WWE
WWE 2k19 Final Thoughts and Grades
Another year is close to its end. That means another WWE video game has hit the shelves. This year 2k Sports brings us WWE 2k19. With AJ Styles as the cover athlete, and Ronda Rousey and Rey Mysterio as pre-order bonuses, the excitement was already extremely high. As the days to October 9, 2018, checked off, the hype only seemed to build more and more.
But just how good was WWE 2k19? I pre-ordered the deluxe edition of the game. So I’ll be writing my report based off of that.
Game Play
Final Grade: A-
WWE 2k19 has the smoothest wrestling simulation gameplay so far in the series. If you ever wanted to create your own five-star, back and forth, an instant classic on a video game console that could be easily replicated in real life. Then this game is the one you’ve been looking for. It has easy to master controls, AI that is challenging but fair, character models that somehow get better as the years go by, and a sense of realism that makes it seem like an actual physical wrestling match.
There are some bugs, but every entry in the series has their fair share. Compared to last year, the bugs have almost disappeared completely.
The only criticism I really have about gameplay is the noticeable missing wrestlers. Tomasso Ciampa, Nikki Cross, Mick Foley, Mark Henry, and a few others are left out for one reason or another. However, this doesn’t affect the overall satisfaction I have with gameplay.
WWE Universe Mode
Final Grade: A
WWE 2k19 brought all kinds of new features to Universe Mode. The Money in the Bank briefcase can now be customized and defended in matches. Any major show can hold up to six titles at any time (including the MITB briefcase). New pre and post-match cutscenes have been added to keep things fresh. A championship’s division can be edited. The type of matches on a pay-per-view can be pre-set if you get bored of seeing the same old singles matches. These are just a few of the new things in WWE 2k19’s Universe Mode.
The one thing I can’t seem to shake is the inability to cancel a promo if it’s pre-set by the computer. That may be human error on my part. But I can’t seem to figure out why SummerSlam absolutely has to have its main event be a promo by Jinder Mahal.
MyCareer
Final Grade: B+… so far
I’ve only played about an hour into MyCareer. It’s a major step up from last year’s game from what I’ve seen. The voice acting is back and that’s always great to see. There’s a genuinely interesting story built around your custom character. It isn’t match after match after match for once. Baron Blade is back. That would usually bring the grade down a few points but I think 2k knows he’s a hate-to-love character, which is why I think he keeps coming back each year.
They took away free roaming. Which isn’t that big a deal, but it was nice being able to walk around backstage and see all the different pieces of the backstage set.
Also, the indie company you start out with is called BCW. Since that’s one letter away from being the name of the company I train with, this gets a few extra points.
WWE Showcase Mode
Final Grade: A
Showcase Mode will always get a high grade. It’s fun to play major moments in WWE history. This year, the mode’s main focus is the career of Daniel Bryan. Starting at Velocity, the game brings you through Bryan’s career from debut to retirement to come back.
I’ve only played a little bit, just to get a feel of it, but I can already tell this is a great comeback for Showcase Mode. Daniel Bryan is an excellent choice for centering the game mode around. Hopefully, the Showcase comes back next year.
WWE Towers Mode
Final Grade: A+
Oh my God, if you want four hours of rage inducing gameplay, then I suggest the Million Dollar Challenge Tower. I haven’t beaten it, but as God, as my witness, I will keep trying until I do. Of course, I don’t say this in a negative way. I love a challenge in my video games. Tower Mode though, the ‘Bane’ of my existence at some points, is every bit challenging as it is fun.
The set-up is a lot like Mortal Kombat would be: Beat one stage and move on to the next. Each tower has different rules and settings. One tower may have you compete in only submission matches. One tower will have you beat the entire challenge in one sitting. One may have your wrestler keep the damage as you move on. It’s endless hours of fun, and the replay value is really high.
Creation Suite
Final Grade: A
The creation suite got a new edition this year with customization Money in the Bank briefcases. Create-A-Superstar is still above and beyond. It’s still not possible to change a current wrestler’s hair. Though it would be funny to see Carmella with a Mohawk, it’s one thing I’m willing to look past.
Create-An-Arena has a few new features. You can customize side plates on a championship now.
All in all, creation is still a big part in the game and doesn’t disappoint this year once again.
Overall Grade for WWE 2k19: A-
Hands down the best WWE 2k game so far. This game is what every WWE fan would want out of a WWE game, I believe. Some bugs could be fixed and some other things could be tweaked, but I really don’t have any reason to complain. WWE 2k19 is fantastic.
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Photo credit to PlayStation.Blog via Flickr
