As the season turns cold, most sports games are being released. One of the most anticipated games this year is WWE’s 2K18 by 2K Games Not only is this game stunning to look at, but also is built with many options to let your inner wrestling fan out. Compared to other versions that did not feel like a true WWE experience, this game has brought back some of the more interesting things from previous games while also making strides to be as realistic as possible. Don’t think you can just smash buttons as the control scheme can be a little difficult to master.
No matter what level of fan you might be when it comes to WWE, 2K18 has one of the biggest rosters to choose from. For those that like more old school competitors, just look through the options to find the first version of the character you want, such as The Undertaker for example. The game also has you covered if you follow the up and coming crowd like NXT. If you’re like me, then you’re possibly a bit more anxious to put Stephanie McMahon in a match against anyone, even though my personal favorite is Randy Orton. Everyone has that one match they’ve always wanted to see and this game gives fans and players alike the opportunity to lay it all out on the mat.
Aesthetically, WWE 2K18 is extremely well done. Take FIFA18 for example, they used real players to document each movement so that the game looked hyper realistic. So far, this type of technology has been a game changer. Everyone looks stunning and super realistic down to the hashtag in the upper corner, to being able to see each and every LED bulb in the big screen when entrances begin. Each fan in their chair has their own sign, movement and even stance. The whole process makes you feel like you’re watching a live show. All the way down to the crowd starting chants, walls being broken down and signs being visible, this game has all the small touches. Let’s not forget the music either. Big names such as Bruno Mars, System of a Down and Tech Nine all have music in the game to get players hype for their matches (have I mentioned how many “shows” you can play on?). The Rock was the executive producer for the music and picked the songs that he personally works out to so there’s no surprise that everything is amazing.
Technically speaking, matches are one point. Finishers are visually on point, they happen and go down exactly as they should. When it comes to countering an opponent however, the game becomes very tricky. You must hit the button (in this case R2) at the exact right time but the window to do so is extremely small. While playing as The Undertaker against Xavier Woods, I was completely dominated because there was little to no opportunity to counter. This is not to say that the game doesn’t control great, the motions are fluid and it handles very well, but learning how to counter is essential and it just takes a lot of practice to get it all right. 2K18 also has body monitors letting the players know what parts of the body they should attack. For example, Bayley can attack her opponent with a belly to belly suplex when the opposing characters midsection turns red. This is especially helpful for the competitive player.
I would also like to comment on the hard work the announcing team has done. Recording for so many matches and about so many characters must be exhausting and difficult, but they have all done a fantastic job putting a personal touch in to each comment and this is what makes the game feel real. Days long now forgotten were games where announcers just said, “he won,” or “they lost.” Now players can get excited to recognize voices like Corey Graves and actually expect to hear normal conversation about their favorite players. These touches really bring the environment together and EA Sports nailed what makes this game interesting and fun.
Overall, this is one of the best WWE games that has been released yet. Even though I harp on how the small touches complete the game, the character design and play style all help too. There’s no shortage on entrances and how real they look as well as how the music and movements are seamless. So far, there have been no glitches, such as the John Cena one circulating on social media, but this is neither here nor there. Everyone can enjoy this game and that’s one of the biggest reasons why everyone should give WWE 2K18 a shot.
WWE 2K18 is available on Xbox, PS4, PC, and soon on the Switch.