WWE 2K23 Review: Wrestling For The Ages

Ali Hasan March 26, 2023

The WWE 2K franchise hasn’t had the easiest time on the market. What was once one of the most beloved video game series of all time, became a laughing stock after a string of rather unimpressive releases. The long-running series finally came to a head with WWE 2K21. The game was not only panned by both fans and critics but it was near unplayable on launch. Following its disastrous release, the series took a break from its yearly schedule for the first time in over 18 years as the team decided to shift focus to create a better product for their next outing.

After almost two years since the last release, WWE 2K22 finally delivered on its promise to provide an improved gaming experience. And now, with the recent release of WWE 2K23, the franchise continues to build on the strong foundation laid down by its predecessor. This latest installment offers a wide range of features that will satisfy any wrestling fan, including refined gameplay mechanics, a GM mode, a career mode, and much more. Plus, for fans of the legendary wrestler John Cena, this game offers an extra layer of enjoyment. With so much packed into this game, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

John Cena Adds Depth to this Year’s Showcase mode

WWE 2K23 puts John Cena at the forefront, as this year’s showcase mode is based around his nearly two-decade-long wrestling career. The showcase modes have been the most enjoyable aspects of these games and with the latest release, there is a slight twist on the formula that elevates it beyond what’s been done before. Instead of chronicling John Cena’s biggest achievements the game instead opts to focus on his biggest failures, pitting Cena against all his major foes over the years. Each fight is further accentuated by a documentary-style monologue from the legendary wrestler which adds further weight and personality to the entire mode while also giving unique insights into his career.

Having you take on Cena as different wrestlers definitely helps keep the mode fresh and keep it from stagnating as it did in previous entries, although on the flip side, you do have to learn each new wrestler’s move as you progress through the mode. At certain points, if you pull off a certain move the match transitions into clips from the actual wrestling fights they are modeled after, grounding everything even further. I didn’t expect such a robust approach to the showcase mode but I was genuinely impressed and it certainly shows the team’s commitment to their continued mission to refine the mode and the game as a whole.

The “My Rise” career mode returns this year as well. This time it has been split into two distinct stories each following a different character with a different overall tone and theme. While I do commend them for switching it up, I would’ve liked to see just one very well-done story, as both stories still feature the same janky animations, uninspired characters a largely uninspired story. Pouring resources into one singular mode with top-notch storytelling and visuals would have been a better thing to do, in my opinion.

WWE 2K23’s Combat Builds on the Foundation of its Predecessor

The actual combat and fighting are the meat and bones of the entire WWE 2K experience and after last year’s major shakeup which saw a number of notable changes to the long-established but mostly tired and outdated formula, 2K23, does little to change it but that’s probably for the good too. The stamina meter remains at the forefront of the entire experience, having you balance and be more methodical in your approach to combat.

Animations see an improvement with each wrestler showing realistic movements, recoils, and fighting animations. Each wrestler feels unique in their own way with their personalities shining through their special attacks, but the main crux of the fighting system remains the same across all of them. I didn’t find it particularly hard to jump from wrestler to wrestler, everything just clicked for me. The attacks feel a lot weightier now, with each connecting blow offering a good amount of feedback both visually and through auditory means. The game also now lets you equip two special moves for your character which further works to shake up the formula.

New Modes Bring Variety to the Overall Package

The game also sees a couple of new modes, including the new war games mode where you enter a 3v3 or 4v4 match in a steel ring, this can be played both online and offline, allowing you to create unique match setups across the game’s rather large roster. From legends like Andre the Giant and Brock Lesner to newcomers that recently came on to the scene.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a wrestler that isn’t on the list and if you’re a major wrestling fan, the roster will definitely make you very happy. It is a shame however that not all wrestlers received the same amount of care and attention to detail in regard to their visual makeup. While some look supremely detailed and realistic others just don’t match up, this can sometimes result in a visual disparity which can be quite jarring at times.

My Faction Has Been Much Improved

If you’re not satisfied with the sizeable selection of wrestlers on display you can always create your own unique wrestler through the game’s creation suite. The creation suite has been updated to add in a bunch more options and is more robust than it has ever been, allowing you to create a wrestler that is uniquely your own not only in their visual design but also in their stats and how they handle and play.

You can take the action and your wrestler online with the much improved My Factions section. I’ve never been a stout fan of the system mainly because of its card system which does return here. I would have liked it if maybe the team had changed it up a bit but this is a minor personal grievance. The addition of unique after-match events as well as the ability to unlock and earn new outfits and cosmetics is something that elevates the overall experience and if you’re someone who enjoys this mode, there is an added sense of progression.

MyGM Mode Receives a Lot of TLC

WWE 2K23 has revamped its MyGM mode which lets you step into the shoes of a WWE general manager. With the power to draft new wrestlers, sign free agents, and choose match types and locations, you compete against other GMs to be the top dog in the WWE. This year, the mode has received several new features, including a roster shakeup, end-of-season awards show, and the opportunity to earn a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame.

While I haven’t spent much time playing the MyGM mode in the WWE franchise, I appreciate that Visual Concepts has made a dedicated effort to refine and improve this mode for those who are passionate about it. With the recent addition of custom GMs and an expanded roster of opponents, there’s now even more depth and variety to the experience. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the WWE universe or a newcomer, MyGM mode provides an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the role of a WWE management team member. Overall, it’s great to see this mode receive continued attention and enhancement from the developers.

Verdict

WWE 2K23 raises the bar even higher than its predecessor by refining nearly every aspect of the game. The showcase mode is a standout feature, shedding light on an overlooked part of the wrestling industry. While My Rise mode may not have seen significant changes, the enhancements to MyGM and Factions more than compensate for it.

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