John Cena is likely one of the WWE’s most beloved Superstars, and WWE 2K23’s Showcase mode is an endearing love letter to one in every of sports activities leisure’s greatest stars.
In WWE 2K22, Visible Ideas took gamers again in time to relive and recreate a few of Rey Mysterio’s best matches because the Grasp of the 619 himself. This 12 months, WWE 2K23 flips the script by pitting gamers towards Cena within the ring, reasonably than having them don his iconic jean shorts. With 14 Historic Matches to select from, gamers will problem Cena and plenty of of his career-defining moments on a number of the WWE’s greatest phases. Previous to 2K23’s launch, members of the Visible Ideas crew answered a couple of questions concerning the mode and what it was like taking this journey down reminiscence lane.
Q: John Cena’s completed loads throughout his WWE profession. What makes his legacy a superb point of interest of WWE 2K23’s Showcase mode?
John Cena is the face of an period. He’s a historic determine, a simple member of WWE’s Mount Rushmore. From his debut in 2002 till right now, he has finished practically all the things you’ll be able to think about as a member of the WWE roster.
In his profession, he’s competed towards—and defeated—an absolute gauntlet of licensed legends, and has earned the love and respect of his friends within the course of.
His accomplishments are well-documented. We appreciated having the ability to take a necessary a part of John—”By no means Give Up”—and to point out the way it’s not simply one thing he says to all people else, however that it’s one thing he makes use of every day himself.
Taking a look at John’s profession on this method additionally permits us to look again at 20 years of WWE historical past, together with a number of the greatest stars of the time. Showcase is the place WWE’s Legends conflict as soon as extra, and John Cena is the final word modern-day legend.
Q: What led to the choice to pit gamers towards Cena within the ring, reasonably than enjoying as him?
For me, there have been two issues that led to the method. First off, we positively heard a number of the suggestions that enjoying as the identical WWE Celebrity for 10-15 matches, regardless of who it was, began to really feel just a little repetitive. So we had been considering of concepts that might permit for a extra various roster for gamers to regulate for some time.
Then, with this being the second Showcase that’s had John as a spotlight, I wished to cowl his profession in a distinct method than previous Showcases, too. Brainstorming concepts, we actually appreciated enjoying into his “By no means Give Up” mentality, and determined that by exhibiting his losses, we might actually emphasize that complete idea, actually with extra gravity in comparison with exhibiting him profitable these matches.
So, it turned a query of “Do gamers play as Cena and simply lose each match?” Even when it’s via a cutscene loss, that simply appeared like an excessive amount of. “Nicely, what if we simply make it so that they management Cena’s opponents? It’s a must to beat John Cena each time, he’s like a recurring boss battle!” Then that led to “You Can’t Beat Me” and that’s when all of it got here collectively for us.
Q: With so many matches to select from, how did the crew determine which matches to incorporate?
As soon as we’d selected the “You Can’t Beat Me” concept, the place the participant would management Cena’s numerous opponents, we had a smaller pool of matches from which to decide on. So, we appeared via the assorted WWE Superstars which have defeated John Cena, and tried to decide on who between them warranted a spot –the thought being that these are the easiest among the many group of individuals to personal a win over John.
Some individuals have a number of wins over Cena, whereas some might solely have one. You’ll see Edge and Randy Orton, two of Cena’s greatest rivals all through his profession, in addition to Rob Van Dam, whose victory at ECW One Night time Stand in 2006 stays one of the memorable matches within the profession of both man.
In the long run, we hope every match both holds historic significance, represents a legendary rivalry, or brings you again to a forgotten traditional.
Q: Will gamers expertise the identical era-specific filters and visuals that had been in 2K22?
Sure, we at all times do our greatest to match the in-game presentation to the traditional footage. This may be via the usage of filters, in addition to completely different makes use of of our lighting system to get the “old fashioned” matches feeling proper!
Q: Do gamers earn something particular for defeating Cena?
Gamers can count on to earn unlockable rewards all through the Showcase mode! Much like WWE 2K22, there are two varieties of rewards:
Match Rewards: These are earned by merely incomes a win within the match, whether or not you full 0 match targets, or all of them! These are sometimes reserved for Arenas, Championship Belts, and unlocking the subsequent match!
Goal Rewards: These are earned by finishing 100% of the targets within the match. These are sometimes reserved for Celebrity fashions/attires.
Q: Is there a variation in match technique?
Showcase tends to vary the match technique merely with the in-match targets. One may are typically a participant who makes use of plenty of combos or operating assaults. Showcase as an alternative asks you to strive issues you might not do on a regular basis – particular grapples, submissions, inflicting quantities of injury. It’s potential to play your type of match and win with out finishing any targets, however then you definately lose out on the larger rewards. To really “beat” Showcase, gamers should be able to finishing the targets whereas additionally warding off an opponent seeking to win always.
On high of that, gamers will now be utilizing a brand new Celebrity in practically each match, which means the flexibility to memorize sure strikes aren’t there. One minute you’re Kurt Angle, and the subsequent you’re Batista, and then you definately’re Triple H. We attempt to cater the targets to greatest mesh with the Celebrity’s method (in addition to matching as much as historic beats), so somebody like RVD will most likely see you making an attempt dives and excessive offense, whereas a Randy Orton goes to be extra methodical along with his grapples.
All through his profession, Cena has steadily reminded and impressed followers to by no means quit, and that’ll be extra essential than ever when you hope to defeat him in WWE 2K23. You possibly can lastly relive a few of Cena’s greatest battles and problem the 16-time world champion on March 17. Pre-order your copy of the Deluxe or Icon Version right now to earn three-day early entry and unique rewards!
WWE 2K23 Icon Version
2K
$119.99
The WWE 2K23 Icon Version, with cowl artwork created by WWE artist-in-residence Rob Schamberger, offers you all the bonus content material from the Deluxe Version PLUS throwback variations of a few of WWE’s greatest Superstars from the Ruthless Aggression period!
The Icon Version* contains:
• Pre-Order Bonus Pack
• Ruthless Aggression Pack: Contains throwback variations of John Cena, Randy Orton, Batista, and Brock Lesnar, together with the WrestleMania 22 area and the John Cena Legacy Championship
• Season Go: Contains all 5 post-launch DLC character packs, the MyRISE Mega-Increase pack, with 200 further Attribute Factors, and the Supercharger pack which unlocks all base-game WWE Legends and reversion arenas. Launch timing of the DLC contents will probably be revealed at a future date.
• Deluxe Version Bonus Pack: Features a John Cena EVO card, Emerald-tier Bianca Belair, and Gold-tier Asuka and Edge playing cards, plus 3 Fundamental Day 1 MyFACTION card packs
• Icon Version Bonus Pack: Features a Paul Heyman Emerald tier Supervisor MyFACTION Card and three Deluxe Premium Launch MyFACTION Packs.
• 3-Day Early Entry
*Icon Version not accessible in Belgium.
WWE 2K23 Deluxe Version
2K
$99.99
The worth of WWE 2K23 is Even Stronger with the Deluxe Version*!
The Deluxe Version contains:
• Pre-Order Bonus Pack
• Season Go: Contains all 5 post-launch DLC character packs, the MyRISE Mega-Increase pack, with 200 further Attribute Factors, and the Supercharger pack which unlocks all base-game WWE Legends and reversion arenas. Launch timing of the DLC contents will probably be revealed at a future date.
• Deluxe Version Bonus Pack: Features a John Cena EVO card, Emerald-tier Bianca Belair, and Gold-tier Asuka and Edge playing cards, plus 3 Fundamental Day 1 MyFACTION card packs
• 3-Day Early Entry
*Deluxe Version not accessible in Belgium.
WWE 2K23 for Xbox Collection X|S
2K
Expanded options, beautiful graphics, and the final word WWE expertise. Hit the ring with a deep roster of WWE Superstars and Legends together with Roman Reigns, “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, Ronda Rousey, Brock Lesnar, “Stone Chilly” Steve Austin and extra!
2K SHOWCASE: INTERACTIVE SPORTS DOCUMENTARY
Play via the important thing moments and hardest opponents of John Cena’s storied 20-year WWE profession. And in a franchise-first, tackle the position of every marquee opponent – a few of WWE’s best of all time – as you goal to take down Mr. Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect.
IT’S WARGAMES
The fan-favorite action-packed WarGames makes its debut in WWE 2K23 and delivers heart-pounding 3v3 and 4v4 multiplayer mayhem inside two side-by-side rings, surrounded by a double-steel cage!
YOUR SHOW, YOUR CHOICES
With MyGM, take the reins of a weekly present and compete towards rival common managers for model supremacy. Now that includes extra GMs to select from, further present choices, a number of seasons, expanded match playing cards, and extra match varieties for as much as 4 gamers.
YOU HOLD ALL THE CARDS
Acquire and improve playing cards of WWE Superstars and Legends to construct the final word faction and compete for international dominance in MyFACTION, now that includes on-line multiplayer!
DEFINE YOUR FUTURE IN MyRISE
Stroll via the curtains on your WWE debut and form your profession as a WWE Celebrity with the selections you make alongside the best way via distinct storylines – The Lock and The Legacy.
THE UNIVERSE IS ALL YOURS
WWE Universe Mode is the final word sandbox that places you in command of WWE, from Celebrity rosters, feuds, champions, weekly exhibits, and extra!
