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WWE 2K23 Review: Welcome to new exciting depths of WWE

WWE 2K23 does not deviate from last year’s massive re-release, instead giving minor tweaks and enhancements to the components that worked. The action is comparable but more refined, the modes offer more features, and it is a more robust product overall. Though there are still some issues to iron out, 2K23 is a worthy successor.

WWE 2K23 has all of the expected modes, such as a showcase mode, the MyRise mode, a single player mode, MyFaction, and MyGM. Nevertheless, whereas last year’s games were focused on ironing out all of the flaws and issues from 2K20, developers this year have been able to focus on polishing the entire experience.

MyGM mode, for example, now has longer playtimes, more general managers to choose from, and can be played versus more friends. The hallmark feature of these games, Showcase mode, now centres on wrestlers like John Cena, but instead of playing as him and experiencing his successes, players control his opponents and relive his tremendous defeats.

In terms of gameplay, little has changed from last year’s entry. You still switch between light and heavy punches to accomplish numerous combinations; grapple your opponent to land suplexes, DDTs, and spinning neck breaks; and build up metres to unlock distinctive moves and showy match-ending finishes. Others may complain that it still doesn’t play like No Mercy, an N64 game that many believe to be the finest wrestling game ever, but the series has never attempted. 2K23 is a decent wrestling simulation, with most matches swinging back and forth as momentum swings through frantic reversals and last-ditch kick-outs.

As you start WWE 2K23, most of it will feel familiar. The user interface, customizable suite, and visual design are all the same as in prior editions. The visual enhancements are fairly slight. The creativity suite is as difficult to navigate through as it was in earlier editions. The entire collection of tools is really strong and improves year after year, but they haven’t grown any easier to use.

But, it is wonderful that the sophisticated entrance editor has been re-implemented, much as it was before its removal. Individual portions from pre-existing entrances can now be selected. While you must patch them together, you now have the means to make a near-perfect fit for your wrestlers. It means you won’t necessarily have something that is clearly recognised as an existing wrestler’s entrance.

The other adjustments to 2K23’s action aren’t as clear, but it doesn’t take long to realise how each one benefits the game. This year’s game places a greater focus on stamina, with wrestlers slowing down as the contest progresses. You may also do in-ring springboard strikes, and tag teams will collaborate in the Royal Rumble rather than instantly attempting to remove each other. The AI has also been adjusted so that each Superstar behaves more like their real-life counterparts, so don’t expect to see a behemoth like Omos flying over the top turnbuckle. You can also use sliders to alter these patterns yourself—Fire Pro Wrestling style—so those who prefer running AI vs. AI match-ups should be able to build fights that aren’t too dissimilar to what we see on a weekly edition of Smackdown.

The most noticeable update in WWE 2K23 is the expansion of the MyGM feature. As Universe died for me in WWE 2K22, I switched to MyGM, which was a good stand-in. It’s a mode in which you operate your own WWE “brand” and compete for ratings based on how effectively you stack bouts, manage rivalries, and schedule programmes. It’s become my favoured method of slamming my wrestling figures into each other. There are now five brands to choose from (Raw, Smackdown, NXT, NXT 2.0, and WCW), each of which can be administered by a team of GMs or by one of your own creation. There are currently four slots available for participating shows, which may be operated by either a human or a computer.

WWE 2K23 has more incremental bells and frills than 2K22, making it a technically superior product. Unfortunately, unlike last year, it lacks the rose-colored joy of finally getting to play a large wrestling game after a years-long gap. Because of the similarities to its predecessor, 2K23 feels more conventional than unique, yet it maintains the series’ overall favourable direction.

Harry S

harry

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