WWE 2K23 doesn’t break the mold from last year’s major re-launch, instead offering smaller and additional improvements to elements that already work. The action has a similar feel but is a bit more polished, the modes have more features, and is a sturdier package all around. While there are still some kinks to work out, 2K23 is still a respectable sequel.
In terms of controls, the 2K23 is identical to the previous game’s improved setup, but a bit smoother. However, old issues remain, such as how difficult it feels to pick up a weapon. I’ve also become increasingly frustrated with having to press multiple reverse buttons since guessing games are often annoying to infer which input your opponent might press. I prefer a single, universal counter because determining time alone is hard enough in its own right. With great accessibility, you can now choose whether pegs require you to press buttons to exit or become the “stop the needle” minigame from past WWE 2K games.
WarGames is considered the new kind of big game and it faithfully reproduces the fun and chaos of the real life version. Additionally, regular services will return as you remember them, although the more robust guide will do a better job of introducing or refreshing players to different nuances of battle. The list this time around is impressively deep, looks great, and is mostly up to date. I also didn’t experience any significant technical glitches – always a good sign for the series. Overall, the gameplay hasn’t changed significantly, so if you like 2K22, you’ll immediately jump to 2K23. If you don’t, it’s unlikely this entry will change your mind.
The documentary-style Intro mode has an interesting twist, allowing you to relive cover star John Cena’s career through his biggest losses. This is a more compelling offer than last year’s Rey Mysterio Showcase, as you’ll beat Cena using a variety of his biggest opponents, from Edge to The Rock to Brock Lesnar. The general framework remains unchanged; You can complete objectives such as performing certain moves to unlock extras like an era-specific version of the wrestler. This may sound like work, but the rewards are often worth the effort, especially if you’re a loyal Cenation member.
I enjoyed Cena’s narrations as he praised his opponents while discussing what he learned from these losses, although I do remember hearing the thread’s commentary during the transition. Switch mid-game to actual video footage. Watching these clips in relative silence reduces their effectiveness. The general music playing during these matches is absolutely terrible, and even worse, you can’t turn it off in the mode itself. However, Showcase offers a rather enjoyable ride back up the memory lane and ends with a silly twist and pleasant surprise that makes it almost worth completing just to see.
I’ve had a better time with MyRise than I did last year, offering two separate story campaigns, one of which lets you play on the female roster for the first time. As a newly signed indie buff or a second-generation prospect, both stories offer completely different narratives based on choice, ranging from silly to grumpy. with humorous inside jokes for smart fans (such as executive Shawn Michaels claiming WWE has a “wonderful record” of repackaging gimmick superstars. new report). While this adventure plays out in exactly the same way – chat with superstars backstage to take part in main and side quests while fighting on your social media feed – MyRise is a stronger package this year.
MyGM is still an exciting time offering new match types and other options to help build your chosen brand. Additional GMs (including Xavier Woods and Tyler Breeze for UpUpDownDown fans), mods that change the course of a season, plus the option to compete with more players, are also among the new additions. great rewards. I’ve never been a big fan of the sandbox-style Universe Mode, and while it currently offers extensive narrative control to steer a superstar’s career, that’s not enough to sustain me. maintain my interest in the long run. MyFaction, in which you collect, build and customize teams of superstars through a trading card game format, is quite similar but includes competitive online play. As with everything else, the smaller tweaks reinforce their respective modes in a way that may please existing fans but may not be enough to attract new ones.
Creating superstars is a trusted treat, and the increased customization options and larger number of superstar save slots will enhance this. The photographic face map is a nice touch that, although unwieldy, allows you to recreate existing wrestlers with more precision than ever before. Uploading or downloading custom images to an online database is easy; I’m happy to make my own superstars, but I find it even more enjoyable to simply view and download thousands of community creations. Create custom arenas (now available online), entrances, videos, and championships that aren’t drastically different from before, but still entertaining avenues for my creative flexibility .
As of writing, unfortunately, online gaming is a disaster. During the early game launches for Premium Edition and Icons players, I never played a match where my opponent(s) wasn’t immediately disconnected and replaced with an AI . uninterrupted is very disappointing. At launch, things haven’t improved much yet, so I hope it gets patched soon.
WWE 2K23’s ascending bells and whistles mean it’s technically a stronger overall package than 2K22. However, unlike last year, it doesn’t benefit from the rosy excitement of getting to play a major wrestling simulation game again after a long year of absence. The similarities to its predecessor mean that 2K23 is more formulaic than special, but it continues the series’ overall positive trajectory. Like watching a returning legend perform their greatest hits night after night, the novelty has faded, but I’m still happy to have them back – for now.
