Professional wrestling and video games have always had a captivating, if sometimes chaotic, relationship. Wrestling games, in many ways, reflect the advancements in gaming technology. For those who grew up in the 80s and 90s, wrestling games were a staple of gaming culture.
But what exactly defines a wrestling game today? Is it a pure sports simulation? Is it a fighting game ready for the eSports arena? Should it lean towards realism or arcade-style action?
WWE 2K18, while offering a solid wrestling experience, grapples with its own identity. Fans of the series will recognize this ongoing struggle. This year, the spotlight shines on the myCareer mode and visual enhancements, yet certain gameplay aspects can hinder the immersive wrestling journey that players crave. A key element of immersion, especially in modes like myCareer, is the ability to personalize your superstar, and face scanning technology promised to take this to the next level. But how well does WWE 2K18’s myCareer face scan feature deliver on this promise?
Graphics and Face Scan: A Visual Showcase with Caveats
Visually, WWE 2K18 is undeniably impressive, setting a new benchmark for wrestling games. The attention to detail in skin textures, wrestler expressions, and particularly face scans, is remarkable. Dynamic camera angles, realistic wrestler fatigue, and 2K Sports’ signature smooth animations contribute to a presentation that often blurs the line between gameplay and a genuine WWE broadcast. Superstar entrances are particularly enhanced by the game’s updated lighting system.
However, the visual fidelity isn’t consistent across the board. While many superstars, especially top male wrestlers, benefit from incredibly detailed face scans, some of the female superstars’ character models and motion capture appear less refined. Furthermore, the treatment of retro superstars raises questions about the depth of the face scan implementation. When both a young and an older version of legends like The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, or Triple H share the same face scan, it detracts from the potential for a truly immersive and historically rich roster. For myCareer mode, the quality and accuracy of the face scan for your custom superstar becomes even more crucial. Does WWE 2K18 myCareer face scan live up to the high visual standards set by the rest of the game, or does it fall short?
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Audio Immersion: Soundtrack and Commentary
WWE 2K18 makes significant strides in capturing the authentic audio atmosphere of a WWE event. The roar of the crowd, the distinct wrestler voice effects, and iconic chants all contribute to the stadium-like experience. However, the soundtrack, curated by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, is somewhat of a mixed bag. The eclectic mix of genres, ranging from Eazy-E to Disturbed, feels more like a personal playlist than a cohesive soundtrack for a wrestling game. The absence of a custom soundtrack feature is also a notable drawback for players who prefer to tailor their audio experience. Commentary, while improved, still has moments of awkwardness, though Corey Graves adds a welcome layer of natural banter.
Gameplay Mechanics: Innovation and Frustration
Many of the gameplay enhancements in WWE 2K18 are positive. Wrestler movement is more fluid and responsive than previous installments, and fatigue animations introduce a layer of realism to match pacing. The revamped grappling system simplifies offensive maneuvers and match navigation while offering diverse options for defense and strategic gameplay. The in-ring action aims for a more realistic flow, which can be rewarding when executed well.
However, the reversal system can feel clunky at times, with animations that appear rushed and stiff, occasionally disrupting the visual flow. The controversial submission system makes a return, employing a mini-game mechanic reminiscent of UFC titles. This system is often criticized for being overly difficult against the AI and too easy against human opponents (though thankfully, it can be switched to button mashing).
These gameplay inconsistencies can detract from the competitive balance of WWE 2K18, especially considering the game’s impressive ability to support up to eight wrestlers in the ring simultaneously – a first for the series. While the prospect of large-scale battle royales is exciting, the limitations of 1-4 player local multiplayer and 2-6 player online modes, along with the continued absence of triple tag team matches, are disappointing.
Despite these drawbacks, the overall gameplay experience remains enjoyable. The online mode shows promise with a ranking system that progresses players from novice to Hall of Fame, allowing for ranked matches and custom universe competitions.
The customization suite remains a strong point, offering extensive options for creating superstars and arenas. However, the new Create-a-Match feature feels limited in scope. The continued absence of custom finishing moves and entrance music is a significant omission, hindering the overall creative potential, particularly for modes like myCareer where personalized wrestlers are central. The lack of a dedicated women’s career mode is another missed opportunity, especially given the growing prominence and popularity of WWE’s women’s division. For players deeply invested in WWE 2K18 myCareer face scan and customization, these limitations can impact the overall experience of bringing their unique superstar to life.
Strategy and Glitches: The Chaotic Reality
WWE 2K18 presents itself as an engaging game with deep gameplay, extensive customization, and replayability. However, extended playtime reveals a significant number of glitches, particularly affecting customized attires, cutscenes, and online modes. One notable issue is restricted content access for guest accounts on PlayStation 4, requiring a PSN account even for local multiplayer. These technical issues, if unresolved, can severely impact the game’s usability.
While WWE 2K18 at its best moments demonstrates brilliance, the simulation-style gameplay remains inconsistent, and technical problems prevent it from reaching its full potential as a top-tier wrestling game. The potential is evident, and hopefully, future updates will address these shortcomings.
Despite the visual advancements and the promise of features like WWE 2K18 myCareer face scan, the game ultimately reflects the ongoing tension between ambition and execution in wrestling game development. The hope remains that 2K will ultimately deliver the definitive wrestling experience that fans are waiting for.
