Written by: Mark

 

 

 

In recent years I have been somewhat disillusioned with the direction (or lack of it) in which the WWE video game franchise has headed. Admittedly with each years release there has been new features and content yet it is the somewhat tired gameplay which has led me to wonder just what can be done to breathe life into the flagging formula.

 

Cut forward one year and guess what? Yes, we’re back with another WWE title, predictably called "WWE 13" with once again the promise of an even bigger and better experience. I for one hope so!

 

 

The one area in which any WWE game cannot really be criticised is with the vast array of content on offer whether this being in the superb amount of match types or impressive roster of wrestlers at your disposal from the outset or available as unlockables and WWE 13 does it’s very best to make this are more impressive, and succeeds!

 

Firstly the match types are staggering to say the least with every gimmick offered by the real life counterparts on offer. Secondly the roster of wrestlers has improved somewhat and features all of the popular current crop plus several others from previous eras whom feature heavily in the all new ‘Attitude Era’ Mode which replaces the pretty flawed ‘Road To Wrestlemania’ seen in previous years and allows the player to recreate the golden era of WWE gone by with their favourite superstars of yesteryear. This mode does seem to be a good inclusion and certainly brings a new aspect to proceedings which will make the game more appealing to longer term WWE fans as well as those who are newer to the brand.

 

 

Overall I have to say that the contents will certainly offer something to appeal to all and as a result does make the game pretty good value for money. However it will ultimately be judged on other aspects such as presentation and overall gameplay which it would be fair to say if these areas are not of an equal high standard then it becomes more of a mediocre offering rather than an essential purchase.

 

 

Another aspect which the WWE games have always excelled is in the presentation so it is no real surprise that WWE 13 maintains these high standards with the game looking and sounding like the real WWE world.

 

This is reflected in the incredibly detailed graphics as wrestlers look and move like their real life counterparts with in ring mannerisms pretty much spot on and introductions present. This, in combination with a solid soundtrack and decent (but repetitive) commentary makes the game have a highly polished feel which is very easy on the eye and makes the whole package on a par with many other sports titles released this year.

 

 

 

In recent years I have found the gameplay in WWE games to be getting rather tired to the point of me not really looking forward to the latest in the series however I am always willing to give them a fair crack each year in the hope that new inclusions can see new life breathed into the games.