WWE 2K23 Hands-On: A Stronger, Better-Looking, More Fun Experience

This year’s WWE 2K23, featuring tightened gameplay and the return of classic multiplayer modes, is already looking like a strong wrestling sim contender. WWE 2K22 put the series back on the right track, and this year’s game looks to keep riding on.

Thanks to Visual Concepts taking extra time and attention to right the wrongs of 2K20, WWE 2K22 was better in almost every way. Improved visuals helped make WWE Superstars look better, while clever design choices made 2K22 fun for both newer and veteran players. 2K recently gave Screen Rant a chance to preview what it has in store for March’s release of 2K23. Instead of once again reinventing the series, there’s now a focus on tightening the mechanics that made the previous game work to make 2K23 a better, more entertaining experience.

WWE 2K23 Brings Back WarGames With Up To Six Players

WWE 2K23 boasts a plethora of welcome changes and additions. Character models and gameplay physics show massive improvements from 2K22. Game modes returning in 2K23, like the WarGame’s multiplayer mode, allow up to six players to battle each other on the same console in chaotic caged matches. The Royal Rumble mode upped the chaos even further by adding more wrestlers to the mat. However, the upgraded visuals and more precise hitboxes are easier to appreciate in the less chaotic one-on-one matches and Showcase mode.

2K23’s Showcase Mode Feels Like A Playable Documentary Of Cena’s Career

Last year’s Showcase mode focused on the career of world-famous lucha libre wrestler Rey Mysterio Jr. WWE 2K23 has chosen to tell the story of John Cena’s career in the playable documentary mode. Players take control of the opponents Cena battled in matches that highlighted his career. Footage from the historic battles intertwines between matches as players complete particular actions hoping to recreate John Cena’s – featured on the cover of WWE 2K23 – most prolific losses. Showcase mode excels in giving players a chance to practice specific moves while enhancing the match’s drama with added context that made fights so beloved.

The tumultuous WarGames and Royal Rumble matches in 2K23 were filled with mayhem and multiplayer fun often reserved for LAN parties or Super Smash Bros battles with friends. Gameplay has been fine-tuned to be less frustrating and more engaging. One example is the new pin mechanic that allows players to escape a pin attempt with a well-timed button press. If developer Visual Concepts continues to polish the game even further ahead of its March 2023 release date, WWE 2K23 is set to surpass last year’s release in profound ways.