“WWE 2K23” is of course the latest installment in the popular WWE game franchise from none other than 2K and I’m happy to say it is an improvement over last year’s game, which I also liked very much (you can check out my review of “WWE 2K22” HERE). While the game is very much an updated and polished version of its predecessor, it has many of the ideas brought in last year, but with the rough edges refined to provide a more enjoyable and engaging experience. As with most sports games that release a new edition every year, the most significant change in “WWE 2K23” is not the updated roster but with its very fresh MyRise story mode(s).
There are some new features that fans will appreciate, such as the popular “War Games” match type and the ability to tweak the A.I. settings for created wrestlers, which can lead to some very interesting and unique gameplay. I can see the fanbase getting really weird and creative with this down the line. One of the stand-out features of “WWE 2K22” for me was its showcase mode, which put the spotlight on Rey Mysterio’s key matches in his career, a wrestler I knew nothing about. In “WWE 2K23,” the focus has shifted to John Cena, mixing things up a bit, the players this time take on the roles of wrestlers who manage to take him down throughout his career, needless to say, you’ll be fighting against John Cena a lot. However, while this mode is still enjoyable, it lacks the heart and sense of excitement that made last year’s showcase mode so memorable. There was a lot of weight and emotion in the video segments in between the fights where Rey Mysterio talked about his fights and where his head was at in those moments.
The MyRise mode, on the other hand, is vastly improved and updated, and it remains the most addictive aspect of the game. Players create a self-made fictional wrestler and choose to play through one of two unique story-type modes, “The Legacy” and “The Lock.” In “Legacy” you have a legendary aunt, who was a wrestler, doing whatever you can to prove yourself that you actually belong here and you’re not just there because of who you’re related to. In “The Lock” storyline you are a top draft, new to the business and you learn from the company and what is expected of you, you can choose to do what they want you to be or decide to start carving out your own distinct path on your way to fame. Both offer distinct and engaging stories that make it hard to resist creating new characters for each mode.
Overall, while “WWE 2K22” is still a perfectly good game, “WWE 2K23” is a worthwhile purchase for fans of the WWE game franchise. The updated roster and polished gameplay may not be enough to sell players on this new title, but the new MyRise story modes offer a unique and addictive experience that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s always appreciated when annualized games show signs of improvement with each iteration, and “WWE 2K23” definitely delivers on that front.
8.5/10
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Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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