WWE 2K23will want to improve on the success of its predecessor and avoid the pitfalls of games in the series that launched prior toWWE 2K22. The previous game in the series brought back fan-favorite game modes like the MyGM Mode and made significant improvements to the gameplay mechanics, fixing many of the issues that have plaguedWWE 2Kgames. All eyes now turn toWWE 2K23’s game modes to see if the developers are truly able to strike championship gold and improve one of the beloved game modes, Universe Mode.
WWE 2K’s Universe Mode gives players complete control over booking various shows across the WWE, allowing them to create their own narrative storylines and rivalries.WWE 2K22’s Universe Mode gave fans an enjoyable experience, but much of that was due to the great gameplay mechanics added to the game. There is still a lot of room for improvement for Universe Mode andWWE 2K23is in the perfect position to capitalize on thisby introducing better narrative creation features, a larger variety of cutscenes and actions, and a more in-depth rivalry and faction system.
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Narrative Creation in Universe Mode
InWWE 2K22, Universe Mode allowed players to pit their favorite superstars against one another and build a memorable rivalry by booking fights, interferences, and short cutscenes. However, the player never had complete control of the narrative they were trying to create. Rather, they basically picked a narrative structure from a template based on the cutscenes and rivalries of each superstar.WWE 2K23will need to improve this aspect ofWWE 2K’s Universe Mode, allowing players to not only create their own cutscenes using certain templates but even giving them a chance to pour hundreds of hours into creating scripts.
A script builder would be perfect for Universe Mode as it would give fans total control of the WWE within the game mode. Script building can be further bolstered by a Cutscene Creator, similar to how Create-An-Entrance works, allowing fans to not only build their stories but also see it played out using certain templates to dictate the outcome of each created scenario. Further, these narrative structures could be shared with the community to allow fans to experience each other’s creations, and could even allow some torecreate iconic storylines from WWE’s past, or other shows thanks to the excellent character creation options inWWE 2Kgames.
Better Rivalry System
The rivalry system inWWE 2K22’s Universe Mode allowed players to make memorable long-term or short-term rivalries that would help shape storylines. However, this system has some flaws in it that take away from the immersion that Universe Mode can offer, sometimes not giving players the option to run in during a match to emphasize the rivalry.WWE 2K23could elevate rivalries in Universe Modeby giving players more on-the-fly options allowing players to create interference during pivotal moments in a match to change the outcome and intensify the rivalry between two superstars.
WWE 2K22does have the run-in option, but it is not reliable and many times, the option does not appear, even when the rivalry with a superstar is at its highest point. Further, this on-the-fly system can also help build new teams, adding superstars to a given rivalry and allowing a storyline to encompass more than just two superstars. Whether accessible through the pause menu, or by pressing a specific button during certain moments in a match, having the ability to send superstars out at any time the player wishes will only boost rivalries and teams inWWE 2K23’s Universe Mode.
WWE 2K23will need to do something innovative to show improvement from last year’s game, especially for the various game modes that players will be sinking most of their playtime into. With the confirmed changes coming toWWE 2K23’s Showcase Mode, including the new format where players will be controlling the opponents ofJohn Cena, there is also a need for changes to Universe Mode. From including better rivalry systems to features that grant complete control over stories,WWE 2K23’s Universe Mode will need something new and exciting to help it become a mainstay game mode in the series.
WWE 2K23launches on March 17 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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