I've been playing this weekly with my cousin in a 1v1 MyGm mode that we're several seasons into. The extra customization options they've added to MyGM have helped keep my favorite mode going strong for a second installment in a row.
Gameplay wise, the mechanics laid out in 2K22 are mostly the same, which is fine. But the series is already pivoting into some overly complicated shenanigans with the combo system. I don't find it very intuitive, and the mandatory usage of it in some narrative modes got real annoying.
Speaking of narrative, the John Cena Showcase sadly manages to be a downgrade from the Mysterio showcase in 22. I love the inventive angle on all the matches, and the finale it builds up to is a hilarious tribute to Cena's place in wrestling fandom. But why were the matches presented so wildly out of chronological order? And why didn't the historical footage during the matches have Cena providing contextual voice over like Rey did? The Showcase mode always felt like playing an interactive documentary. Here, it feels like playing an on-rails tutorial that's frequently interrupted by cutscenes.
Overall I'd say this ends up comparable in quality to 2K22. Everything that works keeps working, and the things that suck are on par with what dragged 22 down. At this point, future purchases are REALLY gonna hinge on some major expansions to the included modes.
Gameplay wise, the mechanics laid out in 2K22 are mostly the same, which is fine. But the series is already pivoting into some overly complicated shenanigans with the combo system. I don't find it very intuitive, and the mandatory usage of it in some narrative modes got real annoying.
Speaking of narrative, the John Cena Showcase sadly manages to be a downgrade from the Mysterio showcase in 22. I love the inventive angle on all the matches, and the finale it builds up to is a hilarious tribute to Cena's place in wrestling fandom. But why were the matches presented so wildly out of chronological order? And why didn't the historical footage during the matches have Cena providing contextual voice over like Rey did? The Showcase mode always felt like playing an interactive documentary. Here, it feels like playing an on-rails tutorial that's frequently interrupted by cutscenes.
Overall I'd say this ends up comparable in quality to 2K22. Everything that works keeps working, and the things that suck are on par with what dragged 22 down. At this point, future purchases are REALLY gonna hinge on some major expansions to the included modes.