“In the beginning one man had a vision. It began here and it would change our world”. This is the line that introduces you to the world of WWE 2K14 and is synonymous with the grandest stage of them all, Wrestlemania. The game promises to give players a true homage to the epic event as it allows you to experience some of the most epic moments in wrestling history. But one question remains, is this game worthy enough to be crowned a champion? Let us step into the ring and find out.

Instead of going for a driven narrative this time round, featuring an array of superstars from both Raw and Smackdown, players are given a history lesson in the form of ’30 Years of Wrestlemania’ mode. In this game mode, wrestling fans will be able to take part in some of the most iconic matches from every Wrestlemania leading up to Wrestlemania XXIX (29). In these matches you will be able to play as a variety of superstars, from the gigantic Andre the Giant to the’ Macho Man’ Randy Savage. The game mode is then split into different eras, where new superstars are introduced for you to unlock. In order to unlock the new superstars, arenas, attires and even championship belts you have to complete all the match criteria. This criteria displays what you need to do to your opponent in order to recreate some of the iconic Wrestlemania moments.

Many iconic matches, including Hulk Hogan vs The Rock at Wrestlemania X8

This game mode is really well constructed. Every match will come with a complete over view of the story leading up to the confrontation. In some cases you will be given a video package showcasing the rivalry. The matches themselves can differ, from a body slam match between Big John Studd and Andre the Giant to an extreme rules match with Edge and Mick Foley. The Wrestlemania moments match up as best they can to the actual match, with some differences here and there to cater to a more gameplay orientated feel. An interesting touch is that some of these moments use the actual matches audio, so you will be hearing the wrestlers as if you were watching the event live on TV. With all these good points, how can the game mode possibly be bad? Well, now it is time to burst the bubble.

The models for the wrestlers are really surprising and put into question whether 2K did change any models or not. You have some great models like Undertaker and Triple H but then have some really bad models of Mick Foley and Hulk Hogan. It was obvious that not much were done with models supplied from the previous games. It looks as if there was no drive to improve the quality of the models and make them look more like their real life counter parts. Instead we are given revamped models from the previous games with different attires. Although I am a fan of the attire additions and all the unlockable contents, if the wrestler models do not look accurate then it stands out.

Another bad point to bring up is the condition of some of the games animations. Most of them are really good and are even improved from previous wrestling titles. However there are some animations that are incredibly dated. Even dating back as far as Smackdown vs Raw 2006. This is a shame to see as it is obvious which animations are new and which ones are really old.

Great to see the return of legendary superstars like ‘The Macho Man’ Randy Savage

Going back to game modes, we are also graced with a mode that takes you into the world of the Undertaker. Here you will be able to either go into ‘Beat the Streak’ or ‘Defend the Streak’ modes. Beat the Streak allows you to choose any superstar from your unlocked roster to face the dead man at Wrestlemania. The AI is the hardest in the entire game and the character can even perform unique moves to counter and finish you off. This is an addictive mode as it truly tests your skills in the game. Even if you lose to the streak holder, your given a score and it is placed on a weekly leaderboard for you to compare. The other mode, Defend the Streak, puts players into the shoes of the Undertaker as you keep going against opponents in a survival style match. The mode ends when you are pinned or submitted, so it is a test to see how long you can last. The more opponents you defeat, the tougher and smarter the AI becomes.

By far, these are the two most iconic modes in the game. Along with 30 Years of Wrestlemania, you will have plenty of replay ability here alone. With unlockable content, the urge to defeat a legend and the chance to be number one in the world, many players will continuously go back to complete these challenges to 100% completion.

The other content to bring up surround the new customisation options. Create a superstar is back and better than ever as you will now be able to use active superstars as templates to either create your own wrestler or make a brand new attire. Custom threads returns too as you can customise existing wrestlers colour schemes. Ideal if you want to turn the dark and edgy Undertaker into a pink wearing pain train. You can also fully customise every wrestlers move set, create your own finishing moves and, as a returning feature, you will be able to create your own championship belts. Perfect for anyone wanting to start up a fantasy league.

Although you have a lot of customisation and can even customise arenas, you cannot this time create your own intro video. This was a big shame to remove as this made your superstars creation process complete. You had your ideal design, perfect move set, custom finishers, intro animations and theme and then your own unique titantron video. Without this option, the creation process of your superstar will be lacking, especially if you want to create a fully fledged show of custom wrestlers. It may be a small removal, but it completed the package.

The Rock my be electrifying, but this game is not the most electrifying in the WWE library

Overall, WWE2K14 is a game that is solely targeted at wrestling fans. With updated rosters, legendary superstars, great game modes and a new customising options, the game feels incredibly solid. The lack of updated character models and animations as well as the removal of some customisation content is a blow to the game as it still looks old, especially on the eve of the next generation. On an added note, difficulty can spike heavily for new players that are not used to the controls, so you can go through an entire match without being able to reverse a single move. If you can look past those points, then this is the game for you. Nothing but classic WWE goodness.

What do you think of WWE2K14? Do you want to crown it king of the gaming ring or do you want it out of your roster? Let us know what you think in the comments below and be sure to share your iconic Wrestlemania moments in the VGU Forums.