WWE '13 Review

By Nathan Meunier

Subtle refinements and a great campaign boost WWE '13.

The Good

  • Improved reversal system makes matches incredibly enjoyable  
  • Excellent Attitude Era solo campaign  
  • A broad range of customization options.

The Bad

  • Still some minor visual bugs.

Ditching the SmackDown vs. Raw title, last year's WWE '12 gave the wrestling series a major overhaul with a fresh look, a new engine, and streamlined controls. While the much-needed reboot may have revitalized faith in the franchise, it still had some lingering problems that held it back from true greatness. WWE '13 isn't quite as revolutionary as its predecessor, but thanks to a superior campaign mode and tighter gameplay, it's drastically more enjoyable.

Unfortunately, The Great Khali's Bollywood career will have to wait.

Authentic ringside showdowns explode with all of the testosterone-laden bombast and roaring crowd enthusiasm of the real deal. Pyrotechnics, boisterous announcers, and grand entrance sequences do a great job of setting the stage for each brutal matchup. When it comes down to trading actual blows, WWE '13 sticks closely to last year's fast-paced formula, which is a good thing. The same simplified controls conveniently map strikes, grapples, Irish whips, and special moves to individual buttons, making it easy to pull off maneuvers and deliver awesome-looking move sequences without struggling to remember elaborate combos.

Your attack moves also vary depending on your position and how much punishment you've dealt to your opponent. Despite the fact you're a burly dude clobbering the snot out of other burly dudes, there's a certain grace to the ebb and flow of matches as the advantage shifts back and forth between wrestlers. The excitement builds once the sweat starts flying: wrestlers show injuries and fatigue, and the action ratchets up to its peak with wilder signature moves. New "Spectacular Moments" add to this frenzied energy by letting you dish out elaborate finishers like smashing opponents through the announcers' table, hurling them through barricades, and breaking the ring itself. They're a thrill to pull off, and make you feel even more badass than usual.

Most of the other wrestling gameplay improvements are subtle, but they make a real difference. WWE '13's action feels tighter and more cohesive than last year's revamp. Though not all of the visual bugs are squashed, there are far fewer problems that interrupt the flow of combat. Transitions between moves are animated more smoothly, and airborne maneuvers connect with greater precision, boosting the realism of matches. This is a big improvement from some of the more jarring visual transitions in last year's matches.

This time around the reversal system is a lot more forgiving too, which solves one of the more aggravating conundrums of WWE '12. You still need quick reflexes to time your blocks and turn opponents' attacks against them, but there's enough wiggle room now on the default settings that you won't feel like you're being put through the meat grinder the second you're caught unprepared--unless you want a steeper challenge, that is. When you do miss, an onscreen indicator tells you whether you're too early or too late, instead of leaving you frustrated and guessing as to why you're getting getting your face bashed in. This helps to improve your timing so you can better anticipate when your next opportunity to break your adversary's attack chain will arise.

Beyond the option to boost or reduce the overall difficulty, you can even dig into the nitty-gritty and fine-tune the effectiveness of AI reversals to suit your ability level. Toggling the "experience" level of each match can further adjust how much damage each move does, affecting how long matches last. These additional layers of optional flexibility go a long way towards boosting accessibility. Though there's plenty of challenge here for experienced wrestling game vets to chew on, WWE '13 is a great entry point for newcomers to the franchise.

WWE '13 isn't lacking in one-off options for those who want to jump right in and experiment with the different match types against the AI or human opponents. From backstage brawls and Royal Rumbles to cage matches and tag team bouts, there's a ton of variety to explore. A beefier range of creative options let you craft a massive amount of customized content--including unique wrestlers, moves, storylines, and entire stadiums--that can be used in online multiplayer matches without having to upload creations first. Even better, this content can be used in the returning managerial-heavy WWE Universe mode that lets you simulate or play entire seasons of SmackDown, Raw, and Pay-Per-View matches. With so many options available, it's tempting to sink months of time into crafting content and tackling matches before you even dive into the solo campaign's great main event.

In contrast to WWE '12's weak Road to Wrestlemania campaign, the excellent Attitude Era mode is a great replacement. It's one of the biggest improvements in WWE '13. Covering some of WWE's most notable matches, rivalries, and encounters from the Attitude Era (1997-1999), the new solo campaign is chock-full of audio and video clips culled from wrestling's historical archives. Nostalgia factor aside, some pretty rocking showdowns are found in the lengthy run of matches divided into character-focused chunks. These matches have you playing as a rotating group of wrestlers, including Shawn Michaels, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mankind, The Undertaker, and more, as they tackle some of the most epic encounters of the period. While most matches in the campaign let you win by pinfall or submission, mostly optional historical objectives for each showdown spice things up, and completing them unlocks bonus goodies like extra matches, special outfits, arenas, championships, and wrestlers.

Considering the franchise's annual nature and the fact that last year brought such a huge overhaul to the series, it's not a surprise that WWE '13 doesn't innovate as substantially as its predecessor. It feels like the same game in many ways, but lots of subtle tweaks help make up for the shortcomings in WWE '12. The small refinements add up, particularly when rounded out by the handful of bigger additions. The stellar Attitude Era campaign alone alone is a huge draw, and if you're a longtime avid wrestling enthusiast. WWE '13 is a big step in the right direction.

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Undertaker575 5 pts

what exactly is the attitude era campaign, does it feature storylines other than the ones that happened in real life??

xElite_GameRx 5 pts

does anyone know if this game lets you use your created wrestlers in universe mode and play their matches too?

bunty_007 5 pts

just downloaded it from torrent... now going to step in the ring :P after a long time.... can you smell it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

X_Johnny_Rage_X 6 pts

Who reviewed this? Seriously WWE 12 received a new game engine and improved graphics with a few tweaks here and there (collision detection) but for the most part it felt like the next game after WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2011 then a brand new game. They were setting up a foundation with last year and this year they have only added to it without removing anything (like they used to do in past years). This game should've got a much better rating (I'm also looking at you IGN) because they did exactly what they were supposed to. Make a good wrestling game into a great one. People are going to bitch about little things that didn't make it into the game (I myself am a long time critic) but I have to say that this year topples last years by leaps and bounds and in my opinion is the best game since WWE SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain.

DeadManRollin 13 pts

I loved WWE12, mostly for a much needed return towards the gameplay and control scheme of Know Your Role (one button for counters). Good to see the game sticking to it. Can't wait to get this!

Caduceus89 39 pts

The ability create my own wrestler and watch him take part in the antics of the show (via season mode) was a big reason why I used to buy wrestling games. They haven't done that well since 2006.

ratedr89 36 pts

well, i am kind of surprised that GS actually give 8.0, because i was expecting GS will give either 6 or 7 , but so far i really enjoy the game good job on WWE13 crew but universe mode need to improve more

CrippleLady 8 pts

I don't like this game it is not violent enough not like MMA.

adrian_cortez94 40 pts

wow, this is actually a good game. definitely a huge step up from wwe 12, and that attituted era campaign is a great addition.

Murj 5 pts

So glad this review is finally up. I normally agree with a lot of GS reviews and as a long-time wrestling fan this game was going to end up in my collection anyway but now I'm looking forward to it that much more. I don't know what it is about IGN, they get stuff done on time but it always feels so formulaic and greasy. Great review.

trivolution 18 pts

I agree with the review.  it's different from reviews in Halo, Cod, battlefield etc. besides, I've been a gamer and i beaten a lot of games (made a list too), reviews should be mostly about fun factor and WWE '13 defines fun to play with friends online or not.

king_quaps 30 pts

I don't get why this era of WWE games is said to have better controls than the SvR era. I found SvR 2011 to be much more intuitive. That said, the actual content of the game is spot on and I'm glad I got it.

gbus316 73 pts

I will buy this game. I grew up during the Attitude Era and, despite being a fairly intelligent guy, it meant a lot to me. Looking forward to hearing the silence being torn by 'If you smeeeeeelllllllllllll'

jookiyaya 28 pts

This game is LOADS of fun. If you play the table match, you can stack TWO tables on top of each other, and if you set it just right, you can then suplex your opponent off the turnbuckles out of the ring INTO the TWO tables for some destructive 'Oomph'!! Or if want, you can lean steel ladders onto the turnbuckles and body slam them to snap them in half, OR you can even set the steel ladders wedged into the turnbuckles and throw them for satisfying PAIN lol! Same thing you can lean tables or stack TWO tables IN the ring, anything your wicked mind can think of its just amazing. I had so much fun i didnt know hours passed. I havent had this much fun since Smackdown on PS1! Hehe anyways, thats my story in a nutshell~ Cheers ^_^

TheologicVs 99 pts

Not gonna lie, it looks like fun with friends yet entirely unimpressive. The fights look really goofy and unrealistic, even for professional wrestling. Games in general need to step it up. I feel like games have barely gotten better since 2007. 

CoRiNi 10 pts

 TheologicVs but... but... unrealistic fights are the most realistic thing on the game. if you know what I mean.

suffering-evil 37 pts

this game is definetly a big boost from last year, even though I havent played a wrestling game in a few years I had a blast with a few other friends just this past friday playing.  Gamespot is on point with the review, the glitches do hamper a bit the visual and sometimes the action it self which is why this game can't get over a 9 but I grade this at least 8.5 over the fact of fun on its own, so with the campaign being so good, yeah I'll give 8.5-9.0 tops

naryanrobinson 470 pts

Looks alright, I think it will take  lot more than this to get me to play wrestling games again though.

That was a whiiiiile ago now.

frazzz619 17 pts

Hmm i predicted a 4.0 - 5.0

 

If they release a patch to fix the major bugs it may be worth a purchase. Attitude Era was a great idea, I think WWE 14 should focus on the 'Invasion' Era shortly afterwards and have all the WCW / ECW wrestlers make an appearance.

 

Or they could go further back and have Golden Age with Hulk, Andre and all those guys.

Cliffy_T 8 pts

Even though I hate WWE I might rent this game for the Attitude Era mode.  That was when WWE was at it's best.  Before it started getting stale and pushing lame, talentless hacks like John Cena.  Since I haven't watched it in years I won't know who half the guys.  So I'll be sticking with some of the older guys and also CM Punk.  Cause he's pretty awesome.  Surprised they haven't buried him in favor of someone twice his size and a quarter as talented.

king_quaps 30 pts

 Cliffy_T Yeah, I don't think anyone other than American patriot nut jobs actually like Cena. In fact, I can't remember where, but there's somewhere they won't put him on the bill because he'd get booed. Jericho and CM Punk are ace though.

frazzz619 17 pts

 king_quaps  Cliffy_T 

 

I think Cena is meant to be marketed towards the 8-14 boys range. It's such a PG brand now. Characters like Austin or teams like DX would seem too hardcore now for the WWE.

Harrydapro 124 pts

They're still releasing these games? o.O

The_FinalDOT 11 pts

 Harrydapro I like that kind of game, specially to play with friends, it's a game where you laugh a lot.

Ferg1213 78 pts

Assassins Creed is only .5 more than this? Phh... Really losing faith in Gamespot to be honest!

MajinSquall 87 pts

 Ferg1213  the scores i don't mind after all the games are judged by the other games they have to compete with and this and AC3 are two completely different genres so can't really be compared what's making me lose faith in gamespot is the fact they seam to have lost their neutrality all they seam to do is focus on the xbox 360 now (like this game the PS3 version doesn't even have a review score) it only started after they merged with Gamespot US and AU

 

anyone know any decent gaming websites? 

The_FinalDOT 11 pts

 MajinSquall  Ferg1213 Man, that's not really something easy to compare. It depends a lot from the "game preference" of each reviewer AND readers.

Gamespot it's not also different from sites like Eurogamers or IGN (although I think they're a little more impartial).

naryanrobinson 470 pts

 MajinSquall They pick one version to get a review out as quick as possible.

They pick the platform which corresponds to the most popular section of their website, in this case, the 360 page.

Why do you think because they push the 360 review out first that means they're not reviewing the games properly?  And if that's not what you're saying, then is it really worth complaining about?

Stevenuccj 44 pts

 MajinSquall  Ferg1213 Gamespot.com is pretty good.  

hella_epic 341 pts

 Ferg1213 stupidest post i have ever seen *facepalm*

mav_destroyer 560 pts

 Ferg1213 Don't compare scores from different games together, it will rarely make any sense. AC III got 8.5 compared to previous AC games considering the improvements they made in the latest game.

 

And WWE 13 got its 8.0 compared to the previous titles in the franchise which were getting old and repetitive. WWE 13 seems to have used a revamped system thus giving the franchise a nice refresher.

 

Both scores (8.5 and 8.0) are still good scores and you only have to play your favorite title and enjoy it.

frazzz619 17 pts

 Ferg1213 What has Assassins Creed got to do with wrestling. Oh...absolutely nothing.

Stevenuccj 44 pts

 Ferg1213 Once again, the ratings are not the end-all.  People stop obsessing over a f*cking number and read/watch the reviews.  

king_quaps 30 pts

 Ferg1213 I really enjoy this game but I find AC a bit tedious.

SkamArtist 172 pts

 Ferg1213 Two different genre of games. It's like apples and oranges. That's like comparing Angry Birds and GTA IV.

gbus316 73 pts

Disappointed by the lack of video review. Now I have to read...like some chump

TaintedMindz 57 pts

The Attitude Era campaign alone makes this game worth buying. It's long and very enjoyable. WWE Universe still needs a little bit of tweaking though. One other small complaint I had was they cut off the latter half of the Attitude Era for some reason (probably felt it was long enough).

blaqphantom 6 pts

good review i agreed i loathed wwe 12 imo 5-6 out of 10 but im suprised that im really enjoying this years game id give it an 7-8 out of 10 think its got to do with the great solo campaign, reversals arent so hard and the roster is excellent.

charles1432juli 6 pts

can u carry more then one belt at a time to the matches

 

 

bahamut_au 53 pts

Still using the same animations from 10 years ago - fail.

NickPunt636 17 pts

 bahamut_au That's because WWE is regurgitating the same BULLSHIT "plot twists" they have been for the last 20 years... Great for 10y/o boys, but once you grow up you realise it's a bunch of poorly acted, poorly faked "fighting"... Just personal opinion, but not the basis for a good game. 

king_quaps 30 pts

 NickPunt636  bahamut_au Its just a fighting game at the end of the day. Just because you feel confused about your feelings toward oiled up men in tights, don't bitch about the game.

NickPunt636 17 pts

 king_quaps  bahamut_au Thank you... So clever. But I guess personal opinion is frowned upon here. My point is it's not exactly a good fighting game... in myopinion that is.

charles1432juli 6 pts

can you have more then belt at a tim

tightwad34 535 pts

I would love to get into a wrestling game again, but I don't think I will be able to with all the other games coming. I can't remember what it was called, but I had a blast with one of the WWE games for the N64.

Biggs613 164 pts

 tightwad34 WWF No Mercy was on the N64 which was awesome, back when THQ knew how to make a decent wrestling game.

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Game Emblems

The Good

User Reviews

  1. A blast too play great multiplayer and I only played 6 hours.

  2. The Attitude Era mode makes for the best WWE game to date since WWF No Mercy. This is the best game under WWE's belt.

WWE '13

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