The latest instalment of the WWE2K series, WWE2K23, has promised to be bigger and better than ever. With a huge roster, multiple modes, and vast improvements to gameplay, graphics, and customization options, the game has already generated a lot of buzz among wrestling fans. However, with more improvements come new faults, and WWE2K23 is no exception. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the game’s strengths and weaknesses, and whether they are enough to make it a must-play for wrestling fans.
WWE2K23 is a wrestling simulation game developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K. The game was released for PS4/5, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One and Windows on the 17th of March 2023.
What Has It Always Done Well?
One of the biggest selling points of WWE2K23 is its roster, which boasts over 150 wrestlers from various eras and promotions. From legends like Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, to current superstars like Roman Reigns and Becky Lynch, the game has something for every wrestling fan. What’s more, the game allows players to create their own custom wrestlers, adding even more variety to an already impressive roster.
The roster is not just big, but also diverse. It includes wrestlers from various countries, era, and styles, giving players the chance to create dream matchups and fantasy scenarios. The inclusion of wrestlers from NXT, NXT UK, and 90s also adds a level of freshness to the game, as players get to experience new talent and storylines. Of course 2K is not stopping there. They will be adding even more WWE Superstars over the course of the year (faces like Bray Wyatt who couldn’t make the cut for the main game), bringing the total closer to 200 before they are done.
Finally, the roster is not just big and diverse, but also accurate. Each wrestler is meticulously designed to resemble their real-life counterpart, with accurate entrances, move-sets, and attires. This attention to detail adds to the overall immersion of the game, making players feel like they are actually watching a WWE pay-per-view.
What Has Stayed The Same?
The essence of WWE2K23 has remained the same, irrespective of the mode you are playing. You will eventually find yourself in a wrestling match. 2K overhauled the wrestling simulation gameplay when it took over the series from Yukes, and now finally after almost 5 years (and many many many bugs) they seem to be settling into it.
If you had a chance to play WWE2K22, then there isn’t a lot for you to learn this time. Combos are back, so is blocking and dodging. Light, heavy, grapple, running, diving, and taunts all function the same way they had done the year before and there is a sense of relief in that familiarity. The biggest change in the control scheme is the introduction of a new pin system and that too is optional.
In my limited time with the game upto the writing of this review where I divided my time between MyUniverse, Showcase, MyFaction, MyGM and MyRise; I do feel the bugs and glitches have reduced considerably. Though as I delve deeper into like the newly introduced War Games match type, I am sure some cracks will show. However, I think at this point it’s part of the game’s charm.
What Has Been Imroved?
One mode that has truly stood out is the MyGM mode, which has undergone a significant overhaul compared to its previous iterations. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing why MyGM mode in WWE2K23 is the most improved mode of all.
One of the most significant improvements to MyGM mode in WWE2K23 is the increased number of managers and shows to choose from. This is a big deal, considering that previous versions of the game had limited options in this regard. In WWE2K23, players can now choose from a wide range of managers, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. This adds a new level of strategy to the game, as players must choose their managers carefully to ensure they have the best chance of success.
Similarly, there are now more shows to choose from, which allows players to have greater control over the direction of their shows. Another area where MyGM mode in WWE2K23 has improved significantly is in the number of championships and match types that players can assign and manage.
Perhaps the biggest improvement to MyGM mode in WWE2K23 is the introduction of infinite modes divided into seasons, with shake up drafts after each season. Additionally, shake up drafts after each season add a new level of excitement and unpredictability to the game. This is a game-changing addition that adds a new level of depth and replay-ability to the game.
Another mode that has received improvements is the MyFaction mode. With the new MyFaction mode, players can now assemble their own faction of superstars and compete against other human players online. Think FIFA’s Ultimate Team mode, but for WWE.
Once you have assembled your faction, you can start competing in challenges to earn rewards and cards. The challenges range from simple matches to more complex objectives, such as defeating a certain number of opponents or winning a championship. The more challenges you complete, the better rewards and cards you will receive. These rewards can be used to improve your superstars’ abilities, stats, and gear, making them even stronger and more competitive.
In addition to single player challenges, MyFaction mode also allows you to compete against other human players online. Competing against other human players is a great way to test your skills and see how your faction stacks up against others. It adds a whole new level of excitement and unpredictability to the game, and makes MyFaction mode feel like a true social experience. Whether you are playing against friends or strangers, MyFaction mode offers a fun and competitive way to experience WWE2K23.
Still Needs Improvement?
One of the most anticipated features of this year’s game is the Showcase mode, which focuses on the legendary wrestler John Cena. One of the reasons why this year’s Showcase mode is so exciting is because players get to experience the game from a completely different perspective. Instead of playing as the hero, players get to play as the villain. This means that players will have to try and beat Cena at his own game, which is no easy feat. It’s an interesting challenge that requires players to think outside the box and come up with new strategies to defeat Cena.
While this year’s Showcase mode is unique in many ways, it’s important to note that it also shares some similarities with last year’s mode. For example, the Showcase mode still acts as an extended tutorial on how to play the game. This means that players who are new to the franchise can use the mode to learn the basics of the game and get a feel for how it works. This is a great feature that makes the game more accessible to new players.
In addition, the Showcase mode still has the same structure as last year’s mode. This means that players will have to complete a series of matches in order to progress through the mode. Each match has its own unique objectives that players need to complete in order to move on to the next match. This structure is familiar to players who have played previous WWE2K games, and it works well in this year’s game too.
However, one area where the Showcase mode could be improved is in the commentary. While ‘The Franchise’s’ narration is great, it would be even better if the matches themselves had commentary or at least a voice-over. This would make the matches feel more authentic and add to the overall experience of playing the game. It’s a small detail, but it would make a big difference.
Real Talk
The tag line for WWE2K23 is “Even Stronger”. In all fairness, that’s a pretty accurate statement. Everything that the last game did has become better and “Stronger”. However, high load times, finicky online play, and weird collision detection remains the game’s weakness. So much so that they stand in even more contrast than last time, because how vastly improved other areas of the game are.
2K tried a few different things last year, and got a lot of feedback on them. I am happy to say they took most of it and resolved it in WWE2K23. Its a huge improvement over the last iteration and speaks well of the team behind it promising even better things in the future.
FINAL RATING: 85/100