Chris Benoit In WWE 2K17: A Look Back At The Enigma

Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive into the world of Chris Benoit in WWE 2K17. This is a topic that sparks a lot of conversation, right? Benoit's legacy is complex and controversial, but his in-ring skills were undeniable. In WWE 2K17, he was included as a playable character, opening up opportunities for fans to relive some of his iconic matches, or perhaps, rewrite history in their own way.

Before we get too deep, it's essential to acknowledge the sensitive nature of discussing Chris Benoit. His actions in 2007 are a tragedy, and it's impossible to ignore them. However, many fans remember him for his incredible athleticism, technical wrestling prowess, and the passion he brought to the ring. This article aims to explore his presence in WWE 2K17 from a gaming perspective, focusing on the gameplay and the way the game developers chose to represent his character.

The Inclusion of Chris Benoit in WWE 2K17

Okay guys, the big question is always, why was Chris Benoit in WWE 2K17? The decision to include Benoit in the game was a tricky one. The developers had to balance the desire to represent wrestling history accurately with the ethical considerations surrounding Benoit's actions. The result was that Benoit was included as a playable character, but he wasn't prominently featured in the game's marketing or story modes. He was there for the players who wanted to use him, but the game didn't celebrate his career.

When you fire up WWE 2K17, and scroll through the roster, you'd find Benoit listed among the many legends and current stars. He was part of the 'Legends' section. This placement was a way for the game to acknowledge his contributions to wrestling without glorifying him. He was not a hidden character, or something, but he wasn't given any special treatment either. He was simply one of the many wrestlers you could choose to play as.

Gameplay and Moveset

So, how did WWE 2K17 represent Chris Benoit in terms of gameplay? His in-game character was based on his appearance and moveset from his prime years. His character model was pretty accurate, capturing his physique and iconic look. He had the short, tightly cropped hair, the determined expression, and the often-grimacing face that made him so recognizable.

His moveset was where the game really shined, in my opinion. Benoit was known for his technical wrestling style, which was reflected in his in-game moves. He had all the signature moves: the German Suplexes, the diving headbutt, the crippler crossface. Using Benoit in the game felt authentic to his real-life wrestling style. If you played as him, you could recreate some of his most memorable matches. Performing a series of German Suplexes and finishing with the Crippler Crossface was a crowd-pleaser, for sure.

The game developers put a lot of effort into making sure each wrestler had unique animations and moves. Benoit's animations were spot-on. Every time he hit a German Suplex, you could see the power and precision of the move. His diving headbutt was also recreated perfectly, though using it was risky, as it should be, haha. The attention to detail in his moveset was a nod to his wrestling skills. If you were a fan of his matches, playing as him in WWE 2K17 was a cool experience.

Legacy and Controversy

Now, here comes the tough part, guys. We can't talk about Chris Benoit without addressing the controversy surrounding him. In 2007, Benoit was involved in a tragic incident that changed everything. This event has caused his name to be synonymous with tragedy and controversy. It's difficult to separate the wrestler from the actions, but it's important to keep the two separate when discussing his inclusion in WWE 2K17.

Many fans have mixed feelings about Benoit's presence in the game. Some people feel he shouldn't be included at all, due to his actions. Others believe that his in-ring accomplishments deserve to be remembered, and that his inclusion in the game is a way of preserving wrestling history. Then there are those who see it as a chance to appreciate his incredible talent while acknowledging the gravity of what happened. There's no easy answer, and everyone has a right to their own opinion.

The developers of WWE 2K17 clearly understood the complexity of the situation. Their approach was to include him but to avoid promoting him. They let the fans decide how to engage with the character. Some players chose to use Benoit as a way to enjoy the game. Others chose not to, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Community Reactions and Discussions

The WWE 2K series always sparks lively discussions among the gaming community. When Chris Benoit was included in WWE 2K17, the discussions intensified. Online forums, social media, and gaming communities were buzzing with opinions about the controversial character.

The majority of these discussions focused on the ethical dilemma of including Benoit. Many players debated whether his in-ring achievements should be remembered. Others questioned if it was appropriate to include him. Some fans were excited to play as Benoit and recreate his matches. Others found it difficult to separate the wrestler from his actions.

Discussions also revolved around the game's depiction of Benoit. Players often compared his in-game model and moveset to his real-life persona. They discussed the accuracy of his animations and the way the game captured his wrestling style. There was also discussion on how the game handled the character in general, how he was treated versus other legends and current stars.

The Overall Experience

Playing as Chris Benoit in WWE 2K17 offers a unique experience. On the one hand, you get to use a highly skilled wrestler with a rich history. You can perform his signature moves and recreate his legendary matches. On the other hand, the experience comes with an unavoidable emotional weight. You're constantly reminded of the controversy surrounding him.

In terms of gameplay, Benoit is a powerful wrestler. His technical skills and high-flying moves make him a formidable opponent in the ring. The game's developers did a great job of capturing his wrestling style. If you are a fan of wrestling and can separate the art from the artist, playing as Benoit can be a fun and engaging experience. But it's also a complex one, and it's up to each player to decide how they want to engage with him.

In conclusion, Chris Benoit in WWE 2K17 is a sensitive topic, but it also provides an opportunity to reflect on his career and legacy. The game allows fans to revisit his in-ring work and appreciate his skills as a wrestler. Ultimately, the decision of whether to play as him is a personal one.

What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments! And remember, wrestling is all about respecting the sport, the athletes, and each other.