PGC NEWS

WWE games are an annual tradition, much like Call of Duty or Forza. However, unlike those franchises, the WWE 2K series has a history of inconsistent quality. After the somewhat underwhelming WWE 2K17, 2K Sports aimed to revitalize the series with WWE 2K18. Does this entry recapture the magic of WWE 2K16, or does it continue the downward trend? Let’s step into the ring and find out.

A Visual Knockout, But a Gameplay Submission?

Many games have proven that stunning graphics alone can’t carry a title if the gameplay falters. Unfortunately, WWE 2K18 falls into this trap. Visually, the game is a significant leap forward. The new engine and technology used for skin and muscle textures create incredibly lifelike character models. Details like sweat, facial expressions, and overall demeanor are vastly improved. Motion capture technology and the clever use of motion blur create fluid and impactful movements, whether wrestlers are walking or delivering devastating blows. The crowd atmosphere is more energetic, and even the ring ropes have improved physics.

WWE 2K18 – Enhanced Visuals

However, WWE 2K18 isn’t visually perfect. Boasting a roster of 187 wrestlers, the largest in the series’ history, the game suffers from inconsistent character models. While popular wrestlers are meticulously detailed, lesser-known characters and referees receive less attention. Arena environments, both in the ring and backstage, are decent but lack polish. Thankfully, the implementation of physically-based rendering and toned-down shadow effects add a layer of realism, partially redeeming the visually impressive but uneven presentation.

The audio fares better. Crowd chants and jeers are dynamic and immersive, adding to the excitement. The soundtrack, featuring music from actual WWE programming, is diverse and fitting. Commentary remains engaging and improved in its contextual accuracy.

WWE 2K18 – In-Ring Action

WWE 2K18 – Dynamic Lighting

Gameplay, unfortunately, is WWE 2K18‘s biggest weakness. It retains the shortcomings of WWE 2K17, notably the absence of the well-received 2K Showcase mode from WWE 2K16. The MyPlayer mode, touted to offer more depth and a compelling storyline, fails to deliver. After creating a wrestler and completing training, players embark on a journey through NXT and eventually to the main WWE roster. This progression feels similar to previous iterations. Disappointingly, voice acting is largely absent during training and interactions, with characters simply mouthing words.

While players can now freely roam certain areas, the limited interaction and shallow dialogue offer little to explore. The inclusion of interviews and dialogue choices in the single-player campaign has minimal impact on the storyline, only affecting immediate alliances or rivalries. The introduction of loot boxes for unlocking items, experience boosts, and skills is a regrettable monetization tactic that detracts from the overall experience.

A Glimmer of Hope in Creation Suite

Despite its flaws, WWE 2K18 showcases some positive changes, primarily in its creation suite. The return of Highlight Mode allows for camera manipulation, background filtering, and video editing, enabling players to create shareable content and personalized entrance videos. Other creation modes, like Move-Set, Show, Championship, and Arena, have received interface overhauls, making them more intuitive and visually appealing.

The Superstar creation mode is significantly improved. Players can now mix and match body parts to create unique physiques and fine-tune details like shoulders, chest, biceps, and calves. The robust facial customization options from previous games return, allowing for detailed adjustments to eyebrows, chins, and hairstyles, including the ability to add color sprays. Character posing options are also expanded, offering a range of hand gestures and facial expressions. These improvements are complemented by faster loading times, creating a smoother and more enjoyable creation experience.

WWE 2K18 – Character Customization

WWE 2K18 – Create-A-Wrestler

WWE 2K18 – Detailed Customization

In terms of in-ring action, WWE 2K18 retains core mechanics like reversals and working holds, adding strategic depth to matches. Submission holds can now be executed with button prompts, offering an alternative to the analog stick method. While the core gameplay remains largely unchanged, these mechanics still deliver exciting and engaging matches.

Conclusion

WWE 2K18 is a visually impressive game held back by stagnant gameplay and questionable design choices. While the enhanced creation suite offers a wealth of options, the lack of innovation in core game modes and the inclusion of loot boxes are disappointing. For dedicated fans, the game offers hours of entertainment, but Yuke’s needs to prioritize gameplay improvements over visual enhancements in future installments.