WWE 2K23 review: Fun, challenging and immersive

WWE 2K23 combines attention-grabbing storylines with new and fan-favorite recreation modes for a a laugh and difficult button-mashing revel in.

WWE 2K23 is the most recent professional wrestling recreation from developer Visible Ideas and 2K. It’s to be had in three editions — Usual, Deluxe, and Icon. Each and every recreation’s cover artwork options WWE Famous person became actor John Cena posing in a distinct signature stance. WWE Icon provides probably the most bang to your greenback with cover artwork created via WWE artist Rob Schamberger and all of the bonus content material. 

After seeing the trailer, and a primary have a look at the playable personality Dangerous Bunny, I used to be curious to peer what’s new with WWE 2K23. For this overview, I performed the sport on an HP Pavilion Gaming PC. My computer has a 3.9-GHz AMD Ryzen 5 5600G 6-core CPU, 16GB of RAM, Radeon RX 5500 GPU with 4GB of devoted reminiscence. I first of all ran right into a hiccup getting the sport to begin, however as soon as it were given working, there have been no issues. 2K’s really helpful gadget necessities are an Intel i7-4790 / AMD FX 8350 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and GeForce GTX 1070 / Radeon RX 580 graphics.

WWE 2K23 Pricing and availability

Pricing for WWE 2K23 begins at $59 (opens in new tab) for PC, PS4 and Xbox One consoles — it is $69 for PS5 and Xbox Sequence X|S. WWE 2K23 Deluxe and WWE 2K23 Icon price $99 and $119, respectively on all gaming platforms. 

WWE 2K23 is available to buy at Amazon (opens in new tab), (*5*)Perfect Purchase (opens in new tab), GameStop (opens in new tab), Steam (opens in new tab), PlayStation Retailer, and the Xbox Video games Retailer. 

WWE 2K23 Superstars and Legends

This yr’s roster is full of over 200 playable characters from WWE Superstars to the WWE Legends who walked so nowadays’s skill may run. It options new and returning WWE Superstars Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, Queen Zelina, Undertaker, Bron Breakker, Chyna, Roxanne Perez, Stone Chilly Steve Austin, Rhea Ripley, Drew McIntyre, Cora Jade, Bianca Belair, Carmelo Hayes and extra. Grammy Award-winning recording artist Dangerous Bunny may be a playable personality in WWE 2K23. 

Wish to craft your individual celebrity? Hop into WWE 2K23’s Advent Suite to create your individual Famous person or add a picture. Since two of my favorites who’re not with the corporate didn’t make the roster this yr, I will be able to manually upload them to the sport.

WWE 2K23 graphics

 WWE 2K23’s graphics are on par with the hyper-realistic personality likenesses we noticed in WWE 2K22. Colours appear to be extra colourful and faces within the crowd on the arenas are sharper. Ring entrances and signature strikes are fluid and herbal having a look. 

Within the one-player purpose mode, 2K Exhibit, you play as John Cena reliving his maximum iconic fits. Finished chapters seamlessly transition into antique video photos from vintage PPV fits. 

WWE 2K23 gameplay and animation

WWE 2K22’s massive overhaul set the root for WWE 2K23 so you’ll be able to realize minor adjustments. Even supposing the buttons and controls stay the similar, there is a new pi kick-out mechanic and powerful transfer units for every playable personality. The intuitive recreation controls we now have come to be expecting from the WWE 2K go back on this liberate. 

Whether or not it is your first time enjoying the WWE 2K sequence otherwise you haven’t performed shortly, WWE 2K23 is simple to select up and play. To get you began, a brief instructional hosted via WWE Famous person and UpUpDownDown host, Xavier Woods teaches you offense and protection. At the Xbox Core controller, you merely dangle the highest RB button to dam and transfer the joystick left or proper to dodge. My private favourite is the Y to accomplish a reversal. 

WWE 2K23 Play modes

From play mode, you’ll make a choice from more than a few forms of fits and venues. And for the primary time, Warfare Video games makes its debut in WWE 2K23. This action-packed fit sort is without equal multiplayer mayhem. Struggle to win inside of two side-by-side rings, surrounded via a double-steel cage.

MyRISE mode is again with new attractive storylines advised from opposing aspects. In one adventure, “The Legacy” you climb your manner up the roster at the trail your well-known circle of relatives member paved for you. In the meantime, as “The Lock”, you input the WWE global as the following best possible factor. 

Your Famous person’s occupation trail is in line with the choices you are making as you upward push from Rookie to exalted WWE Legend. E book fits and entire aspect duties to earn revel in issues and unencumber playable characters. 2K video games does an ideal task of incorporating the great man (face) and the unhealthy man (heel) of professional wrestling “kayfabe” way of storytelling. 

WWE 2K23 2K Exhibit

Remaining yr’s 2K Exhibit had us play because the mythical Rey Mysterio and this yr’s 2K Exhibit relives iconic fits of John Cena’s 20-year occupation. WWE 2K23’s “You Cannot Beat Me” 2K Exhibit flips the script and has us observe the sport’s purpose as John Cena’s fighters. This recreation mode feels more difficult than remaining yr’s, however in an effective way.

Throughout gameplay, I misplaced to John Cena again and again, as I labored my manner throughout the listing of targets. Speak about ring rust. Even in probably the most irritating losses, I rapidly smashed the rematch button, made up our minds to win. “By no means Give Up”.

Universe mode: You run the display

Universe mode returns to WWE 2K23 a transformed tale gadget and new manufacturers WCW and NXT 2.0. Right here you’ll play as a Famous person in a sequence of weekly fits and do what WWE Superstars do. Broaden rivalries with different Superstars, get started a tag staff, create “proper right here, at this time” fits, and purpose for the championship name. 

I gave this recreation mode a attempt to accomplished the second-highest display rankings of the four manufacturers. You’ll experience MyGM mode in case you’ve ever sought after to discover the behind-the-scenes ingenious aspect of sports activities leisure. 

WWE 2K23 MyFaction

MyFACTION returns to WWE 2K23 which is basically 2K Video games’ WWE SuperCard cell card recreation for PC and consoles. On this recreation mode, you construct a four-person staff of WWE Superstars and Legends from virtual playing cards. 

Day by day and weekly demanding situations earn you in-game forex in MyFACTION issues and tokens. Issues can also be exchanged for card packs and contracts, while Tokens unencumber WWE Superstars and Legends playing cards within the Token Rewards retailer. Even supposing Issues can unencumber most of these sweets, chances are you’ll choose to buy digital forex. MyFACTION limited-time rewards refresh each month and new themed card packs roll out throughout the year. 

Base line

WWE 2K23 is the entirety we like about WWE 2K22 after which some. Now that includes Warfare Video games, John Cena’s 2K Exhibit, and two other MyRISE tale mode choices, there is all the time a brand new adventure to discover. 

The sport’s 12-song soundtrack, curated via John Cena will get you hyped in between fits as you navigate your dashboard. It comprises Metallica’s “Unhappy However True”, Doja Cat’s “Vegas” Luciano’s “SUVs”, and Joyner Lucas & Lil Child’s “Ramen & OJ” simply to call a couple of. There may be nonetheless no manner so as to add your individual songs or hyperlink on your personal playlist on Spotify as an example. On the other hand, you’ll select what songs to take away from the rotation.

One of the vital recreation’s targets are long and do not save the place you left off. Very similar to the patch of WWE’s Superstars and Legends, it takes heaps of apply and patience to transform nice. Ahead of you realize it, you’ll be able to be profitable fits and rising in popularity as you upward push from rookie to WWE Famous person to Legend.  

Professional wrestling lovers and any individual else who likes preventing video games, will benefit from the WWE 2K23 revel in.