Attention wrestling fans! 2K Games has finally given us some news about WWE 2K23, the Visual Concepts-developed game available since March 17, 2023 on PC (via Steam), PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series (with early access for Deluxe and Icon editions on March 14). A game celebrating its 20th anniversary in style, headlined (or at least the cover) by John Cena, a true wrestling superstar, 16-time world champion and now film actor, among others. Announced by 2K on Monday, January 23.
"It'sa pleasure to tell the story of my career in the Showcase mode of WWE 2K23," explains John Cena. He continues: "2K has done a fantastic job of captivating and invigorating the WWE 2K franchise with this concept, and I'm honored to be featured on the cover of WWE 2K23".
The wrestler will also be executive producer of the soundtrack. The cover will feature three of his iconic poses. The musical phenomenon Bad Bunny will also be making his WWE 2K debut! On the gameplay front, 2K has also announced a number of advances, including a unique new approach to the 2K Showcase mode, the introduction of the WarGames world, as well as additions to several other game modes.
On the roster side, several Superstars are announced, including Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Ronda Rousey, Brock Lesnar, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and many other WWE Legends! As far as graphics are concerned, they seem to be more advanced and realistic - according to what has been revealed - compared to the last opuses. To this should be added "animations, camera angles and lighting, more accessible controls and a new optional input mechanic", helping to make the game more immersive than ever.
In terms of new features, we can also look forward to a number of exciting things... Starting with DLC. Five character packs are planned:
Includes Scott Steiner, Rick Steiner, Top Dolla, Ashante Adonis and B-Fab - manager
Scheduled to feature Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, Tiffany Stratton, Elton Prince and Kit Wilson.
Expected to feature Harley Race, Ivy Nile, Wendy Choo, Tony D'Angelo and Trick Williams.
Featuring Bray Wyatt, Zeus, Valhalla, Joe Gacy and Blair Davenport.
Features Eve Torres, Wade Barrett, Damon Kemp, Andre Chase and Nathan Frazer.
Also of note are the addition of two new storylines in MyRise mode, The Legacy and The Lock, as well as the addition of an online faction via Online Quick Play within MyFaction mode, Live Events, a new Pink Diamond tier after launch (which allows you to add more powerful Superstars).
You can also earn "Momentum Resources" as your rivalry with other wrestlers develops, which you can spend on "Rival actions" in MyUniverse mode. And many more surprises!
Our review of WWE 2K23:
So, what's the value of this latest WWE 2K release? We could go back to our opinion of the previous edition, since the game offers something relatively similar in its gameplay and approach to wrestling, with a well-honed formula that works, through light attacks, heavy attacks and everything else that makes the game tick. A very complete gameplay that continues to prove its worth, solidly anchored.
As for the graphics, they've improved (we played on PS5), with the cinematics (especially the Superstar preshows) graphically not bad at all, well realized and pleasing to the eye without being "Wow" either. On the other hand, although the fighting is improving, it's still lacklustre, and the contrast between the fighting and cinematic phases is as great as ever. But everything remains fluid, and that's rather pleasant.
In short, WWE 2K23 is a game firmly rooted in its universe, with effective gameplay that should please not only wrestling fans, but also and above all fans of the videogame franchise, who will be able to indulge their favorite pastime in the ring. A good vintage, in short, to put in all curious hands... On your sticks!
And to discover the other trailers, click here :
