WWE 2K23 Preview – A Tour Of Showcase And WarGames

WWE 2K22 relaunched the franchise on the right foot, and 2K23 aims to build upon that success. The improvements and additions from last year’s game remain intact and expanded in some cases. The legendary John Cena gives his blessing of sorts by gracing the game’s cover and starring in the centerpiece Showcase mode. That’s all well and good, but the addition of the long-requested WarGames match may be 2K23’s most exciting bullet point. 

In San Antonio, I was able to experience WWE 2K23 in action during an hour-long preview before the Royal Rumble. It gave me a good idea about how the game is going. After playing a couple of matches, my first thought was that if there are any major gameplay differences between this and last year’s game, they’re subtle. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Gameplay is a little quicker and tighter, but it doesn’t feel like a substantially different game than 2K22 from what I’ve played. Some old issues, like the finickiness of picking up weapons, are still present.

A rework to how pinfalls work stands as the biggest exception, though it’s more of a return to its previous form; the pinned player stops a meter within a moving, gradually shrinking box to kick out. I’ve never been particularly fond of this mechanic, which is why I’m glad it’s optional; you can switch to mashing buttons to escape pins in the settings. 2K23 now has female referees. Based on what I saw, the presentation looked sharper than usual. However, Ronda Rousey and others’ faces seem less polished.  

Showcase, WWE 2K’s playable documentary mode, highlights the career of John Cena but with a unique twist. This time you’ll relive Cena’s journey from the perspective of the opponents who served him his most defining losses. For example, I controlled Rob Van Dam and beat Cena for the WWE title at one of the most iconic – and infamous – shows of John’s career: ECW One Night Stand 2006. You can also play Cena losing to Kurt Angle’s first match.

Mid-match goals are still required for Showcase players to receive unlockable bonuses, such as Cena variants. The smooth transitions that occur mid-match from actual gameplay to match footage also make it possible to play the game. Older matches also feature era-specific lighting that sells the idea you’re playing a match from yesteryear, something I loved in last year’s Rey Mysterio Showcase. Cena can also provide narration in professionally produced sit-down interviews or video packages. With a stellar career spanning 20 years, Showcase has the potential to offer a strong catalog of matches and moments to relive, and its premise should be especially satisfying to the “Cena Sucks” crowd. 

I took part in many WarGames matches. Both alone and with humans in multiplayer. Visual Concepts faithfully recreates WWE’s spin on this former WCW staple, which, for the uninitiated, consists of two rings joined side by side with a jumbo-sized steel cage wrapped around both. In 2K23 there are two match options. One-on-1 matches will be held between the teams. Then, members of each team join the match at regular intervals. Pinfalls or submissions can’t take place until all competitors enter, and the first team to score either wins the match. 

This match was a great experience. Depending on your turn advantage, playing as a starting wrestler puts you under pressure to do as much damage and avoid getting double-teamed by a rival teammate. The same nervousness I felt watching my teammates lose was also something I experienced on television. I eagerly awaited my chance to win. It’s a wonderful touch that superstars can enter the match with weapons. It isn’t WarGames without a few chairs, stop signs, and tables, after all.

2K is able capture unique scenes that are not available elsewhere in the match. One point I witnessed Cody Rhodes leap from one ring’s top to another, and then do a springboard elbow fall. You can also gorilla press opponents from one ring to the other and slam them on the metal plate between the rings. Of course, you can climb to the top of the cage where you can slug it out with anyone who pursues you or risk it all by taking a death-defying leap. WarGames is a unique and fun destination. It’s even better if you have five friends to go with. It’s a welcomed addition to the package. 

Although they weren’t available in my demo, other modes from last year’s entry return with expansions. MyGM now has more general managers. This gives them the ability to create great shows and brand experiences. The story-driven MyRise, in which you take a custom-made rookie from the Performance Center to Wrestlemania, is back with different storylines for the men’s and women’s divisions. MyFaction is now available online, allowing you to manage four-person groups and build them. One of the many updates to Universe mode is a revamped story system. Finally, Creation Suite is now cross-platform and allows for creation of custom arenas online. 

WWE 2K23 builds on the momentum from its predecessor, and is inspired by Triple-H’s resurgence in quality television. Here’s hoping that engenders an equally entertaining product when fans step into its ring on March 17.