WWE games have been a constant presence on consoles for decades. Like other sports games, new editions are released annually.
Over recent years, 2K’s WWE games have been very poorly received by fans. The games have been plagued with glitches, poor mechanics, and bland features.
It became such a problem that 2K decided not to develop a game last year in order to reimagine the franchise. After a year away, WWE 2K22 is set to release in a few months.
Credit: https://www.wepc.com/news/wwe-2k22-release-date/
But what does 2K22 need to satisfy fans and restore the franchise’s reputation? Here is a list of some ideas.
Fix the Bugs
The priority for the upcoming game needs to be fixing the bugs. Recent games have been riddled with glitches and system errors so much that it has made the games unplayable at times.
Whether it’s a character’s limbs flailing around uncontrollably, or matches failing to load at all, these instances need to be prevented. Whilst most games will have issues now and then, the rate at which they occurred in the latest games was simply unacceptable.
Credit: https://cdn.eteknix.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/1-compressed-1-1.jpg
It is crucial that the next game does not contain the same bugs because these glitches will turn fans away and lead to bad reviews. Also, it will make the hiatus seem pointless if the biggest issue has not been resolved.
Even if other elements fail to impress, an improved system will show fans that the series is heading in the right direction. This will help to restore faith in fans that have felt disappointed in previous years and will increase chances of returning for future instalments.
In-Depth MyCareer Mode
When it was first announced that 2K would begin developing WWE games, fans were excited to see what the new developers had to offer. Many predicted that they would draw inspiration from their NBA games to introduce new modes and features.
At the top of the Wishlist was the highly popular MyCareer mode. NBA’s version of a player career mode is considered one of the best game modes to appear in a sports game. The detailed world and story has earned the mode a huge following every year.
Unsurprisingly, WWE fans anticipated a similar mode with the same high quality. Although fans did receive a MyCareer mode in 2015, it was very lacklustre compared to its NBA predecessor. The cutscenes were plain and lacked structure whilst the content within the mode was barebones.
This trend continued for many years. WWE 2K19’s version did improve the storyline with some improvements to the mode’s overall design, but these changes seemed minimal. As a result, fans have been disappointed with MyCareer because it failed to live up to expectations. What made it even more frustrating was that the NBA mode demonstrated what 2K were capable of making.
If 2K decide to continue with MyCareer in WWE 2K22, they need to make drastic improvements. The story needs to have more depth by providing better characters, longer and more detailed storylines, and a way of incorporating story elements into the mode after the story is complete. 2K19 provided a glimpse of hope on this front, but it needs to meet expectations fully.
However, the main changes are needed in the menus and world. NBA MyCareer allows players to roam around a town that is full of life. Shops such as barbers can be used to customise your character, players can go into their house to relax, and can go to the courts to play with friends online. This concept needs to be replicated and placed into a WWE context for the mode to live up to expectations.
By copying their successful NBA MyCareer formula, 2K will give WWE fans a detailed and enjoyable experience. This high quality mode will be a guaranteed success.
Smoother Mechanics
Previous games were hindered by non-functional game mechanics. The controls often felt complicated and muddled, making precise inputs very difficult. In addition, the aforementioned glitches often made it impossible for matches to remain smooth.
Credit: WWE Games on Twitter @WWEgames
Another mechanical issue that lots of fans have complained about is the pacing of matches. Recent editions have aimed to create a realistic simulation of a wrestling matches. Stamina systems and reversal limits have been installed to increase realism. However, these systems have slowed the game down, making it less enjoyable for many.
Because of this, the next instalment needs to transform the mechanics to provide a smoother experience. Simpler controls and a return to a more arcade-like pace will create a more enjoyable game.
Bring Back GM Mode
GM mode has been highly requested by fans to make a comeback for a long time. It first appeared in Smackdown vs Raw 2006, letting players take charge of either Smackdown or Raw. As a general manager, players are given the responsibility of drafting and hiring superstars, booking shows, and planning storylines.
Decisions made will influence the popularity and ratings of the player’s show which will also influence the rival shows. These ratings are crucial as they will determine who will be declared the best General Manager in the WWE.
This simulation style mode received a lot of praise from fans. Despite this, GM mode has not been present in a WWE game for over a decade, making it’s last appearance in 2008. Fans have longed for its return ever since.
Bringing back GM mode seems like an easy way of pleasing fans. The mode requires little development due to it being predominantly simulation and heavy inspiration can be taken from previous modes. A new GM mode alone could sway a lot of fans into buying 2K22.
To add further incentive, the game should have a heavy focus on co-op play, both online and offline. Furthermore, NXT should be used as a playable brand alongside Raw and Smackdown whilst the ability to replace them with older brands such as ECW would be an amazing addition.
These enhancements would make GM mode a must-play for most fans and would be a great way of boosting sales and increasing hype for the next game.
All the Customisation
Customisation has been considered an important element of WWE games for a long time. The ability to create custom characters, moves, arenas, entrances, and championships has allowed many fans to live out their fantasy of becoming a WWE superstar.
2K has not shied away from this aspect by placing a heavy focus on increasing customisation options and finding ways to embed them into other modes such as Universe mode and MyCareer. However, the introduction of community creations made customisation more important than ever.
Community creations allows players to upload or download custom superstars and designs. These elements can then be used throughout the game, offering players an opportunity to wrestle with or against anyone they like.
The opportunities that this mode brings are endless. Some examples include players creating wrestlers from other companies to put them up against WWE talent, or creating superhero inspired stars so that the spiderman vs batman debate can finally be resolved.
Giving players the ability to upload and download content as they wish provides endless content. As a result, it leads to players wanting to continue playing. This is why customisation options need to remain a key part of future WWE titles.
Maintaining and potentially improving the customisation options offers more possibilities to fans, leading to more content. Throughout the years, WWE games have had a wide range of customisation features.
However, many of these features have been rotated in and out. For example, create a story, create a finisher, and custom championships are often present one year but taken out in the next. This frustrates fans because they expect these modes to stay in future editions of the game. Avoiding rotations of features is important for player satisfaction.
Offering all previous customisation options in WWE 2K22, whilst adding a few more options will surely be seen as a positive inclusion.
Revamp or Remove Universe Mode
Universe mode has been a staple in WWE games for over a decade. It has similarities to GM mode but allows players to take control of the entire WWE. Players can create and manage shows, championships, rosters, and rivalries to build their own WWE universe.
Fans have loved Universe mode because it allows for lots of customisation and gives them the opportunity to incorporate their custom creations into a realistic simulation of the WWE. It gives players the tools to live out their wildest dreams.
However, a lack of change and development has left Universe mode feeling stale. The structure and design of the mode has remained the same since it was first introduced, with minor upgrades being put into new editions. This has left many fans to become tired of its similar feel.
The lack of change has also led to cutscenes and storylines feeling repetitive. No matter how much customisation is placed into the mode by the player, the similar structure and story of Universe mode makes it difficult for fans to stay interested.
Universe mode has seemed to run its course with the fans. Suggestions have been made within the WWE community to either remove or revamp Universe mode in the next edition of the game.
Removing the mode will allow for something else to replace it. This could entail a return for a fan favourite mode like GM mode or road to Wrestlemania as they would offer a similar experience to Universe mode, or the creation of a brand new mode that offers similar gameplay elements.
The more likely option for 2K is to revamp Universe mode. Reimagining the format of the mode will provide a much needed breath of fresh air to fans. The new format should focus on offering a wider range of cutscenes for storylines and new gameplay features such as drafts and tournaments.
Both options present a viable way of providing fans with something new to look forward to. Keeping Universe mode the same however is destined to leave fans disappointed again.
New OMG Moments and Creative Moves
One aspect that separates WWE games from other sports titles is the ability to perform a range of crazy moves. The realistic simulations of sports games often restricts the abilities and moves that can be performed by players. However, the looser restriction within professional wrestling means that more outrageous and arcade like moves do not feel out of place in WWE games.
2K games have taken advantage of this for a long time, with the inclusion of OMG moments in WWE 2K14. OMG moments are special moves that can be triggered as a replacement for a finishing move. After the player completes the required setup and prompt, the OMG moment will begin.
These moves are often based off of real life events that managed to amaze the fans. For example, Brock Lesnar superplexing Big Show and the ring collapsing, or Randy Orton’s RKO off the top of a ladder. These moves have only been seen a handful of times in real life, but the games allow players to perform them as many times as they like.
Credit: https://www.thegamer.com/wwe-2k20-how-to-perform-special-actions-omg-moments/
OMG moments have been praised for adding to the variety of available actions for players during a match. In addition, the certain criteria needed to activate them adds to the value of specific match types as some OMG moments can only occur in specific match types.
Adding new OMG moments is a guaranteed way of allowing players more freedom, increasing the variety of moves within the game, and adding value to more specific characters and match types.
An Ultimate Team/WWE Supercard Mode
A popular mode used in most sport games that has never appeared in a WWE game is Ultimate Team. This is an online mode that allows players to collect cards, create an all-star team, and play against another player’s team. FIFA Ultimate Team is the most popular example of this game mode.
Although many have suggested that a similar game mode should be added to WWE games, it has yet to appear. It has been suggested that a WWE version would be difficult to create due to the lack of a team element within wrestling.
However, these arguments do not take into consideration that 2K have already developed a card collecting online game. WWE Supercard is a mobile game that allows players to collect cards of their favourite superstars and use them to play in online matches.
Credit: wwe.2k.com
With a few tweaks, WWE Supercard could become a template for a new online mode in WWE 2K22. The new mode could even cooperate with the mobile game to provide exclusive content for players of both games. This would be a great way to encourage fans of WWE Supercard to play 2K22.
The WWE series is desperate for a new mode that fans can sink their teeth into. A card collecting online mode like Ultimate Team or WWE Supercard would be a viable option to attract interest from long time fans as well as fans of the mobile game.
Conclusion
Overall, there are lots of approaches that 2K can take towards their next WWE game, but if they fail to provide a good game with 2K22, it could be the end for this popular franchise. That is why the next game is a make or break and hopefully for us fans, it will be a success.
Almost nothing is known about the upcoming WWE 2K22 at the moment, but more news and reveals are expected within the near future. The upcoming SummerSlam event has been suggested as the time that more information will be released.
That concludes my list of methods that can be used to restore the WWE games back to glory. Do you agree with these suggestions? Do you have any ideas of your own? Be sure to comment below if you do.
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