WWE 2K22 obtained the sequence again on monitor after WWE 2K20‘s wretched launch despatched it to the injured reserve for a 12 months. It was a significant overhaul, which was wanted, however implies that WWE 2K23 isn’t fairly as flashy or eye-catching. Nevertheless, it’s a strong yearly addition that builds upon the core of WWE 2K22 and polishes up some tough edges as a way to higher the general expertise. It’s the kind of iterative sequel that’s commendable even when it doesn’t completely supplant its predecessor.
Whereas final 12 months’s refined gameplay was the massive speaking level, WWE 2K23 doesn’t actually have one. It largely retains the identical core as final 12 months, which is an efficient factor, particularly given the good shift to the extra combo-heavy system. Aside from altering the timing-based pin system to be far more participating, there isn’t a lot completely different right here — simply further layers of polish on a gameplay system that, though a lot rarer when in comparison with previous entries, continues to be liable to the occasional graphical glitch.
The largest related addition to the gameplay is the power to participate in a WarGames match. There are six and eight-man variants for the match, which is an actual visible marvel with its two rings and enormous cage. Whereas multi-man matches are nonetheless a common weak spot for the sequence, the staggered introductions of workforce members and lack of tagging make this much more bearable. It’s value noting that it’s simply the NXT variant of WarGames that has been added, so these seeking to recreate the basic WCW model of the match can be a little bit let down.
The 2K Showcase is the opposite closely marketed function, which this time focuses on the profession of John Cena. Ever the standard man, Cena had the workforce deal with his failures fairly than his triumphs, so that you get to play via completely different matches the place his opponents not solely noticed him however beat him. Attending to play as quite a lot of completely different characters provides a welcome little bit of selection, nevertheless it’s not as cohesive. Solely seeing Cena’s losses doesn’t get gamers an opportunity to expertise his highs, and that’s usually the purpose of the mode and why it really works. It additionally doesn’t assist that the presentation has taken a little bit of a success as a result of lack of commentary since now generic rock music simply performs throughout your complete match. It’s a reasonably so-so entry in a mode that has been an actual spotlight at instances.
The create-a-player mode MyRise additionally returns with two new story modes referred to as The Lock and The Legacy that put gamers within the footwear of a former WWE star’s member of the family or a hyped prospect that’s closely pushed upon getting into the corporate. It’s a bit extra centered and general story-based than final 12 months’s mode whereas nonetheless having loads of facet missions. Nevertheless, it’s not a considerable enchancment for the reason that player-created character is unlikable it doesn’t matter what path they go down. Regardless of these setbacks, there’s sufficient appeal and enjoyable moments to make each modes value a playthrough, even when it doesn’t get fairly as bizarre as WWE 2K20‘s story.
MyGM, the simulation mode that has gamers managing a wrestling model, has seen the largest overhaul. Each William Regal (who was let go and rehired throughout the recreation’s improvement) and Shane McMahon (who has been as soon as once more reduce out of the household enterprise in a goofy Succession-style transfer) have been changed by Xavier Woods and Tyler Breeze, who deliver some good UpUpDownDown synergy and sit alongside legendary GMs of the previous in Kurt Angle, Eric Bischoff, and Mick Foley.
General, the mode simply has much more to supply as you possibly can hold the booking-based mode going for a number of seasons (it used to only finish), select WCW and NXT 2.0 as manufacturers alongside the three unique choices, and play with 4 different gamers, all of which add extra depth. With all these further choices, it’s actually turning into the simulation mode it’s meant to be, making it greater than only a one-time novelty and one thing satisfying sufficient by itself deserves to proceed taking part in.
There are many different modes and a sturdy creation suite, all of which have been in final 12 months’s recreation and have solely gotten minimal modifications. MyFaction stays an unappealing card-based grind searching for gamers to spend actual cash, whereas MyUniverse options loads of depth and a few new story situations that clean up the open-ended mode. That is nonetheless a dense bundle full of content material; it’s simply not significantly a brand new one.
WWE 2K23 is an honest sequel that builds off final 12 months’s basis in a number of significant methods. MyGM has been closely improved, and the 2 new story modes function some fascinating situations and carve simply sufficient of their very own new and fascinating paths. Whereas the Cena-centered 2K Showcase mode is a disappointment, the overall polish the remainder of the sport has makes it a worthwhile improve over its overhauled predecessor.
SCORE: 7.5/10
As ComingSoon’s evaluate coverage explains, a rating of seven.5 equates to “Good.” A profitable piece of leisure that’s value testing, however it could not attraction to everybody.
Disclosure: The writer offered a PlayStation 5 copy for our WWE 2K23 evaluate. Icon version reviewed on model 1.002.000.
