WWE 2K14 seeks to step up the wrestling experience for longtime fans of the series, and new publisher Take-Two wants to see the game be a big success right out the gate.
The game certainly has potential to be a breakout game in the series, and the newest feature added to the game, 30 Years of Wrestlemania, has the potential to bring fans the single-player experience they have been waiting for.
IGN has the inside scoop on the mode, which will task players with recreating 45 of the biggest matches in Wrestlemania history. So far only three classic matches have been confirmed: Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania 3, The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania 18, and The Rock vs. John Cena at Wrestlemania 28. Considering that there are over 40 more matches that will be part of the experience, there should be quite the collection of classic matches and moments that players will be able to recreate.
Of course, with the announcement of this new mode, it is expected that the list of WWE legends will expand to fill 30 years of Wrestlemania history. However, it has been confirmed by creative director Cory Ledesma that the current roster for the WWE will be included in the game in full, with the game having one of largest rosters in the game's history. The full roster, including what wrestling legends will be a part of the game, will be announced this Saturday, August 17, at SummerSlam Axxess. Axxess is the special preshow for fans before major pay per views, and Saturday's event is to give fans a special treat before the actual Summerslam pay per view the following day.
Developer Yukes is working hard to make each match in 30 Years of Wrestlemania as close as they can to the original matches. The developer will recreate the crowds and arenas that were part of the event, as well as using classic screen effects and era-specific qualities to make the matches look like the real thing. Several matches in this new mode will also have custom made video highlights put together by the WWE to help players understand the history behind the matches.
While only three matches in the 30 Years of Wrestlemania have been announced so far, the roster announcement set for later this week should show fans what to expect from the game mode. WWE 2K14 is set to be released on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 October 29.