WWE 2K14 arrives on PS3 and X360 as the latest wrestling game from the company behind the series, and it lands with mixed results. The game is a step forward in some areas, notably presentation and career mode, while it stumbles in others, especially in online play and replay value. This review breaks down the strengths and weaknesses across the roster, modes, and technical performance, drawing on a mix of firsthand playthroughs and external critical coverage.
Trailer, via WWE.
The Roster and Presentation
The roster in WWE 2K14 is large and deep, spanning current roster stars alongside classic performers. Superstars are rendered with new face scans, giving them a fresh look that separates this release from its predecessor. The commentary team delivers solid, if occasionally repetitive, lines, and the presentation holds together well during matches and backstage sequences.
What stands out is the effort put into character portraits and ring entrances. Each performer carries a distinct visual identity, from their signature gear to their walk to the ring. The backstage areas are detailed, with locker rooms and interview spots that feel lived-in rather than empty set dressing.
Career Mode
Career mode is where WWE 2K14 shows its best ambition. Players can build a custom wrestler from scratch, choosing height, weight, facial features, and a host of movesets. The mode tracks progress through wins, losses, and story missions tied to rivalries and feuds. It offers a longer path than most other games in the genre, with branching choices that affect how a career develops.
The pacing can drag in the middle stretch, with long periods between matches feeling less engaging than the early setup. Still, the depth on offer gives serious players plenty to sink time into. Career mode is the heart of the game, and it is built around the idea of building something from nothing, letting players shape their own wrestler’s path through the industry.
Storyline and Feud Missions
The storyline missions are a highlight of WWE 2K14. These scripted events pit players against rivals in matches with stakes attached, from winning a contract to gaining a championship shot. The writing leans on familiar wrestling tropes, but the presentation is strong, with cutscenes and voiceover adding context to each encounter.
These missions break up the standard match format, offering variety in how a career progresses. They also reward engagement, since completing them grants bonuses that can be spent on upgrades. This system gives players a reason to engage with the narrative, rather than treating it as optional filler.
Match Variety and Modes
The core match types in WWE 2K14 cover standard singles, tag team, and hardcore bouts. Additional modes include exhibition matches, tournament play, and a season mode that simulates a full wrestling calendar. The selection is broad, though some modes feel thin on content compared to the main career path.
The hardcore mode stands out, offering a chaotic style that rewards aggression over precision. Exhibition matches are a simple way to test skills against friends or the AI. Season mode adds a sense of progression, simulating the full calendar of a wrestling year.
Technical Performance
On PS3 and X360, WWE 2K14 runs at a stable frame rate, though it dips during busy sequences involving multiple wrestlers. Load times are generally quick, which helps keep the flow of a career session intact. The game handles input well, with controls responding cleanly during strikes, throws, and submissions.
There are occasional hitches. Some matches suffer from slowdown during high-energy exchanges, and the camera can struggle to keep pace with fast-moving action. None of these issues are severe enough to derail a match entirely, but they are noticeable during extended play sessions. The frame-rate dips are most pronounced during moments when several wrestlers are active on screen at once, which can disrupt the flow of a match.
Online Play and Replay Value
Online multiplayer is a weak spot for WWE 2K14. Matches over the internet are inconsistent, with lag affecting timing and decision-making. There is no dedicated spectator mode, which limits how matches can be shared or reviewed. The lack of a spectator mode removes a feature present in other games in the genre.
Replay value is modest outside career mode. Standard matches repeat the same motions, and the lack of a robust single-player campaign means players who finish the career mode may find little reason to return. The absence of a spectator mode compounds this issue, since it would otherwise provide a way to share matches with friends online.
Sound Design and Music
The sound design in WWE 2K14 is functional rather than exceptional. Commentary is clear and well-synced with on-screen action, though it can become repetitive after extended play. The music selection draws from current WWE playlists, with theme songs and entrance cues delivered accurately.
None of it reaches the level of standout audio design found in other sports games. It does its job without calling attention to itself.
Critical Reception
External critical coverage of WWE 2K14 points to a game that splits opinion. Reviewers noted the improvements in presentation and career mode depth, while also flagging the online issues and limited replay value. The score reflects a game that delivers a solid wrestling experience but falls short in areas that matter most to competitive players.
Here is how the critical reception breaks down:
- Presentation: praised for new face scans and detailed character models
- Career mode: highlighted for depth and branching choices
- Online play: singled out for lag and inconsistent connectivity
- Sound: described as clear but unremarkable
- Replay value: called modest outside the career path
The Bottom Line
WWE 2K14 is a competent entry in the wrestling genre, stronger in presentation and career mode than in online play and replay value. The roster is large, the career mode is ambitious, and the storyline missions add a layer of engagement that most games in the genre lack.
It is not a perfect game. Online multiplayer struggles, and the lack of spectator mode limits how matches can be enjoyed with others. For players looking for a deep, engaging career experience, WWE 2K14 delivers. For those who want polished online competition or endless replay options, it falls short.
The score for WWE 2K14 is 7.3 of 10.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.
