WWE 2K23 Review — Superb Simulation, Disastrous Multiplayer

Editor’s Note: A PC review copy of WWE 2K23 was provided to IGN India by 2K.

I have been a fan of wrestling ever since I was a kid. I have grown up watching the likes of The Undertaker, Randy Orton, John Cena and more such legends battle it out in the squared ring. Being a wrestling fan and a gamer, it’s not surprising that much of my gaming time in front of a TV was spent playing numerous wrestling games. My favourite titles include WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain and WWE SmackDown vs. Raw: 2011 on the PlayStation 2.

However, as times have changed, so have the games. In the past, Game developer Yuke’s was responsible for 26 WWE games starting with WWF SmackDown! in 2000 and culminating with WWE 2K19 in 2018. But since 2K20, developer Visual Concepts has taken the reins, with 2K serving as the publisher beginning with WWE 2K14 in 2013. For clarity, Visual Concept worked as the supporting developer for WWE games along with Yuke’s as the primary developer till 2018.

The WWE 2K series has seen its share of difficulties. When Visual Concepts took over as the sole developer for WWE 2K20, the game delivered to fans was sub-par. IGN awarded the game a score of 4.3 in its review, calling it a “buggy mess.”

However, since then, the new creators of the game took it upon themselves to improve and keep up with the work that was done by the companies they replaced. 2K cancelled WWE 2K21 and took a year off to work on its mistakes coming out with WWE 2K22 last year. This time, the game has seen significant improvements and was praised for its tremendous leap forward compared to 2K20, with IGN calling it “a tremendous leap forward compared to 2K20.” It was clear that 2K is now on the right path and knows what fans want. But did it manage to pull off the same magic this year as well?

WWE 2K23

WWE 2K23 is the newest game from the biggest professional wrestling company in the world. Featuring John Cena on the cover, the game boasts additions such as the WarGames and multiplayer options for Royal Rumble matches. It also improves upon popular modes like MyFaction, MyGM, Showcase, Universe, and career mode MyRISE, with two different storylines for the latter. However, I was disappointed by the online multiplayer mode, which simply didn’t work for me. Despite testing the game on multiple PCs, networks and ISPs, the mode kept returning errors stating that 2K23’s servers were down or that there was an issue with my internet connection. This problem is widespread, with numerous players online reporting similar issues. If you also want to play multiplayer, I advise you to be cautious with WWE 2K23. With an update, downloadable content became available and now I was able to at least go into the online menu, but I was still not able to join any matches unfortunately.

WWE 2K23 is the newest game from the biggest professional wrestling company in the world.

Unsurprisingly, WWE 2K23 features a full roster of wrestlers – including the return of Cody Rhodes – with updated attires, entrance music, and graphics. The game is now up to date with everything it should have. However, if you have played 2K22 before, you won’t find many major new additions. The gameplay is quite similar, and as with many other sports titles, the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach has been heavily utilised here.

The different modes in WWE 2K23

The new WarGames mode in WWE 2K23 offers 3v3 and 4v4 multiplayer matches that take place in two rings side-by-side, surrounded by a double-steel cage. It’s a truly hardcore experience that adds a new dimension to the game. While I, personally, prefer singles matches, I still found playing WarGames to be entertaining, and it’s great to have more options to choose from.

MyFaction

Coming to MyFaction, the mode allows players to form their own factions by collecting cards of wrestlers, which can be upgraded. This year, the mode offers daily and weekly challenges, and for the first time, players can compete online to earn rewards. Unfortunately, I was unable to participate in the mode due to an error screen every time I tried to launch it. This is because MyFaction can only be played online this time.

MyGM

The MyGM mode in WWE 2K23 brings back the beloved concept of the GM Mode from SmackDown vs. RAW games, but with some noticeable differences. When you start the MyGM mode, you first select a general manager from a list of available options, each with their own unique skills and attributes. After selecting your GM, you then choose a brand to represent, such as RAW, SmackDown or NXT.

Once you’ve selected your GM and brand, the objective is to put on the best shows possible and compete with other brands in terms of ratings and popularity. To achieve this, you must participate in the draft and create your roster, manage it, sign new wrestlers, and create entertaining storylines and feuds to keep fans engaged. You also get money from the WWE to book special match types, have better show logistics, etc. The size of the arena and crew increases with the more shows you put out there. Your goal is to make it into the WWE Hall of Fame by completing challenges and winning the ratings war against the other shows. I found the mode quite fun and engaging.

Showcase

The Showcase mode in WWE 2K23 allows you to relive some of John Cena’s most memorable matches, but with a twist: you play as his opponents. While the inclusion of real-life footage is a nice touch, the lack of commentary and repetitive background music can be a bit frustrating. Nevertheless, it’s still a fun mode to play through for fans of John Cena or classic WWE matches.

Universe

The Universe Mode has two different modes: Superstar Mode and Classic Mode. In Superstar Mode, you can follow and take control of one wrestler throughout their career. Meanwhile the Classic Mode is a sandbox mode that allows you to create your own fantasy WWE universe. In this mode, you can create and customise shows and pay-per-views, draft and sign wrestlers, simulate matches and storylines over weeks and months. Or you can just play the recurring shows and PLEs as they come and see what kind of storylines, rivalries, and partnerships emerge.

It’s a great mode for creative players who want to take full control of their WWE experience. You can set up rivalries and alliances between wrestlers, which can lead to exciting or even unexpected results in your version of the WWE.

MyRISE

The MyRISE mode is where you play as a rookie superstar and climb up the ranks on the WWE roster. There are two stories to choose from: The Lock and The Legacy. Both had enough content to keep me busy for hours. Although it has two distinct storylines, the mode allows players to pick multiple paths as they progress through their career, offering the ability to replay the segments.

Along the way, players will face different challenges and opportunities, such as developing rivalries, forming alliances, and even making decisions that can affect the trajectory of their career. There are also multiple bingo hall matches that take place in the mode, which is a nice touch. I found myself playing the mode for hours, although it can get a bit repetitive to do side matches. I just went straight for the story matches as much as I could.

Graphics and soundtrack in WWE 2K23

WWE 2K23 looks impressive, with highly detailed arenas and audiences that reflect the authenticity of professional wrestling. The models of the wrestlers are well-designed and their attire, entrance music and graphics are all up to date. While most of the models are visually pleasing, some facial expressions can be odd and off-putting at times. However, this is a step-up from last year’s game and seems like 2K is heading into the right direction.

Overall, even though the multiplayer is a mess, there is a lot to do solo in WWE 2K23.

While the game provides various soundtracks for the menu including the ability to choose wrestler entrance themes from the jukebox, the audience cheers during matches can be annoying. The crowd was sometimes going wild (and so loud) over a simple suplex that I couldn’t even hear the commentators properly. It doesn’t give a sense of realism. I have no complaints with the commentary in the game as it has enough variety that it didn’t sound repetitive.

Enough replayability

There is plenty of replayability in WWE 2K23 for wrestling fans. The unique Showcase mode offers a sports documentary-style journey through John Cena’s career, and the Universe Mode allows for lengthy gameplay sessions. Interesting modes such as MyFaction, MyRISE, and MyGM keep things fresh, which means WWE 2K23 has a lot to offer for the average wrestling game fan. There is a ton of customisation that can be done through the fan-made downloadable content in the game. Creative players have shown their unique skills by adding AEW arenas and wrestlers such as CM Punk and Jon Moxley, who aren’t in the WWE anymore. Overall, even though the multiplayer is a mess, there is a lot to do solo in WWE 2K23.

Price on different platforms and value of WWE 2K23

WWE 2K23 is available on the PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms. The game is more expensive on consoles, something we have seen before in other titles as well. The base game’s price on PC is worth it for all the content it offers, otherwise you can wait for a discount on the game during some sale. You can also check out what the Deluxe and Icon Editions offer here, but with multiplayer not up to the mark, I don’t recommend shelling out the extra money for bonus content.

Here are the price differences on the different platforms for WWE 2K23: