WWE 2k15

[ndqw]

This will probably be the first WWE game I won't buy, unless I find it for 10 bucks somewhere.

[New Damage]

I don't think that the PS3/360 generation lasted any longer than it needed, or any longer than any other generation, to be honest.

The PS1 was released in 1994 I believe, but probably general widespread ownership occurred by about 1996, and then the PS2 came out in about 2000 and becoming widespread in 2001, with the PS1 drying out in 2002? Then the PS3 was released the end of 2006/early 2007, widespread by the end of 2007/2008 and PS2 drying up in about 2008. So now the PS4 was released in 2013, and widespread adoption will probably happen at Xmas this year, and I imagine the stream of PS3 releases will slow up in 2015.

To me at least, it just seems like the average 7 year cycle. I guess it could seem longer if you're a Xbox user, as the original Xbox came out a little later than PS2 if I remember right, and then the 360 came out end of 2005 about a year before PS3, but Playstation has been pretty regular in it's releases.

[Noah]

I'm in two minds about getting this.

I'm nowhere near ready to move to the next generation. I still have a ton of games of PS3 games to play through and PC games as well(not to mention multiple TV Season Box sets to watch) and that will keep me going entertainment wise for so long as to not make it worthwhile spending $500 on a new console that I don't have so much time to dedicate to. Also if I did buy one, it'd have to go where the PS3 is and that'd mean packing the PS3 away which I wont do until I finally get through the pile 'o games.

On the other hand I haven't bought a WWE game since WWE 12. So perhaps with Sting and various improvements to the series since WWE 12 it may still be worth getting.

If only there was proper backwards compatibility. Then i could just get a PS4, buy a few essential games for it and continue to play through the pile of PS3 games..

[Roster Depth Sicko No. 2]

Found an interview with Jared 2K, the Community Manager, over on Smackdown Hotel.

Jared 2K, Community Manager for WWE Games, responded to a few questions from the fans on the official 2K forums. Here are his answers:

About John Cena Screenshot:

Yes, that is an actual, in-game screenshot using developer screenshot tools (just like all the 2K14 screenshots you see us post on Twitter/FB). It was taken during gameplay, so it's not during an entrance or cut-scene or anything like that. The lighting, the depth-of-field, the light reflecting off the ropes.. it's 100% legit in-game.

The really cool thing? It gets better. While this screenshot is impressive, it also doesn't get into the insane details of the character models. The advantage of both facial and body scans really comes through when you start noticing details about these people that you ordinarily take for granted, from bone structure to pigment variation to moles.. It's super nuts and it'll be a lot of fun to dissect each coming screenshot for these types of details.

To that end, one detail that stands out to me here is John's veins. They're always very clear during a match, especially that squiggly one that goes down his right arm. You can see those here and rendered accurately, where in the past its always just been little highlights here and there. It's crazy.

Q: Awesome points here Jared. I'm actually curious as to how the crowd looks?

Much better, actually! If you've seen the crowds in NBA 2K14 then you'll have some idea of what to expect. The movement is more organic with everyone moving at different timings. If models are repeated they're at least wearing something totally different. Variations in genders and sizes. MORE SIGNS! It's not mega mindblowing, but man is it ever a step up.

Q: Can you tell us if there are plans of releasing a last gen (X360/PS3) screenshot or anything like that?

Of course, but I believe that may not come until after IGN First. For those sticking with Xbox 360 and PS3, we'll definitely have some unique reasons for you to pick up this year's game.

Q: I'm just wondering by seeing this awesome screenshot, does this mean that the superstars entrances are more realistic by any chance and is there anything improved to them?

Entrances are definitely improved and are more accurate. Some of this comes from the superior visuals and lighting, and others simply from improved camera work. There are some new details under the hood in regards to how the camera can be manipulated by the developers. For example, during John Cena's entrance, when it sweeps over the crowd during the opening chords of his theme, it feels a bit more authentic. You get a sense that it's actually being operated by a crane and not just "its a video game so it moves how it wants." It's subtle but it helps it feel more true to life.

And since we've more or less revealed Randy Orton with his butt, here's another example. You know how during his entrance, there's that huge strobe light that turns on and fills the arena with each guitar riff? That looks utterly spectacular in WWE 2K15. With the new lighting engine Randy gains a natural back-light. It reflects off the ramp and the barricades, his shoulders and highlights his silhouette. It looks and feels just like it does in real life in a way that's very natural and, well.. not video-gamey. Needless to say, it is very, very cool.

Q: Did the guys at 2K scan the superstars for their entrances or is it similar to how entrances were made in the past?

I would say similar to in the past. We're lucky to have some of the Superstars MoCap their entrances (I was there for Cesaro, actually!), but others are performed by actors. The 2K motion capture facility itself is fantastic. As the actors are performing they get visual and audio queues. They have instant access to both video of the actual Superstars as well as their own performance. Everyone on the roster got new entrances so you'll see improvements there for sure.

Q: Could you possibly tell us anything about the Divas in the game?? Any hint or something about their look in the current-gen or if finally Diva fans are gonna be happy with the ammount of them in the game??

They look a lot better (obviously), but especially so on Xbox 360 and PS3. They definitely got the attention they deserve and you'll see some very dramatic differences between 2K14 and 2K15 with the Divas. You'll be hearing about the Divas come Summerslam along with the rest of the roster.

Q: It seems odd to me that there are only 2 rivalries unless they incorporate a lot of different superstars or something. That doesn't seem like much so maybe feuds that include a lot of people like Sting and nWo make more sense.

There's a lot of content within the two rivalries that'll be available in WWE 2K15. Not only do they contain a lot of matches, but additional, high-quality video content as well. There's a few other little tricks that you'll learn about soon. The best way to think about it is the 2K Showcase is similar to the single-player content you've seen in previous years, only much higher quality.

[TheWho87]

[King Ellis]

Where's our blurry shot of maybe one half of John Cena's ass? We need parity!

[Bobfoc]

They've got Orton's sort-of-arrogant-sort-of-confused look nailed down.

[Nikki]

I mean they look better but both Cena and Orton are looking really weird with the eyes.

[RoyWill Rumble]

Mind = fucking blown. Jesus, this game looks good.

[Lineker]

[Baddar]

The 14 screen actually looks good until you see the comparison.

[Roster Depth Sicko No. 2]

Jesus Christ that is one stark contrast.

[Avenged Probably]

Ffs, may be needing a new console sooner than expected :/

[JasonM]

The thing that has blown my mind the most, the fine details on Cena's belt.

[Roster Depth Sicko No. 2]

All the clothes look a million times better; but the general attention to detail is astounding. The veins in his arms, the far superior lighting effects, even the way the ropes and the arena look behind - I thought the picture looked good before, but the comparison really highlights the step up.

[Walker]

I can deal with Lurch as played by John Cena if the gameplay actually looks that detailed.

[TCO]

I got WWE 2K14 dirt cheap on PSN and I must've only played it like 5 times. These games never hold my attention for long anymore and just get a bit boring. Hopefully this changes with 2K's first full effort.

Those screenshots are astounding though.

[JasonM]

I got WWE 2K14 dirt cheap on PSN and I must've only played it like 5 times. These games never hold my attention for long anymore and just get a bit boring. Hopefully this changes with 2K's first full effort.

Those screenshots are astounding though.

I'm really wondering how the career will be. The old WWE's had my attention because they had a career mode to play with with storylines around you.

[Gabriel]

I prefer the idea of Universe mode to any of the careers that we've had in the WWE series, barring maybe No Mercy and Here Comes the Pain... but they just haven't been able to make it work properly. Universe was just so broken, that even though I wanted to play it, it just wasn't worth the hassle.

[Meacon Keaton]

I honestly really loved the General Manager mode. A buddy and I would draft our rosters and play against one another for hours on end.

Anybody remember what the last SD vs. RAW had that mode? I may look into getting that for cheap.