WWE 2K15 was, for all intents and purposes, a year of growing pains. The series needed to evolve graphically for its debut on new-gen consoles, but its massive overhaul of the engine meant that content suffered, with a lack of creation modes and a thin roster that could barely hold the game...

New limited reversal system; Better pin system and working holds; Fuller roster; Better graphics and character modeling; More creation modes

Fuller roster; Tags

Developers of wrestling games may have one of the hardest jobs around as they must try to emulate a scripted/staged event by introducing elements to make it feel like a real event.

Slobberknocker.

The most realistic in-ring experience to date; Improved MyCareer mode; Loads of unlockables and challenges

Poorly implemented pinning and submission system; 2K servers still not good enough; Some animations are a little rough

Last year's WWE 2K15 game was a gigantic disappointment. 2K14 got so many things right that it was nearly a perfect game in terms of replicating a wrestling match – and one in so many different styles.

The best WWE game for years, which may seem like faint praise but WWE 2K16 works as both a sports sim and a quality fighter in its own right.

The combat is steadily improving and the new reversal system is excellent; Huge roster of fighters and most of the main modes are now up to their previous levels of quality

The new submission system is irritating and there's still a lot of minor bugs and glitches; Inconsistent graphics and presentation; Still some missing match types and customisation options

With a huge (and mostly up-to-date) roster, a Stone Cold-obsessed Showcase mode and a fine-tuned MyCareer, the WWE 2K series finally delivers the best wrestling game since Here Comes The Pain.

MyCareer is better than ever; Huge roster will appeal to all; Wrestlers now sweat - just like the real thing

Showcase mode gets old; fast; Inconsistent presentation; No Bayley; Becky; Charlotte or The Boss - boo

After the first 2K-published WWE game , it was clear a serious change was needed. The franchise's previous installments, WWE '13 and WWE '14, were both solid and featured modes built to extract sweet nostalgic enjoyment from wrestling fans.

New reversal system is a smart addition; Showcase mode is a good adventure through Stone Cold's career; Larger; more diverse roster than ever before

MyCareer mode continues to disappoint; Submission system is immensely frustrating; Match pacing continues to be painfully slow

Last year, WWE 2K15 was trimmer than a wrestler trying to make weight before a match. With cut exhibition match types, a streamlined roster, and several excised creation modes, that entry was lacking content that fans had come to expect from the franchise.

I have been looking forward to playing WWE 2K16 for a while now. Back in August, I had the chance to try a working demo of the game in New York , and although it was a pretty limited glimpse, I was generally impressed by what I saw.

Full Creation Suite is back; Improved online mode; Steve Austin Showcase is fun; Improved gameplay; Biggest roster ever

Inconsistent visual polish; Doesn't properly explain some moves

An improvement over last year's WWE 2K15, 2K16 still isn't perfect but it introduces a brilliant roster, an immersive Showcase mode, and plenty of match types to get hot and sweaty with.