2K channels NBA Jam inspiration in this new arcade-style WWE brawler

This week 2K looked to make the best of a bad situation with the announcement of WWE 2K Battlegrounds, launching in September. The over the top arcade-style brawler is set for PS4, Xbox One and Xbox One X, PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch and Goggle Stadia. WWE 2K Battlegrounds will replace WWE 2K21 for 2020, following its cancellation, due to the negative reception surrounding WWE 2K20 after its release in October 2019. With a huge roster of over 70 WWE Superstars and legends at launch - plus additional Superstars to be released as free DLC - WWE 2K Battlegrounds has been made available for pre-order and it looks like epic fun in the NBA Jam mould. The 4 game modes What is the gameplay like? Eight unique Battlegrounds environments play a major role in the action, many of them featuring interactive elements adding to the mayhem, alongside a variety of outrageous melee weapons players can use to pummel opponents. Soar from military helicopters, smash opponents with cars in an auto shop and toss them into the jaws of a hungry alligator in the swamp. Bombastic play-by-play is provided by WWE commentators Mauro Ranallo and Jerry 'The King' Lawler to complete the mood. Players can also customise their own arenas to give each brawl a personal touch and use the Superstar Creator to build their own, unique WWE Superstar with different body types and sizes, facial features, clothing, hair and fighting styles. WWE 2K Battlegrounds is designed to be easy to pick up and play, but challenging to master, with more advanced techniques to be learned and skills to be unlocked so players of all skill levels can enjoy the action. Who features? Superstar names on the roster inclue Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Asuka, Daniel Bryan, Kofi Kingston, Randy Orton and legend such as Andre the Giant, Undertaker, Mankind, Shawn Michaels, Yokozuna, Sergeant Slaughter and many more. Each Superstar utilises one of five class styles, and each class style has its own combat moves, strengths and weaknesses. Choose from the Powerhouse, Technician, High-Flyer, Brawler and All-Rounder to find the style that works best for you. Arcade-style powerups, such as Flaming Fist, Ice Breath and Earthquake, are accompanied by colorful visual effects, offering extra excitement and an additional dimension of strategy that can quickly change the direction of a match. “We know WWE fans and gamers enjoy a wide variety of experiences, and with WWE 2K Battlegrounds, we’re presenting a whole new dimension through arcade-style gameplay that’s completely different than our WWE 2K simulation franchise," said Chris Snyder, Vice President of Marketing for 2K. "We look forward to seeing everyone tear it up with friends and family in the Battlegrounds.” WWE 2K Battlegrounds is currently scheduled for worldwide release on 18 September 2020. Anticipatometer: 4/5

2K channels NBA Jam inspiration in this new arcade-style WWE brawler - coming in September

The 4 game modes