WWE 2K23 Impressions are MIXED! Why fans are on the fence 

What concerns about the game do YOU have? or what are you excited to see in the game this year?

The problem with these games is instead of building on what works such as chain wrestling, OMG Moments, various match types, tired finishers, they remove it. At different points in the series you could reverse a submission into a submission, there was a unique animation when breaking up pins in a triple threat, you could spin the ladder like a helicopter. Buried alive, special referee, I Quit matches. They continue to focus on things that no fans have asked for.

One thing I loved about the Smackdown Vs Raw series was the fact that you would get new entrances almost every entry. There would be a lot of new things added whereas it’s match types or having a season mode. Smackdown Vs Raw series had the best story mode and character customization…the 2K series just has graphics and cc. I wish they went back to that model for newer entries.

Universe Mode would be drastically improved with just a few things: 1. More storylines. Just more. You see the same few scenes a the end of every feud. 2. Branching storylines. Have some choices pop up once in a while. 3. A draft. I know that they don't do this on TV much, but it would dramatically improve universe mode. Just have it be a toggle (on/off). And they should incorporate this into GM Mode, too. (Hell, if the reason they don't have this is because they're not doing it on television, then explain it popping up in the storyline during MyCareer.) 4. More brand conflict storylines, more storylines for multiple people/factions to engage in. They're content with never adding anything NEW or surprising. More options and control is fine, but if it's control over the same old crap, who cares?

But also not having any new match types besides war games is completely disappointing and i think my faction just needs to go way.

I can see why people are mixed, WWE 2K23 is literally 2k22 with a Roster Update and Wargames

i hope that universe mode gets alot of stability improvements because while i enjoyed the superstar mode in the 2k22 universe mode there were times where it was like why isnt it updated yet so maybe 2k23 universe mode superstar mode gets improved but we arent so sure until we test it and yeah the fact we have to rely on the likes of whats the status and others to help correct the issue

Gameplay looks no different than last year's game, which isn't a problem. But, I've seen people sayin' that they're not buying the game over Roman being the highest rated wrestler in the game. That by far is the dumbest excuse for not buying a game.

You nailed it off the jump. I'm so excited for this one BUT the biggest disappointment is how outdated the roster is. I know there's a lot in making these games but man they really need to reconsider the roster cut off time. It's not even who's in or who's out. It's the gimmicks, attires and entrances like you mentioned

It just looks like a 2k22 update. Just an ''updated roster'' if i can even call it that with minor gameplay improvements. But again, i haven't played the game yet. I doubt there are any major improvements to Universe and Gm Mode, otherwise they would have advertised the hell out of them. I just hope 2k20 is not gonna repeat again

Also an issue that's been sorta flying under the radar is the statement about how much work the devs put into CAS to make them look as good as the in-game roster. So then you see that Stone Cold or that Roman Reigns and think "Oh sweet! That will be amazing!" and then not long before launch they drop stuff like that Lita model and you're like "Okay wait, so which one is my CAS character going to match up with?"

That Lita run was meme'd to death 🤣

Managers are something that I’ve always hoped they’d improve. There were a few people who had good manager entrances, but I hate the ones where the superstar has a normal entrance and the manager is just trailing in the back, sort of standing around and clapping. I want to assign Bobby Heenan as a manager and see him walking with purpose in front of whomever he’s managing. If we can attack during entrances we should be able to at least have that.

I think a lot of it comes down to expectations for people. For me I have realistic expectations I fully expect it just to be 2K22 but improved. They are going to build on the foundation that 2K22 set & improve on it with the gameplay & the modes. My only concern is some of the omissions while most of them will like dlc removing wrestlers who are under contract with WWE like Roderick Strong & Sarray who featured in last years game is dumb. The way I look at it if you liked 2k22 you'll like 2K23 as it improves on that

the tag team finisher thing was the 1 annoying thing for me in 2k22 for universe mode i play my own creations their and tag teams are a big factor so having cool double team finish help alot

I NEED to see more about character creation... I need to see what options they gave for body morphing.. it was SO hard to make different body types in 22 vs the flexibility we had in 19....if they haven't done anything to improve on this in 2k23 im wont buy this game..... Also i want the moves pack DLC...

The most noticeable improvement in singles match is now you will roll out or crawl to ropes/corner instead of just laying on the mat. That wasn't something new since it was in the previous simulation gameplay.

I'm glad at least one content creator is saying this. 2K is in the pockets of so many of them, it does not promote wanting real genuine improvements at all.

My concern right now is being 2 weeks away with no mention of the DLC (hopefully this Wednesday) and we've seen no in-depth looks at universe and MyGM, and even more concerning is that we have no information on MyRise. I'm holding off on preorder until I get more information. I'm sure the game will be fine, but they need to get better at giving out info pregame especially because we didn't hear anything until late January.

I'm probably gonna wait until the prices drop. I'm especially skeptical about how quiet they've been when it comes to Universe and GM Mode. Universe Mode is usually what I buy the games for, and if there isn't significant improvements from 2k22's considering how much they took out in recent years, it won't interest me. Hell if they'd just fix the damn tag team finisher glitch in 2k22, I'd be fine with that for another year.

I say it all the time, they need to make these games every 2 years 💯💯💯

Yes, it look nice, but I just don't want to deal with the same issues I've dealt with 2K22: the long loading times for custom creations, the visual glitches, the universe mode problems, just to name a few things that come to my mind right now.

All we mainly care about is more returning features from previous games, updated attires/face scans & a new & improved MyRise. Wish they would make MyRise similar to MyCareer, having the ability to play online with or against ppl

The only changes I can think of: -2 paybacks -Advanced entrances (which shouldn't have ever been removed) -A few new kickout animations -Female referee -Wargames -Instead of 10 Reys, we'll get 10 Cenas -A handful of updated entrances I honestly can't think of anything else. Does this really warrant $70 and show a year's worth of work?

I hope they reveal more soon. I play universe mode a lot because I like how it keeps track of the champions and how I can have certain champions on certain shows but I hope they make universe mode more fun. It gets tiring sometimes. I feel like I spent more time making matches then I do actually playing matches sometimes.

I didn't even pre order the game this year and all of the points you made was the reason why. I've noticed on the PC version of 2K22 independent modders created beautiful updated models of the superstars of their whole look and attire...2K need to create a free dlc of updated skin/attires of the superstars.

I worry a bit about the creative options. The talk is that it's revamped, to make the wrestlers and managers you create look more like in-game models. Is that going to be good thing? Will it be severely limited? And can you port your MyRise star to other modes? And what of MyRise? Is it going to be the same, short story and center around checking the phone?

i wonder if there was a royal rumble match online in a WWE 2K23, if there was a long or a quick rumble match in online mode i bet it would been one of best gifted match for online this year if that's possible. every old match modes with some new modes appearing on the newest had their issues in the game.

I think you should be able to turn the red effect off that happens when a finisher is performed, it was somewhat annoying and distracting in 2k22 And I would like Universe Mode to have a feature that allows you to have any show or PLE on any day of the week, especially since PLE tend to be on Saturdays, Saudi PLE's tend to be Thursday and WrestleMania is now on Saturday and Sunday

One of my problems with WWE 2k is marketing. You can always tell what they put the most effort in by what they show off more before the game releases. You know why they haven't talked about GM or universe mode much, but we have a ton of war games footage? Because they put the most focus on getting that match type right. As far as the update for universe mode. Why can't they show us an example of the action list and go into detail about how it really works. Show a short list, not the whole list, but something that lets us know what we're getting ourselves into. Last year, when NBA 2k added new features to MyCareer and MyNBA eras, they showed everything, not a little bit, not leaving it up for surprise, but they showed gameplay and went into a full breakdown of the modes and what we can expect. WWE 2k, on the other hand, stays quiet. At this point, I might skip the game and just wait for AEW FF. 2k just isn't worth it anymore. I'm just so passionate because I love wrestling, and I love the games we got in the past. In 2023, you'd think 2k would be leaps and bounds above the THQ games. Sadly, they're still trying to even come close.

What I'm getting is 2k19 was it all they needed to do was update the graphics and add new match types and I find it funny I can't buy 2K 19 in the PlayStation Store because they know it's still better that's what I'm feeling

My concerns are that they just don't update the legends like I would want to see and they still haven't had any new match types I don't know if we have to beg wwe themselves to start airing more special guest referee matches so that we can get it in the game or what? I just feel that maybe they need to release the games every two years that way it can be up to date or offer skins for money since they like that and it would give us an updated Bianca with rhinestone hair or updated lita model for 1.99

I really hope there’s more stability for Universe mode, no matter what creations or downloads to customise universe in 2k22 it will always be corrupted (at least for me) So I kept away from universe after that. One match I’d like to see in WWE 2K games despite not being on WWE TV for a long time debuted at Unforgiven 2008. That match is the championship scramble match. Hopefully the issues with the models shown so far are improved or fixed soon. Also would like to see superstar entrances make a return during a royal rumble match, including the women’s division with that for the first time ever.

The thing about 2K is they do the same thing for NBA2K games. Like the profile pics of the players, aren't updated when there is a roster change. It shows players wearing the jersey from their previous team.

Its also the fact that the bellas are the only legends that got updated like why only update the bellas and not other female legends

I’m excited for it, but my concerns are what are going to be the glitches when the game comes out. Even 2k22 had a few glitches that were never addressed, take for example, when I changed my characters finishers. They were changed from within the create a move set, however when playing the character, finishers would not change and still remain the same.

There is no game that has people that keep crying about it but there is a simple solution to this: if u not happy about the content or its to less new content for u don’t but the game, wait for the next one or buy it when its on sale…

$125 for the deluxe edition here in Canada is insane. I dished out that much last year and just can't do it again for a game lol I know I can just get the standard edition but I would want all the dlc etc so I'll be waiting until it goes down in price besides 2k22 still feels new to me for some reason.

Fun Fact: WWE hasn't had an Inferno or Casket Match in years since The Ruthless Aggression Era

I picked up the digital version. The create an entrance is still messed up like it is in 2K22. When U create your own team. U can create an entrance for 2 people but not 3 and in order to do this, U have to do it while creating your team. When U go to the actual create an entrance screen. U can create an entrance for an individual created wrestler and see them listed but not on the team section. In the team section, U will not see them listed at all. Yesterday I created a team with some created wrestlers plus some roster superstars called Team Pawz. I could create an entrance while rewating the team but only do it for tag not trio. I went to the create an entrance section under the creation menu and selected team. My team wasnt listed at all. 2K22 started doing this around January/February and now getting this game, it is doing the exact same thing. Why even let U semi do it when U create the team not not let U edit it any further than that in the create an entrance mode? Also, if they R letting U create an entrance fkr a created wrestler why not ket U creant an entrance for a created team and have there name show up in the team listings under create an enteance, team sectio ? This is frustrating to me and it needs to be fixed. Have U or anyone else experienced this with either 2K22, 2K23 or both?

there should a gm mode and universe mode online, those might be the modes left for online, or there might be more modes left that haven't been online for the first in years.

I only really play universe mode. I'd love a lot of work done there. I don't know if I can ever get used to the combos and arcade controls tho.

A issue I had was with tag teams in universe mode I could not give them a tag finisher no matter what I did

You also forgot to mention the new sliders for specific wrestlers, it’s said that theres 20 sliders for superstar setting

Personally I would prefer a game mode like road to wrestlemania in svr 2011 but have it where you can choose any superstar you want, but that’s probably unlikely to happen.

i just want a attitude era pack with the classic arena's and all the wrestlemania arena's

Am excited but the thing which makes me mad are the controls why are we not having the option to switch controls me personally Am used to wwe 2k19 controls those are my favorite is there a chance we are getting the option anyone?

Keep in mind though that things like pictures and character models can be upgraded on the fly without much need for so they focus so hard on other stuff I'm okay with you taking a little bit to get everyones textures and entrances on point even if it's through weekly updates

My biggest problem with the game could crash a lot because of advanced created entrances witch was the reason why 2k20 crashed way more than that game should have

Im just hoping it works fully on old gen, no more infinite loading screens & not as much crashing. Plus I hope CAW works too Edit: because of last years game, this is the first year I haven’t pre-ordered since probably 2012.

most likely will get on a sale like i did 22.. gm mode updates is a must i need to be able to do fatal 4 ways,triple threats and put ic & us titles on the line..also invading opposing show..so far only info we know is Woods & Breeze are gms in the game

I've not seen a single person mention the problem I have with this game. It's a great game overall, but in quick play, when I've won a title match, it sometimes does the wrong title celebration when you include a manager. I defended the wwe title as roman, and Paul Heyman and the Usos were out with me. When I won the match, we were celebrating round Jey like he was the champion. When I defended the intercontinental title with GUNTHER, I had imperium at ringside. When the match was over, Ludwig Kaiser and GUNTHER were both in the ring, celebrating with two IC titles like they'd defended the tag titles. Anyone else having this problem?

I'd probably let the character models slide since I'm likely going to create my own wrestler anyway. My biggest concerns are Universe/Superstar Mode and My Rise. I can't count the number of times when I was playing My Rise and the screen blacked out mid match even though I could still see the pause menu after the fact. Universe/Superstar Mode was also a massive let down with the random glitches like invisible wrestlers or the verses screens. Hopefully, those get resolved.

DON'T BUY!! You can win every match easily. When your AI is down,just stomp it. If it reverses your stomp,it will get back up and come running towards you everytime and you can simply press a strike or grapple when it comes running at you. Just repeat this until you form a finisher and boom the match is over. Try it yourself.

The main thing that annoys me is that there has always been a huge inconsistency in character model where some is made so true-to-life but others are... meh to say the least.

One thing I had issue with in the game is that for some reason, I had absolutely no commentary and even after turning up commentary volume, nothing changed.

For one, it's WAY too expensive for a yearly release comprised of mostly recycled content.

imagine wwe 2k23 with chain wrestling mechanics ,wwe 2k19 controls no combos and blocking that would make the game enjoyable for the fans because we know how well wwe 2k19 did but it seems no one is thinking of that

I think one of the reasons for that is, they show stuff, than go dormant and show nothing. Leaving everyone to not have full details until it's too late. Some people pre order based on expected changes. Than it's too late to cancel by the time we learn the full game. We've learned a little about modes. For me Universe being my big ticket. I want to know what they actually did. I love new cut scenes u can select. Etc. But what else is there there? Can u custo and save cards tonre use so u don't have to redo one over and over ?

As a fan my main gameplay is in universe mode and it worries me that besides the usual "oh fans are really gonna like what we've done this year" line they've given very vague if any information at all. Last year one of the patches to fix myfaction broke tag team finishers in universe mode. I just wish they'd focus on the whole game.

I feel like it's gonna be big CAP when it comes to the CAS models looking similar to the in game superstar models. They've said this for years. I'm getting the game but I'm on the fence about it being a day 1 buy still

I’m looking forward to the game because of war games,but I wish we got gauntlet matches and special refree matches. The legends models need a lot of work on them because they are always copy and pasted like lita has had the same attire since 2k16. I did buy the game but I just hope we get some new models and good dlc packs

I pre-ordered icon edition cuz i love wrestling but I'll be testing Universe and CC for crashes....extensively. If its more of the same as 2k22, I'm just probably going to get my money back this time around. Otherwise I can get past graphical issues and lack of match types. Just give me a working game I can count on.

I think War Games as the only new match is fine - I just hope it's fun to play. I thought the inferno matches and casket matches in older games kinda sucked, I'd rather them not be included just for the sake of it. The additions to GM Mode sound awesome to me, I liked the mode last year and adding this new stuff sounds like it'll make it feel fresh and different. Universe Mode badly needs an overhaul to make it more interesting, I feel like it's been in "early release" since about 2009 (or whenever it was that it first came out). I'd love Story Designer back in, I never had the patience to fully go with it but I'd love the option to essentially download infinite season modes.

special guest referee is one of those things you don't realize how much you miss until it's gone. Something that should be pretty simple to accomplish out of all the match types. If the whole thing was because it's harder to add the referee shirt automatically because of advanced detail in the graphics whatever still put the mode in and I can put a referee shirt as a attire that's fine with me because I'm not big on updating the superstar attire all the time.

After I was going back and forth on deciding on if I wanted to get WWE 2k23 or not, I have decided that I'm getting this game because I'm looking forward to Wargames as well as the Cena showcase. Also I'm looking forward to the updates to GM mode and Universe Mode even if it's small updates to those modes

My issue is I have no commentary. Any suggestions or has anyone experienced this? Re-installed and all audio options are up.

Apart from War Games, what else does the game bring that cannot be put with a mod in 2k22?

As someone whose main focus is Gameplay, I’m disappointed that they don’t seem to care about the pro wrestling aspects of gameplay. (Chain wrestling, 5-Count, realistic rope break animations, strike battles, etc)

I want to see how good creations is, cause Rock98, mankind, and many attitude wrestlers are not in it. I also want more to do on single player, maybe a story mode or just something to add replayability

the movement speed on cutscenes (lita running entrance and grayson waller finisher) looks very weird

They spent all that time building up how different the last game was and then immediately stopped caring about all of that with this one

Small improvements like weapon taunts and fatigue are great. Wargames and the updated roster are even better. I'm very excited for this game.

After what I went thru with 2k22 I'm not preordering again and waiting to see how the reviews are beforehand they won't fool me again even with the addition of Wargames.

Me personally I wanted to see the fight pit match seeing that it was the main event of extreme rules and has been around for a while, hopefully we’ll get it next year.

Aside from the addition of double title entrance. They should also add title victory on a non-title matches so they can showcase that this person/ tag team is a champion/s.

I’m excited about the game. I’ve purchased most wwe games since Wrestlemania on Nintendo and I can tell you that the games are never perfect. I am more of a wrestling fan than gamer so i’ll be wwe 2k23 just like ill buy AEW Fight Forever and Wrestling Code when they come out. There will always be issues with models, attires, entrances, mechanics, modes, etc. I try to look for the positives and try to find something new that will make the game enjoyable. For me, wargames was the new toy for me. I hope that the game itself and the awesome creation community will make the game and experience enjoyable realizing that perfection will never exist.

It’s about as worth picking up as any other year. The war games, showcase, and new roster additions are enough for me.

I wish we Can add musics and download trons from the community creations... We are going to lose a lot of Big names like Jeff Hardy Keith Lee or Samoa Joe but if the CC is on fire like this year WE just need musics and trons

Like mostly yearly releases--I may pick this up later in the year when it is on sale for 60+% off. I'm still playing WWE 2k22 universe mode and don't see enough improvements or changes to make it worth a full price purchase.

Assemble always delivers!

Gameplay looks very good so far, It's similar but with more improved changes, It has huge potential.

My major issue and reason i havent preordered yet is because we are 18 days away and we have no REAL info or look at universe mode, no real info about the creation suite....usually theres a video about it and we havent had one. also we dont have any info on the DLC....why would i preorder the season pass if i dont know whats coming in it? The whole thing of the characters being locked in My faction is ridiculous. "they cant do it its too hard to put them on exhibition mode......... wat a load of crap. to have characters unlock and be available from one mode to another is a given, it happens in My rise and showcase already. so to lock them to My faction would be more work than not.

I am very cited about the new game I can’t wait to get it but there is a problem they still haven’t fixed 2K 22 I’m having problems with community creations every time I create a superstar it kicks me out and then I had to start all over again the same thing with community creations

AEW Fight Forever seems to be giving me what I want gameplay-wise 2K needs to bring it with the features. I hope that Universe Mode is up to snuff and not just a rehash as it has been.

I honestly can't wait for this game. I even made myself a countdown widget😭 i can't wait to play it at friday 17th after school

As far as Universe mode I bet we get a few small other surprises or small tweaks we haven't really seen any in depth Info released yet. That could be good could be bad as we've seen in the past..I think we just need to wait and see what happens on final build we may all be surprised

Is the image limit still 1000? That will determine if I buy this or not

You brought up A LOT of issues here. Some valid…But IMO this game is a solid evolution over last years and I’m excited to play with and see all the new stuff.

Honestly I’m very excited for the game. Can’t wait to see who’s DLC.

Is sad that the match types like war games, royal rumble and elimination chamber won't be featured in a custom arena

Just a lot of features that I wish would've made a return from 2K19 like tired finishers and chain wrestling. Idk just some form of option to lock up, test of strength, staredown, or shake hands at the beginning of a match with your opponant or slap them, if Universe has that kind of option this year that would be cool, but why not put that in online matches or simply play mode or offline mode, it doesn't effect anyone else. Idk man so far nothing really has impressed me much this year other than maybe War games. I'm hoping they will show more next month since the game release next month in a couple of weeks.

I AM JUST SO HYPED FOR MARCH 14

I'm absolutely stoked for the game no doubt, fans are gonna always complain about SOMETHING they will never be 100% satisfied

They talked about tired finisher animation, none of that have appeared in any video.

Would’ve been great to have the 4 horsemen in the war games. I know it can’t happen due to Arn being in AEW and Tully out doing other things.. promo options would be great!

Im deffo skipping 2k23, maybe gonna pick it up once its like 10 bucks. But paying $70 for a new match type and 10 new characters is not worth at all

Judging by what you covered in this video and of all the videos and info we got from 2k so far I think I will pass 2k23 this year and instead invest in AEW Fight Forever game.

One other thing that a lot of people are forgetting is that a lot of the good theme songs that were still on 2k22 are going to be replaced with the generic songs of today.

2k needs to upgrade the A.I have them doing something while a wrestler is making an entrance have one lean on the barrier sit on the steps instead of the same pacing around robotically bring some life to the game small details matter also the ref always getting in the way an some A.I wrestlers stand still in triple threat matches an let you win