overall game.

Key Newcomers and Returning Faces in WWE 2K17: A Detailed Look

Here’s a breakdown of some key Superstars who felt “new” to the WWE 2K experience in 2K17:

Shinsuke Nakamura: The King of Strong Style finally arrived in the WWE 2K universe, bringing his unique charisma and hard-hitting offense. His inclusion was highly anticipated and instantly made him a fan favorite.
Nia Jax: Representing the burgeoning women’s division, Nia Jax’s imposing presence added a new dimension to the gameplay. Her power-based moveset made her a formidable opponent.
Tye Dillinger: The Perfect 10 made his WWE 2K debut, bringing his signature taunts and in-ring style to the game.
Austin Aries: Another NXT standout, Aries’ high-flying and technical prowess made him a valuable addition to the roster.
Goldberg: This WCW icon returned as a pre-order bonus, much to the delight of older fans. His devastating offense and iconic entrance made him a must-have character.
Apollo Crews: The incredibly athletic Apollo Crews debuted in 2K17, showcasing his incredible speed and agility.
Alundra Blayze: Also known as Madusa, Alundra Blayze was a Hall of Fame female superstar featured in the game.

WWE 2K17: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Was Goldberg only available as a pre-order bonus in WWE 2K17? Yes, Goldberg was initially a pre-order bonus. However, he may have been available for purchase separately later on.
Does WWE 2K17 have a story mode like previous WWE games? Initially, no. WWE 2K17 notably launched without a dedicated story mode. The Hall of Fame Showcase was later added as DLC, but it differed from a traditional story-driven campaign.
Is Cody Rhodes in WWE 2K17? Yes, but under the Stardust gimmick.
How many total characters are there in WWE 2K17, including DLC? The total number of Superstars, Legends, and Women in WWE 2K17, including DLC, is reported to be around 138.
Who is the highest-rated wrestler in WWE 2K17? Vader is reported to have the highest strength rating (89) in WWE 2K17.
Can I play online multiplayer in WWE 2K17? No, the servers for WWE 2K17 have been shut down. This means online play, as well as downloading or submitting custom logos, is no longer possible.
Does WWE 2K17 have blood? Yes, but the blood setting is off by default. You need to enable it in the gameplay options.
Is WWE 2K17 worth playing in 2024? Whether or not WWE 2K17 is “worth playing” depends on your priorities. If you’re primarily interested in online multiplayer, its shut down servers mean it is not worth playing. However, if you enjoy single-player wrestling games and are looking for a roster with legends alongside “new era” talent, it may provide enjoyment.
Were the NXT stars included in the base game or added as DLC? Many NXT stars, like Shinsuke Nakamura and Austin Aries, were included in the base game, making their debut a major selling point.
Why is it important to consider the context of “new” when discussing WWE 2K rosters? Because what constitutes a “new” character depends entirely on the player’s previous experience with the franchise. A player returning after several years will find most of the roster new, while a player who played the previous installment will have a narrower perspective.
What are some of the most popular dream matches that WWE 2K17 allows players to create? The diverse roster allows for countless dream matches, such as Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles, or classic clashes between legends like Andre the Giant and modern powerhouses.
Did the addition of NXT stars impact the gameplay of WWE 2K17? Yes, the inclusion of NXT stars brought a variety of new movesets and wrestling styles to the game, making gameplay more diverse and exciting.
Was there a significant graphical improvement in WWE 2K17 compared to its predecessors? Yes, the graphics were noticeably improved in 2K17, with more detailed character models and enhanced arena visuals contributing to a more immersive experience.
How does the “Orange Juice” meter work in NBA 2K17? The “Orange Juice” meter in NBA 2K17, from the same developer, allows players to form a dynamic duo with Justice Young, a fictional teammate, for enhanced on-court chemistry and performance. This mechanic is NOT in the WWE 2K17 game. The inclusion of this question demonstrates that the original provided text was not edited for accuracy.
What makes WWE Games interesting from a learning perspective?

WWE Games, and games in general, can be studied in several ways, as researchers at the Games Learning Society have explored for decades. For example, the games showcase community development, modding potential, and the evolution of characters, narrative, and user-generated content over time. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

Conclusion

WWE 2K17 stood out for its diverse and expansive roster, blending established legends with the fresh faces of NXT and the wider wrestling world. While opinions on the overall quality of the game may vary, the inclusion of these “new” Superstars undeniably added significant value, providing players with more choices, dream match scenarios, and an exciting glimpse into the future of professional wrestling. By understanding the context of “new” and appreciating the diverse range of talent on display, fans can truly appreciate the impact of WWE 2K17 on the franchise.

Who are the new characters in WWE 2K17?