Standard Edition: PlayStation ($59.99) | Xbox ($59.99) | Windows ($59.99)
WWE 2K23 Cross-Gen Digital Edition: PlayStation ($69.99) | Xbox ($69.99) | Windows ($69.99)
WWE 2K23 Deluxe Edition: PlayStation ($99.99) | Xbox ($99.99) | Windows ($99.99)
WWE 2K23 Icon Edition: PlayStation ($119.99) | Xbox ($119.99) | Windows ($119.99)
WWE 2K23, released in 2023, is a professional wrestling sports video game meticulously crafted by Visual Concepts and skillfully published by the renowned gaming company, 2K. This offering marks the twenty-fourth prominent entry in the ongoing series of video games inspired by the electrifying world of WWE, solidifying its place as the tenth iteration to proudly bear the WWE 2K title. Notably, WWE 2K23 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, WWE 2K22, aiming to elevate the gaming experience to new heights.
Gaming enthusiasts and wrestling aficionados alike were treated to the launch of WWE 2K23 on March 17, 2023. Available across a range of gaming platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, the game invites players to immerse themselves in the enthralling universe of WWE, offering a dynamic and engaging virtual wrestling encounter.
Gameplay
In a manner akin to its predecessor, WWE 2K23 upholds a fusion of dynamic gameplay and immersive simulation elements. A noteworthy addition to this iteration is the incorporation of the WarGames concept, marking its debut within the WWE 2K gaming series. Furthermore, the Royal Rumble encounter has evolved to accommodate online multiplayer functionality, enabling up to eight participants to engage in the virtual ring.
Returning in full force, an array of game modes including MyFACTION, MyGM, Showcase, Universe, the career-oriented MyRISE mode, and an expansive creation suite reappear, now infused with novel enhancements. Notably, the Showcase mode commands attention as it showcases the prominent figure John Cena, inviting players to meticulously recreate pivotal junctures from Cena's storied career. The pinnacle of this showcase takes the form of a thrilling fatal-4-way elimination match set within the grandeur of the WrestleMania 38 arena, featuring Cena, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, and Bruno Sammartino.
Moreover, the MyRISE mode offers a distinctive narrative bifurcation, encompassing two separate storylines entitled "The Lock" tailored for male custom superstars, and "The Legacy" tailored for their female counterparts.
Development
In accordance with statements from Creative Director Lynell Jinks, the development of the WarGames match type commenced prior to the launch of WWE 2K22. This innovation became feasible through the overhaul of the game engine following the underwhelming performance of WWE 2K20.
Developer Andrea Listenberger, speaking to Fightful, revealed that the narrative frameworks for the two storylines within MyRISE were crafted by former writers for WWE. One of these stories, titled "The Lock," revolves around a player-generated male athlete's transition into the realm of professional wrestling, marking his debut on the WWE main roster. The second storyline, known as "The Legacy," chronicles the ascent of a second-generation female wrestler as she ascends the ranks, receiving support from her aunt's rival, Molly Holly.
On February 15, 2023, 2K publicly released entrance footage featuring the return of the character Lita. However, this event triggered a contentious response on social media platforms. Fans voiced dissatisfaction with the portrayal of Lita's character model, citing perceived deficiencies in quality and the reuse of an outfit that had been employed from WWE 2K16 in 2015 through WWE 2K20 in 2019. To address these concerns, adjustments were made to Lita's facial representation prior to the game's launch.
In response to criticisms aimed at the initial character model, an alternative solution was devised, resulting in the inclusion of the playable character "Lita '06." Additionally, an alternate attire option has been made available to players, further diversifying the gaming experience.
Roster
The internal base roster of WWE 2K23 comprises a total of 218 distinct elements. Notably, this installment marks a significant departure within the WWE video game series. Unlike its predecessors, WWE 2K23 introduces a notable modification to the Duplicate Wrestler approach. This innovation involves consolidating multiple attires onto a single model, a departure from the conventional practice of allocating individual standalone slots. This transformative adjustment is exemplified through the representation of prominent wrestling personas such as Roman Reigns, AJ Styles, Lita, and specific iterations of John Cena.
Release
On January 23, 2023, WWE 2K23 was officially announced with John Cena as the cover star. Bad Bunny was also announced as a playable character for players that pre-order the game, or purchase the Deluxe or Icon editions.
On January 30, 2K Games released behind-the-scenes footage of "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes being scanned, who makes his first appearance under this name since the 2014 game WWE 2K15 following his return at WrestleMania 38, as well as his first appearance under the nickname, "The American Nightmare".
The Deluxe Edition includes a season pass for future downloadable content, MyFACTION bonuses, and three days of early access on March 14. The Icon Edition features all Deluxe Edition content, as well as the "Ruthless Aggression Pack" which contains: classic versions of John Cena, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar and Batista, the WrestleMania 22 arena, additional MyFACTION bonuses, and the John Cena Legacy Championship.
IGN noted greater flexibility and creativity in the game compared to its predecessors. the return of the instant recovery feature was praised. IGN also noted that MyRise mode, is split into two separate stories "The Lock" and "The Legacy". The game also gives a great deal of creativity to players to modify the contents including match variations such as diversified kinds of steel cage match among others.
On March 6, 2023, the downloadable content for the game was announced. Five content packs containing 24 playable characters will be released from April to August, including superstars from Raw, SmackDown, NXT and Legends. These characters include: Bray Wyatt, Wade Barrett, Eve Torres, Zeus, Harley Race, the Steiner Brothers, Pretty Deadly and Hit Row among others.
Reception
WWE 2K23 garnered a consensus of 'generally favorable reviews,' as reported by the review compilation platform Metacritic.
During a preliminary assessment of the game, Dale Driver, a contributor at IGN, offered his insight by noting, 'A compelling case can be made that 2K22 established a fresh standard for grappling mechanics. In my subjective appraisal, and acknowledging potential dissent, I assert that the franchise presently attains its zenith.' Driver further observed that the game predominantly retained the essence of its forerunner, coupled with several discernible enhancements.
WWE 2K23 has garnered an aggregated assessment that showcases its reception across diverse platforms. Metacritic, a widely recognized review aggregation platform, has reported commendable scores for the game, including 79 out of 100 for the PC version, 82 out of 100 for the PS5 version, and 81 out of 100 for the XBXS version.
The game's individual performance has been critically scrutinized by various publications, each offering a distinctive perspective. Destructoid awarded the game a commendable score of 7.5 out of 10, while Game Informer deemed it worthy of an 8 out of 10 rating. Similarly, GameSpot assessed the game with an 8 out of 10 rating, underscoring its favorable gameplay experience. Hardcore Gamer lauded the game with a score of 4.5 out of 5, highlighting its impressive qualities. IGN, a notable gaming outlet, also acknowledged the game's strengths with an 8 out of 10 rating, as did Shacknews with their own 8 out of 10 appraisal.VideoGamer.com also joined the chorus of positive evaluations, offering an 8 out of 10 score that underscores the game's merits. Owing to these review scores, it is evident that WWE 2K23 has struck a chord with a range of reviewers, solidifying its status as a game deserving of recognition within the gaming community.
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