WWE 2K14 – Review
With THQ’s demise, people started wondering who’d pick up the license. Fortunately for all wrestling fans, 2K found the funds to allow developer Yuke’s to continue working on the sequel for WWE ’13, namely WWE 2K14!
Story
New name, new publisher, same old developer. That doesn’t mean this year’s versions lacks new features however. Let’s take a look at the most important ones:
- Improved Customization: The amount of create-a-superstar slots have been increased from 50 to 100. You can also clone some of the Superstars, allowing the player to create an alternate version. You can change the body type, attire, etc…
- The Streak: A new mode that pays tribute to the Undertakers streak of 21 victories and 0 defeats in the WWE’s WrestleMania.
- Defend the Streak: Play as the Undertaker and defend the Streak matches against various Superstars
- Defeat the Streak: Select a Superstar to take on the Undertaker and try to stop the Streak.
- 30 Years of WrestleMania: replaces the Attitude Era mode as the main single player campaign. As the name suggests, the mode revolves around reliving the legendary matches played the WWE’s rich WrestleMania history. Like its predecessor, the player must complete specific objectives to maximize their performance in these classic matches. The main difference is in the way the stories are linked together. Exclusive footage, in-match cinema screens and screen filters are used to recreate the atmosphere of the era the matches were originally played.
- More control over rivalries and feuds: it is now possible to control who rivals who and how long it is going to last.
Graphics
The visual presentation is good, especially the integration with the gameplay, the cutscenes and actual footage in the 30 Years of WrestleMania mode. The filters used recreate the feeling of watching footage from the past. It’s also nice that the crowd wears t-shirts depicting the wrestlers in the ring.
Unfortunately, the game is marred with choppy animation all around. The collision detection seems to be a bit off as well at times. It becomes noticeable after a while but note of this is a game breaker.
Sound
The commentary is very lively and realistic. The crowd responds to things happening in the ring and will become ecstatic when a lot of action is going on. The music is on par as well, making this game all around pleasant to listen to.
Gameplay
The matches themselves aren’t about memorizing combo’s or holding the block button at all times like some of the more traditional fighting games. Defending is done by countering, and almost any attack can be countered. You do have to get the timing right and press the right trigger within the correct window of about half a second. The game will let you know whether you were too fast or too slow. Getting used to this takes quite some practice however.
Waiting for the icon to appear doesn’t usually give you enough time to successfully counter. You have to focus on your opponent’s moves and learn when the button must be pressed.
Aside from the 30 Years of WrestleMania mode and Universe mode (where you can set up story lines, edit rosters, etc.), you can simply play a single game and customize the type of match to your liking: one against one, two against two, three against three, two against one, Hell in a Cell, Money in the Bank (reach a briefcase which hangs above the ring) and more. You can even allow extreme rules, so the wrestlers can pick up a guitar from the crowd or reach for a baseball bat hidden under the ring an smack the hell out of each other.
Conclusion
WWE 2K14 is an entertaining game with lots of content to keep the hardcore wrestling fans happy, especially the 30 Years of WrestleMania mode. Being able to play with all-time greats like Hulk Hogan, Macho Man and Goldberg sure brings a feeling of nostalgia. If you’re looking for a game with a deep fighting system, this isn’t it. However if you’re looking to be entertained, alone or with some friends on the couch next to you playing a 4 player brawl, this is the game to get.
WWE 2K14 – Review,
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I was a big wrestling fan growing up, and even though I don’t watch it anymore, still love wrestling games. I liked Legends of Wrestlemania, which was the first current-gen wrestling game I picked up since the N64 games, and was not disappointed. Very well written and informative review.
I only used to play PS1 wrestling games at a friends house. They seem to be most amusing when you’re able to play them with friends. 🙂
On WWF No Mercy I used to create a character that looked like my boss and would hit him with a folding chair after having a bad day at work.