WWE 2K23 is a much-needed breath of fresh air for wrestling video games, reinventing the classic MyGM mode while expanding upon existing features in ways that improve upon last year's installment. With the WCW brand included, 4-player MyGM mode, and an improved MyRise mode, WWE 2K23 gives players an expansive and content-rich experience.
MyGM Mode Rises Again
WWE 2K23's MyGM mode is a vast improvement over last year's iteration, allowing up to four players to manage the WWE, NXT, NXT 2.0, and WCW brands. Players now have a wide range of matches they can book depending on which brand they choose, and mid-card titles are available this time. The inclusion of WCW is a nice touch, though it would have been nice if it had been more authentically integrated.
The mode now offers players the option to redraft their roster after completing each season, extending the mode's longevity and giving players something new to shoot for. However, some of the requests from Triple H are still a bit absurd, and they can heavily penalize players if they refuse to do them. It would be nice if future installments of MyGM did away with them in favor of more realistic and logical goals.
Showcase Mode Redefines Reliving the Pain
WWE 2K23 Showcase is a unique twist on the fan-favorite mode, having players relive some of John Cena's most famous defeats from his career instead of his wins. The mode seamlessly transitions from in-game action to live-action footage as players complete objectives to recreate specific spots from Cena's matches, giving them a better understanding of the controls as they play.
There are a few notable omissions from the lineup of matches, such as Cena's bouts against CM Punk and Bryan Danielson, but for the most part, this year's Showcase does a good job of highlighting Cena's greatest losses. It would be great if future installments of the mode followed the same approach and let players relive other wrestlers' defeats.
MyRise Offers Big Improvements
WWE 2K23 MyRise mode offers two storylines to choose from, and one focused on a female wrestler and the other on a male wrestler. Players can create a wrestler from scratch or import a character they already made, and the cutscenes are far less cringy than previous iterations of the mode. While the voice acting still leaves something to be desired, MyRise does a better job of getting players into the action and giving them optional activities to participate in.
Conclusion: Refreshing Fun for Everyone
Overall, WWE 2K23 is a huge step forward for the franchise and is the best the series has been in years. MyGM and Showcase mode have been greatly improved, with the latter redefining the concept of reliving the pain, and MyRise offers two storylines for players to choose from. With a huge variety of content and options to explore, WWE 2K23 offers something for everyone.