WWE 2K23

The story mode of WWE 2K23, particularly MyRise, receives praise for its distinct narrative structures tailored to male and female wrestlers. Critics like IGN highlight the improved narrative pacing and clearer structure compared to previous entries, while DualShockers commend the branching paths in The Lock and The Legacy, offering varied tones—heartfelt for The Legacy and humorous for The Lock. The Showcase mode, focusing on John Cena’s career, is also lauded for its unique perspective, with NME noting players relive his losses through opponents’ eyes, adding a nostalgic and refreshing twist. GamersRD and Vandal appreciate the engaging, well-told stories in MyRise, emphasizing character development and replayability through choices. Additionally, Wccftech and Finger Guns acknowledge the grounded, character-focused narratives that address WWE’s internal dynamics, showcasing a step forward in storytelling depth. However, several critics point to significant flaws in execution. Destructoid and XboxEra criticize the voice acting, writing, and animation as egregiously bad, with GamingBolt noting an over-reliance on mixed tag team matches that dilute deeper storylines. TheSixthAxis and Xbox Tavern argue the single-player narratives lack immersion, prioritizing wins over emotional engagement, while Worth Playing highlights issues like poor audio mixing and subpar animations. The Showcase mode also faces criticism for being overly guided, as Meristation points out, limiting player freedom. Additionally, Xbox Achievements and Multiplayer.it note that while the stories are entertaining, they often feel generic or repetitive, with some reviewers (e.g., But Why Tho?) acknowledging the potential of MyRise’s self-aware tone but noting its shortcomings in polish. Overall, critics generally agree that WWE 2K23’s story modes represent a step forward in narrative ambition, particularly in offering gender-specific stories and player agency. While IGN and Stevivor praise the improved structure and emotional resonance, others like GamingBolt and XboxEra emphasize that technical and creative flaws undermine the experience. The consensus leans toward appreciation for the effort to diversify storytelling but with a clear call for refinement in writing, voice acting, and gameplay balance. Despite mixed reviews, the game’s focus on character-driven narratives and replayable choices (as noted by GamesHub and KeenGamer) suggests it resonates with wrestling fans, even if not without significant drawbacks.

The gameplay of WWE 2K23 receives praise for its refined mechanics and engaging modes, with several critics highlighting notable improvements. TheSixthAxis acknowledges enhanced animations and optional mini-games, while Meristation lauds the Mi GM mode as a significant upgrade, offering extensive gameplay hours. Stevivor and GameSpot commend smoother animations, better hit detection, and a more polished reversal system, noting that WarGames adds chaotic excitement. IGN and God is a Geek praise the game’s balanced hybrid of arcade-style action and simulation depth, with improved stamina systems and strategic elements like the payback mechanic. Additionally, Multiplayer.it and Gaming Nexus highlight fluid controls and varied match types, while TheXboxHub emphasizes the refined core system that blends accessibility with complexity. These positives underscore a game that feels more polished and immersive than its predecessor. However, several critics point to persistent issues that detract from the experience. TheSixthAxis criticizes the exhausting learning curve of complex controls, while But Why Tho? and TierraGamer note a lack of innovation and a sense of stagnation compared to earlier entries. Destructoid finds Showcase mode tedious due to uncooperative AI, and Finger Guns and KeenGamer highlight the stamina system and control complexity as overwhelming for newcomers. Shacknews and others criticize the reliance on reversals, which can feel inconsistent or frustrating, while Gamers’ Temple and XboxAddict mention challenges in targeting multiple opponents and match objectives. Additionally, issues like AI behavior (Worth Playing), graphical glitches (GAMES.CH), and microtransactions in MyFaction (KeenGamer) further complicate the gameplay experience. Overall, critics agree that WWE 2K23 delivers a solid, refined gameplay experience with meaningful upgrades to mechanics, modes, and presentation. While some praise its accessibility and depth—such as IGN’s “well-rounded” combat system and GameSpot’s “tighter reversal timing”—others feel it lacks the bold innovation seen in past titles. The consensus leans toward a game that improves on its predecessor but struggles with balancing complexity and polish. Reviews like those from Stevivor and God is a Geek emphasize the game’s strengths, while critiques from TheSixthAxis and But Why Tho? reflect lingering frustrations. Ultimately, WWE 2K23 is seen as a worthy entry in the series, offering engaging content for fans but falling short of revolutionary changes.

The graphics and visual design of WWE 2K23 received widespread praise for their significant improvements over previous entries in the series. Many critics highlighted the game’s realistic character models, enhanced lighting systems, and detailed animations. For instance, Game Informer commended the "polished look" and "improved character models," while IGN Spain noted the "realism" and "fluid movements" of wrestlers. The attention to detail in arenas, entrances, and superstar scans was frequently lauded, with DualShockers calling the graphics "beautiful and authentic" and God is a Geek praising the "phenomenal graphics" and "impressive arena designs." Additionally, Wccftech and GameGrin emphasized the transformative visual upgrades, particularly in lighting during entrances and the overall fidelity of character likenesses. The game’s ability to capture the "pomp and bombast" of WWE events was a recurring highlight, with Xbox Achievements noting its "fantastic visuals" that rival real-life productions. Despite these positives, several critics pointed out notable flaws and inconsistencies. Issues such as glitches (e.g., flailing limbs or clipping, as noted by The Loadout) and inconsistent character models were frequently mentioned. Vandal criticized the "inconsistent visual quality," pointing to some characters appearing outdated, while GameGrin and Hardcore Gamer highlighted problems with hair physics and animation transitions. MeuPlayStation found the career mode’s graphics disappointing, and GAMES.CH noted weaknesses in female talent representation and crowd diversity. Additionally, Atomix and Wccftech mentioned lingering issues with animation transitions and outdated attire or music in certain modes. While most praised the game’s overall visuals, these technical and aesthetic shortcomings created a mixed experience for some reviewers. The overall consensus among critics is that WWE 2K23 represents a major leap forward in visual design for the franchise, even if it isn’t without flaws. Many regarded it as the best-looking entry in the series to date, with IGN and COGconnected calling it one of the best-looking sports games available. However, the game’s visual strengths were often tempered by persistent issues like character model inconsistencies, animation quirks, and technical hiccups. While GameCritics and Wccftech acknowledged these flaws, they emphasized that the improvements in lighting, textures, and realism made the game a standout in the wrestling genre. Ultimately, critics agreed that WWE 2K23 delivers a visually impressive experience that, while not perfect, sets a new benchmark for the series.

The sound design and music of WWE 2K23 received mixed but generally positive feedback from reviewers, with several praising its immersive and authentic elements. Critics like GameSpew and GameGrin highlighted the game’s “authentic” audio, noting impactful crowd reactions and well-crafted entrance themes that enhance the in-ring experience. DualShockers commended the engaging soundtrack and entrance music, while GamersRD celebrated the “excellent” sound design for its dynamic move impacts and crowd reactions. Additionally, Vandal praised the high-quality soundtrack and voice acting, and CGMagazine and Cubed3 appreciated the diverse licensed tracks featuring artists like Metallica and Red Hot Chili Peppers, which added nostalgic value. The inclusion of John Cena-curated music also drew praise from GameCritics and SomosXbox, who noted its variety and appeal to fans. However, several critics pointed out significant drawbacks, particularly with the soundtrack’s repetitiveness and lack of originality. Checkpoint Gaming and GameSpot criticized the “repetitive generic rock music” during transitions, while GameGrin and Game Informer described the soundtrack as “weak” or “poor.” The Showcase mode faced specific criticism for its unchanging background music, with IGN Adria and Merlin'in Kazanı noting that the lack of commentary and inability to customize the music detracted from the experience. DualShockers also highlighted issues with wooden voice acting, and Pure Xbox criticized fake-sounding crowd noise and forced commentary. Additionally, KeenGamer and XboxAddict pointed out missing features like tag team themes and repetitive soundtrack selections, which limited the game’s replayability. Overall, while WWE 2K23’s sound design and music had notable strengths—such as immersive crowd effects, engaging entrance themes, and a diverse soundtrack—the criticisms of generic music, repetitive elements, and inconsistent commentary created a divided reception. Reviewers like GameSpew and Vandal emphasized the game’s audio as a strong asset, but others, including Checkpoint Gaming and GameSpot, felt it undermined the experience. The consensus leaned toward a middle ground: the soundtrack and sound design were praised for their authenticity and variety in certain aspects, but the lack of innovation and technical shortcomings in key modes, such as Showcase, left many critics unimpressed. Despite these issues, the game’s audio elements remained a standout feature for fans of the WWE franchise.

The voice acting in WWE 2K23 receives mixed but generally positive feedback, with several critics highlighting its authenticity and standout performances. Many praise the inclusion of real WWE superstars, noting that their voices add a layer of realism to the game’s narrative modes. For instance, GameGrin and Pocket-lint commend the use of genuine WWE talent, while GamesHub emphasizes how voice work enhances immersion in storytelling. Specific performances are singled out: Xavier Woods’ charismatic commentary in MyRise (as noted by CGMagazine) and John Cena’s narration in the Showcase mode (highlighted by multiple critics like GameGrin, IGN Adria, and Impulsegamer) are frequently praised for their personal touch and engagement. Additionally, DualShockers and KeenGamer acknowledge strong moments, such as Shawn Michaels’ performance in The Lock and the fully voice-acted characters in MyRise, which add comedic and narrative depth. These positives suggest that when executed well, the voice acting effectively supports the game’s wrestling simulation goals. However, several critics point to significant shortcomings, particularly in consistency and emotional delivery. Digital Trends and Everyeye.it criticize the voice acting as “flat” and “lacking,” while Finger Guns and NME describe dialogues as “corny” and “stilted.” Issues like awkward lip-syncing (e.g., XboxAddict) and repetitive commentary (noted by Worth Playing and XboxEra) detract from immersion, especially in modes like MyRise where performances feel overly scripted. Game Rant and Vgames highlight that some modes lack adequate commentary, creating a disjointed experience. Additionally, Destructoid calls out MyRise as “egregiously bad,” while Push Square notes that John Cena’s limited Showcase mode narration feels underwhelming. These critiques reveal a pattern of uneven quality, with certain performances falling short of expectations despite the game’s efforts to integrate real-world talent. Overall, critics agree that WWE 2K23’s voice acting is a mixed bag, with notable highs and lows depending on the mode and performer. While GameSpot and IGN acknowledge improvements in MyRise compared to previous entries, others like SpazioGames and Stevivor note that many performances remain subpar or repetitive. The consensus leans toward a middle ground: the voice acting is occasionally strong and authentic, particularly in moments featuring recognizable wrestlers like John Cena or Sami Zayn, but it often lacks depth and consistency, especially in narrative-driven content. As Vandal and XboxAddict observe, the quality varies widely, with some critics finding it “well done” while others deem it “creepy” or “lackluster.” Ultimately, WWE 2K23’s voice acting is a polarizing element that enhances the experience for some but fails to meet expectations for others.

The technical performance of WWE 2K23 varies across platforms, with several positives highlighted by critics. On PS5, many reviewers praised the game’s improved stability and polish compared to previous entries. For instance, Game Informer noted no significant technical glitches, while Vandal emphasized solid performance at 60 FPS with minimal issues. DualShockers and WellPlayed also highlighted smooth gameplay and fewer awkward animations, suggesting a marked improvement in optimization. On Xbox Series X, GamersRD and Meristation commended the game’s stability and lack of major bugs, while ZTGD acknowledged reduced clipping issues compared to earlier titles. Meanwhile, TouchArcade reported that the PC version runs well on Steam Deck with minor tweaks, and TheSixthAxis (PS4) noted a polished experience with minimal glitches. These positives indicate that the game has made strides in technical consistency across platforms. However, several technical issues persist, particularly on specific consoles. On Xbox Series X, critics like IGN France and LevelUp criticized long loading times and crashes, while Press Start Australia mentioned frequent loading screens disrupting immersion. For PS5, GamingBolt and GameSpot pointed to MyRise mode’s frustrating load times, and Digital Trends highlighted AI bugs in tag team matches. Game Informer also noted online play as a “disaster” with disconnections, while Wccftech and IGN Adria mentioned performance hiccups during character creation. On PC, TouchArcade reported server issues, and Destructoid cited loading time problems with custom content. While these flaws are less severe than in WWE 2K22, they collectively suggest that technical polish remains uneven across platforms. Overall, the consensus among critics is cautiously optimistic, with most agreeing that WWE 2K23 represents a significant improvement over its predecessor. GamePro Germany and PSX Brasil praised the game’s “impeccable” technical performance, while Slant Magazine noted it was “less glitchy at launch.” However, platform-specific issues—such as Xbox Series X’s loading times (IGN France, Press Start Australia) and PS5’s online instability (Game Informer, GameGrin)—highlight lingering optimization challenges. Despite these drawbacks, many reviewers, including Vandal and Cultured Vultures, acknowledged the game’s overall stability and polish, suggesting that while not flawless, WWE 2K23 has addressed many of the technical shortcomings that plagued earlier entries in the series.

The majority of critics highlight WWE 2K23’s strong replay value through its diverse array of modes and features. Multiple reviewers, including IGN, GameSpot, and DualShockers, praise the game’s expanded offerings such as MyRise, Universe, and MyGM, which provide varied gameplay experiences and long-term engagement. The inclusion of branching narratives in MyRise, extensive customization options, and a vast roster of over 150 wrestlers (as noted by GAMES.CH) contribute to its appeal. Pure Xbox and GameSpew emphasize the game’s depth, with the WarGames match type, improved AI tuning, and community-created content ensuring players can explore countless scenarios. Additionally, Xbox Achievements and Push Square highlight the wealth of modes and features that cater to both casual and hardcore fans, making the game a substantial time investment for wrestling enthusiasts. However, several critics point out limitations that detract from replay value. TheSixthAxis and Cubed3 criticize the focus on winning over storytelling, leading to repetitive multiplayer experiences and underwhelming Showcase mode content. Gamers Heroes and Wccftech note that some modes, like MyGM, lack depth or fail to encourage continued play after initial engagement. GameSpot specifically mentions MyFaction’s monetization as a potential turnoff, while CGMagazine and KeenGamer observe that certain modes, such as Showcase, can become tedious. Additionally, IGN Spain acknowledges that casual players may find less incentive to return due to the game’s complexity and occasional glitches, which could hinder sustained interest. Overall, the consensus among critics is largely positive, with most agreeing that WWE 2K23 offers significant replay value through its extensive modes, customization, and content. While some critiques about repetitive elements or underdeveloped features exist, the majority of reviews—such as those from IGN, GameSpot, and DualShockers—emphasize the game’s ability to keep players engaged for hours. The mixed feedback reflects that while not all modes resonate equally with every player, the overall package is robust enough to satisfy wrestling fans, particularly those invested in management, storytelling, or creative customization. As Game Rant and Pocket-lint note, WWE 2K23’s breadth of content ensures it remains a compelling experience for dedicated players, even if some aspects require further refinement.