WWE 2K18: A Suplex of Success or a Botched Finisher? A Deep Dive
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Is WWE 2K18 good or bad? The answer, like a perfectly executed wrestling promo, is layered and complex. While it avoids being a complete train wreck, WWE 2K18 lands squarely in the “decent but flawed” category. It offers some genuine improvements over its predecessor but also introduces new frustrations and falls short of its potential. It’s a game that can provide hours of entertainment for wrestling fans, but only if they’re willing to overlook its shortcomings.
The Good, the Bad, and the Clothesline
Let’s break down what makes WWE 2K18 a mixed bag:
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The Good: Visually, the game is a step up. Character models are more detailed, and arenas look authentic. The addition of eight-man matches adds to the chaotic fun, and the expanded roster is impressive, featuring a mix of current stars and legends. The new commentary team (Michael Cole, Byron Saxton, and Corey Graves) is a welcome change, even if the commentary itself can still be repetitive. Creation Suite remains a strong point, letting players design their own Superstars, arenas, and championships.
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The Bad: The gameplay is where WWE 2K18 stumbles. The new carry system, intended to add strategic depth, often feels clunky and unresponsive. The AI can be unpredictable, sometimes exhibiting frustratingly cheap tactics. MyCareer mode, while present, is a grind, requiring excessive time investment to progress. Perhaps the biggest letdown was the initial launch state, plagued with glitches and performance issues, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. The server issues leading to the eventual shutdown were also a significant negative.
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The Verdict: WWE 2K18 is a game with good intentions and some successful executions, but it’s ultimately held back by gameplay issues and a lack of polish. It’s not the worst WWE 2K game, but it’s far from the best.
Diving into the Details: Gameplay, Modes, and Presentation
Gameplay: The core wrestling mechanics in WWE 2K18 remain familiar to fans of the series. You’ll be grappling, striking, reversing, and utilizing signature moves and finishers. However, the aforementioned carry system adds a new layer. This system allows you to pick up opponents and carry them around the ring, setting them up for different attacks or strategically positioning them near the ropes or turnbuckles. In theory, it adds a layer of strategy, but in practice, it can feel awkward and slow the pace of matches. Reversals are still crucial but can sometimes feel inconsistent.
Game Modes: WWE 2K18 offers a variety of game modes to keep players engaged.
- MyCareer: Create your own Superstar and guide them from the bottom of WWE to the main event of WrestleMania. The storyline is serviceable, but the grind to level up your character can be tedious. You’ll spend a lot of time performing repetitive tasks to earn VC (Virtual Currency), which is needed to improve your attributes and unlock new abilities.
- Universe Mode: Take control of the WWE landscape, booking shows, managing rosters, and creating storylines. This mode offers a sandbox experience for players who enjoy the creative aspect of wrestling.
- Exhibition Mode: Jump into quick matches with your favorite Superstars and experiment with different match types.
- Road to Glory: Compete against other players online to earn stars and unlock rewards.
Presentation: WWE 2K18 excels in its presentation. The character models are generally well-done, and the arenas are faithfully recreated. The commentary team provides some entertainment, even if their lines can become repetitive. The crowd reactions are improved, adding to the atmosphere of the matches. However, the game still suffers from some graphical glitches and awkward animations.
Is it Worth Playing Today?
Even though the WWE 2K18 servers are shut down, the game still offers some value for offline players. If you’re a die-hard wrestling fan who enjoys the creative aspect of Universe Mode or wants to experience the career mode, you might find something to enjoy. However, be prepared to overlook the gameplay flaws and the repetitive nature of some of the modes.
Compared to more recent WWE 2K titles, WWE 2K18 shows its age. The gameplay feels clunkier, and the graphics are noticeably less polished. If you’re looking for the best possible WWE 2K experience, you’re better off with a newer installment like WWE 2K22 or WWE 2K23, both of which have been very well received by players.
In conclusion, WWE 2K18 is a flawed but not entirely unredeemable game. Its strengths lie in its roster, presentation, and creation suite, while its weaknesses lie in its gameplay and the grind of its career mode. It’s a game that will likely appeal more to hardcore wrestling fans who are willing to overlook its shortcomings than to casual players looking for a polished and accessible experience. Ultimately, whether or not WWE 2K18 is “good” depends on your individual priorities and tolerance for its flaws.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is WWE 2K18 better than 2K17?
The general consensus is that WWE 2K18 is better than WWE 2K17, primarily due to its larger roster, improved visuals, and the addition of eight-man matches. However, the gameplay improvements were somewhat contentious, with the carry system being a point of frustration for many players. While some improvements were made, 2K17 could be considered more “playable”.
2. Which is better, 2K18 or 2K19?
WWE 2K19 is significantly better than WWE 2K18. WWE 2K19 addressed many of the issues that plagued WWE 2K18, offering smoother gameplay, a more engaging career mode, and a less grindy progression system. The Neighborhood feature was also much more polished in WWE 2K19.
3. Did WWE 2K18 servers shut down?
Yes, the WWE 2K18 servers were shut down on May 31, 2019. This means that online matches and community creations are no longer accessible.
4. What is the most successful WWE 2K game?
According to many rankings, WWE 2K23 is considered one of the most, if not the most, successful WWE 2K games, followed closely by WWE 2K22 and WWE 2K14.
5. What WWE game has the best story mode?
The “Road to WrestleMania” mode from the Smackdown vs. Raw franchise is often cited as having the best story mode in a wrestling game. It offered unique storylines for each playable character.
6. Why is WWE 2K14 so good?
WWE 2K14 is praised for its massive roster, extensive game modes, and solid gameplay, making it a fan favorite. Many point to the “30 Years of WrestleMania” mode as a key highlight.
7. Is there blood in WWE 2K18?
Yes, blood can appear in WWE 2K18 during matches where weapons like chairs or sledgehammers are used. However, the amount of blood is typically limited due to the game’s rating.
8. How old is WWE 2K18?
WWE 2K18 was released on October 17, 2017.
9. Who is the highest-rated in WWE 2K18?
Roman Reigns is the highest-rated Superstar in WWE 2K18, with a rating of 95.
10. Should I buy WWE 2K19 or 2K20?
If you have to choose, WWE 2K19 is the better option compared to WWE 2K20. WWE 2K20 was plagued with bugs and gameplay issues upon release.
11. Is 2K19 better than 2K17?
Yes, 2K19 is a significant improvement over 2K17. The gameplay in 2K19 is smoother and more refined.
12. How long to beat WWE 2K18?
The main objectives in WWE 2K18 take around 25 hours to complete. Completionists can expect to spend around 55 hours.
13. Does WWE 2K18 have a career mode?
Yes, WWE 2K18 features a career mode called MyCareer, where you create your own Superstar and guide them to WWE stardom.
14. Is WWE 2K for kids?
WWE 2K games are generally considered suitable for older children and teenagers due to the violence and some suggestive content. Parental guidance is advised.
15. Does WWE 2K18 have Jeff Hardy?
Yes, Jeff Hardy is a playable character in WWE 2K18 as part of the Raw brand, available through the Enduring Icons Pack DLC.