'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
WWE 2k18 will be a landmark release for 2K Games as well as for fans of WWE video games as for the first time since the publisher acquired the licensing to produce and release WWE video games in 2013, we will see the debut of a new physics/game engine. A lot of promises have been made by the publisher but we will have to wait and see if they can deliver on at least most of them. Thankfully we won't have to wait too long since the game officially releases on October 17, 2017, on PS4, and Xbox One with a Switch release scheduled for Fall 2017 which will presumably be followed by a PC/Windows release in Q1 of 2018.
#1 The player will be able to roam freely in MyCareer mode
One of the biggest new additions to the WWE 2k18 is the ability to free roam as you please in the backstage areas of what should be the Performance Centre, in the beginning, and later NXT or one of the two main roster brand; RAW and SmackDown.
This should add a new dimension to rising up the card as a struggling Superstar who was just signed by the WWE and there is no doubt that the game mode that is meant to be a simulation of how it feels to be a WWE Superstar will be more immersive and enjoyable because of it. Let's just hope they let us receive missions or quests from WWE Superstars akin to the Tony Hawk games for example; it won't be an expansive open world like other games of generation but any freedom in terms of gameplay is more than welcome if you ask me.
#2 You can create and modify your own match format
The WWE games have been lacking a very integral part of Pro-Wrestling; something that makes every show so diverse: the ability to set up your own matches with your own rules. For example; before this, we couldn't have set up a 4-Man or 6-Man Elimination Tag Match or have a No Disqualifications Iron Man Match if we wanted to.
Thankfully, WWE 2k18 will now allow users to choose their own regulations for each match and tweak the stipulations. We'll be able to set up that perfect dream match that we always wanted to see! On a similar note, don't be surprised to see a few more Gimmick Matches like the Punjabi Prison Match added to the list this time around.
#3 Have better Multi-Man Matches
One of the biggest issues with WWE 2k17 was that you couldn't have more than six Superstars in the ring at any given point. This made Fatal-Four Way Tag Team Matches impossible as well as having big Money in the Bank style matches. 2K has finally increased that number to eight although, with current gen hardware, one would assume that we could have at least ten or twelve people in the ring at the same time.
Another big addition is the quick elimination feature that is being added to the Royal Rumble match. You can now be able to catch an opponent by surprise and eliminate him in one swift move. Also added to the game will be more diverse ways to eliminate your opponents; according to 2K.
#4 Play competitively against friends online
With the addition of the new "Road to Glory" mode, 2K have revealed that there will be an online story mode where you choose your fighting style and compete against other real players to qualify for WWE Pay-Per-Views. 2K has stayed very secretive about this feature till now but it would be a good addition to the game, given that it is properly fleshed out.
It's surprising that WWE games never really had proper online multiplayer but I guess the best way to play the game with friends is to sit on the couch next to them. Similar games like UFC has had online multiplayer in the past and to see it finally come to 2K's WWE games would be a welcome change.
#5 Accomplish 'Superstar Goals'
WWE 2K18 will have a Superstar Goals feature where while playing as any Superstar in the WWE Universe, the character will have specific goals to accomplish as you take the story forward. The goals will obviously be unique to each Superstar and this will inspire players to use more than just their favorite character throughout the game. I myself am guilty of just playing as AJ Styles in 2k17 but this feature will hopefully prevent that.
All things considered, 2K's approach of adding a handful of features with every iteration of the franchise seems to be working out for now and this year's installment promises the most number of new features till date. We will find out in about two weeks, exactly how much has changed with WWE 2k18.
