Mar 2023
WWE 2K23 is back in the ring like an overzealous uncle at a family picnic. This wrestling simulator has brought more wild grappling and shirt-ripping action than you can shake a folding chair at. If you thought a wrestling game couldn’t make you feel like you just took a chair to the back, think again. Except, let’s hope you’re playing it on a next-gen console because ‘lagging like a stone’ is not a vibe, my friends.
Gameplay this time around is a combination of arcade fun and simulation complexity. You can expect the same great grappling, let-the-physics-take-you-to-the-moon finishes, and the occasional glitch where someone appears to fly into the crowd like an overzealous superhero. The new addition of the WarGames match type introduces multi-layered mayhem similar to figuring out who brought a potato salad to a cookout—everyone comes in with a beef. The Royal Rumble mode now supports online multiplayer with up to eight players, so you can fight with your friends—or guilt-trip them into feeling inadequate for losing to your formidable ‘MyPlayer’ character. Classic modes return, letting you relive legends, but be prepared to run through John Cena's career as you face his toughest opponents. Spoiler alert: you might lose. A lot. Also, don’t forget to build your MyFaction and make it even more dazzling than your internet history. The game modes pretty much offer a journey through the WWE landscape, making sure that even your cousin who claims to know the most about wrestling will feel left out. Sorry, Chad.
Graphically, WWE 2K23 is like that fancy TV with a 120Hz refresh rate; everything just seems a bit more alive. Sure, you might occasionally see hair physics that make you question the universe’s design principles, but the detail in the character models will sweep you off your feet. Especially when John Cena appears out of nowhere to crush your dreams along with your hopes of winning. The arenas are impressively recreated, which means you can get lost in the glitz and glamour of wrestling without stepping out of your living room. Thank your analyst for not calling you back; now you can blame the hectic lives of wrasslers instead—yep, it's all about escapism!
In summary, WWE 2K23 is a solid addition to the wrestling franchise, bringing enough new features and upgrades to make you feel like you actually should have bought a ticket for the WWE Hall of Fame. Despite some flaws, it successfully dives headfirst into the chaotic action and wrestles itself into the hearts of wrestling fans everywhere. Grab it if you’re looking to take down your friends (or just come to terms with the fact that it's okay to get slammed in a match now and then). Just remember: 'You can’t see me' is more than just a catchphrase; it’s a polite way of saying ‘go play in traffic.’ Enjoy your grappling sessions!
Another SquareThought Site