Stepping into the squared circle once again, I’ve spent considerable time grappling with WWE 2K23 for the PlayStation 4. This review dives deep into the gameplay, features, and overall experience of this latest installment in the long-running wrestling franchise. Having played numerous wrestling games over the years, I had high expectations, and WWE 2K23, with its Model Number WWE 2K23 PS4, didn’t disappoint entirely, but it certainly had some surprising shortcomings.

WWE 2K23 boasts a comprehensive feature set. The standout is undoubtedly the John Cena Showcase mode, which meticulously recreates key moments from his illustrious career. The attention to detail in these matches is impressive, capturing the nuances of his style and the eras he dominated. MyGM mode offers a strategic layer of depth, allowing you to manage a wrestling brand, signing superstars, creating rivalries and striving for brand supremacy. Universe Mode continues to provide the ultimate sandbox for players to craft their own WWE storylines, complete with custom rosters, feuds and events.

Beyond these modes, the core gameplay mechanics have received a notable polish. The controls feel more responsive, and the grappling system, while still complex, is more intuitive than in previous iterations. The creation suite is also robust, allowing for extensive customization of superstars, arenas, and championships.

Performance-wise, WWE 2K23 on PS4 is a mixed bag. While the gameplay is generally smooth, I experienced occasional frame rate dips, particularly during high-intensity moments with multiple wrestlers in the ring. Loading times, thankfully, are fairly reasonable. Graphically, the game is a definite improvement over its predecessors, with improved character models and more detailed arenas. However, it’s not pushing the boundaries of PS4’s capabilities; expect some noticeable texture pop-in at times.

Online play was largely stable in my experience, although finding matches at times took a while, especially during off-peak hours. The online community appears to be vibrant, but occasional lag spikes can disrupt the flow of online matches.

Pros:

• Excellent John Cena Showcase mode
• Improved gameplay mechanics
• Robust MyGM and Universe Modes
• Enhanced graphics compared to previous titles
• Deep creation suite

Cons:

• Occasional frame rate drops
• Minor texture pop-in
• Online matchmaking can be slow
• Some control quirks remain.

Overall, WWE 2K23 for PlayStation 4 (WWE 2K23 PS4) delivers a satisfying wrestling experience, especially for long-time fans. While not perfect, the improvements to gameplay, the addition of the exceptional John Cena Showcase, and the robust creation tools outweigh the minor performance hiccups. If you’re a wrestling game enthusiast and a fan of John Cena, this is a must-have. However, if you’re expecting a flawless, graphically stunning experience, you might find yourself slightly disappointed.

My recommendation: A solid 8.5/10. It’s a considerable step forward for the franchise, though minor technical issues prevent it from achieving perfection.