WWE 2K18 Review: A Fun But Flawed Sandbox

Christian Hoffer, November 'Year' - 4:50 PM EST

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For years now, the WWE 2K series has been trying to outdo itself with each new installment. While some may argue that success is truly measured by sales alone, others might point towards how well these games capture the essence of professional wrestling as an art form.

WWE 2KO18 takes on this challenge headfirst; available now for PS4, Xbox One, and PC exclusively to fans who pre-ordered (and trust me folks - you should've jumped at that chance), with a general release date set for October 17th. Will WWE 2K18 finally deliver what wrestling faithfuls have been clamoring for?

Upon first glance, it's clear developer Visual Concepts has taken inspiration from other popular sandbox games like Grand Theft Auto IV and Saints Row II when creating the game world of WWE 2K18. The result is an immersive experience that immerses you right into the thick of things - literally speaking, as you'll spend most (if not all) your time mucking about in various environments ranging from inside arenas to outside parking lots.

Gameplay-wise, there aren't any earth-shattering changes here compared to previous titles. You still control one or two wrestlers at a time through an assortment of button-mashing combos and finishing moves that feel more like glorified quick-time events than actual wrestling mechanics. Don't get me wrong though; it's fun - especially when executed perfectly during intense matches against AI opponents who always seem hell-bent on ruining your perfect victory.

Where WWE 2K18 truly falters lies within its presentation departmental areas however. Graphically speaking, the game doesn't quite live up to modern standards - character models look like they've been ripped straight out of a PS3 era title while textures and lighting effects are equally as lackluster overall. Even worse though? Poorly executed physics that make even simple actions such as throwing an opponent into a nearby wall feel more akin to hitting a ragdoll than actual human flesh.

But despite these major issues holding it back, WWE 2K18 still manages to deliver plenty of entertainment value thanks largely due in part to its extensive roster which includes all your favorite current and past Superstars (yes - that's what they're called here folks). From legends like Stone Cold Steve Austin to modern stars such as Brock Lesnar, every single man (and woman) is represented across multiple modes including Exhibition matches, Career mode where you can create your own wrestler and work their way up the ranks from obscurity into superstardom status; SmackDown vs. Raw style tag-team action; plus much more.

All told then - while WWE 2K18 may not be perfect by any stretch of the imagination (and trust me, it definitely has its fair share of problems), fans of professional wrestling will still find plenty to love here regardless of whether they're hardcore enthusiasts or just casual fans looking for some light-hearted fun during down times. Just don't expect too much in terms of graphical fidelity - but hey, you can always turn off those pesky graphics settings and focus on what really matters: bodyslamming your opponents into oblivion.

Score: 6 out of 10

Recommended For Fans Of:

- Professional Wrestling Enthusiasts

- Sandbox Game Lovers

- Fans Looking for Light-hearted Fun

Wwe 2k18 review