WWE 2K14 Review
Summary: WWE 2K14 is an enjoyable wrestling game that fans of this genre will enjoy.
4.1
Wrestlemania!
Title: WWE 2K14
Format: XBox 360
Genre: Sports
Reviewer: James Wright
Rating: M15+
Review Date: November 2013
Moving to 2K Sports, WWE has found a new home since the issues with THQ and I must admit that the new publisher has definitely tweaked the title for the better. Graphically, the game looks amazing on the XBox 360 and I for one cannot wait to see the title on either the XBox One or the PlayStation 4. The highlight of WWE 2K14 however is the inclusion of 30 Years of Wrestlemania that is similar to last years Attitude Era but this time allows players to revisit key moments of Wrestlemania history. This means classics wrestlers! That’s right, Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant and Ric Flair are all included in this mode. But don’t worry, modern fans can still get their fix with uber greats like John Cena and The Rock… this game has the best line-up ever and features all your favourite WWE Superstars, Divas and Legends!
In terms of controls, the game is almost identical to the previous incarnation of WWE ’13 which boasts a very sturdy control system on the XBox 360. It has however been streamlined, however where this game does shine is through the great move list of each of the various wrestlers. Nothing is more fun than performing one of the classic finishing manoeuvre or those “OMG” special moves. The moves also feel slightly more fluid than the previous game which does make the game more enjoyable and less jarring, especially when you’re doing a reversal manoeuvre. There’s literally hundreds of moves available to the gamer.
With a handful of enjoyable gaming modes, the highlight of WWE 2K14 is the 30 Years of Wrestlemania which allows you to engage in some classic moments of this great series. There are 46 amazing snapshots from this franchise that you can now relive such as Hulk Hogan vs. Intercontinental Champion the Ultimate Warrior. However unlike the traditional gameplay modes, there are a set number of objectives such as performing a certain move at a particular time which then offers the player access to some interesting unlockable items. I also loved the in-game cutscenes that really enhance this mode and cutback to an original moment from these matches as the Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan fought for supremacy. You can even engage in the immortal Undertaker’s 21-0 Wrestlemania match record known as the Streak. It works really well and then you have the campaign mode for more wrestling goodness.
Universe is a great gameplay modem which allows to control key elements from the WWE franchise as you create your own wrestling career that even includes alliances and rivalries. There’s also a wealth of unlockable content to be found such as new characters, costumes, arenas and titles. I also enjoyed the quick-time events in the game which gives you a reprise from the main gameplay and makes the game feel more like a wrestling title than just a generic fighter. The online mode is equally as enjoyable and really lets you explore your skills with other people. Another highlight to the game is the fun creation suite which allows players to tweak matches, create new belts and make your own ultimate wrestler.
The AI of the game can be a challenge on higher levels and newcomers should have no issues in mastering their wrestlers on a lower difficulty. As this is still the same engine from the previous game, there are a few AI glitches but fortunately it doesn’t distract from the gameplay too much. One issue with this franchise and is more so from the developers is that the wrestlers feel a little too light, even though graphically, they look huge. I know that wrestling is staged in real-life but the attacks and moves feel a little lightweight. I wanted a little more oomph!
Graphically, the game looks very impressive on the XBox 360 with some exceptionally character models with great textures. Although the wrestlers still move a little stiff in the game (as mentioned), they actually look like their real-world counterparts. The stadiums are filled with life and the lighting really creates this immersive wrestling experience that is quite interactive. The music and audio is of a high quality and the cinemas are very enjoyable to watch. It should be noted that matches are commentated by Jim Ross and Jerry “the King” Lawler which only add to the entire wrestling experience.
Final Thoughts
WWE 2K14 is an enjoyable wrestling game that fans of this genre will enjoy. It’s great that 2K Sports is the new home and I can’t wait to see the next instalment of this series, especially on the new generation of consoles which is just around the corner. Nonetheless, this game is oozing with nostalgia and gaming goodness plus 84 Superstars to explore!
Key Features
• Predator Technology 3.0 – Experience the smoothest, most authentic and engaging WWE gameplay to date, including all-new player navigation, an improved reversal system, catapult finishers, new OMG moments and hundreds of new moves
• Creation Suite – Explore the franchise’s renowned creation and customization tools to develop Superstars, entrances, arenas, finishing moves and much more
• Universe Mode – Control the virtual WWE experience from a career-driven point of view, with individual decisions dynamically affecting alliances, rivalries, matches and unpredictable moments along the path toward WWE Championship glory
Related Posts
Xbox reveal more details on Xbox FanFest: Sydney 2016 →
Xbox announces Partnership with V8 Supercars Australia to Bring Fans Closer to the Action in Forza Motorsport 6 →
Xbox Newsbeat 24 July 2015 →
