2K has finally decided to play “Show and Tell” with WWE2K19, and after a long period of fairly sparse information releases, the floodgates have opened. The full roster has been revealed, the DLC details are out and the first information about Career Mode and WWE Universe Mode are also out. So, Let’s dive in with what we knew already.

 

WWE2K19 will release on October 9^th for the Playstation 4, Microsoft Xbox One and Windows PC. If you pre-order the game, you can play 4 days early, on October 5^th. In addition, those who pre-order will get two exclusive playable characters: Rey Mysterio and Ronda Rousey.

There are three editions of the game: The standard edition, the deluxe edition, with includes the season pass, with includes all of the DLC that will be released as well as additional playable characters (Roddy Piper, Dusty Rhodes and Ricky Steamboat (80’s), Randy Savage (WM8) and Undertaker (2002) an additional playable STarrCade 1983 Arena and additional attires for Ric and Charlotte Flair. And the collector’s edition, which includes a whole bunch of extras.

This year’s collector’s edition focuses on Ric and Charlotte Flair and is called the “Woooo” Edition. It features all of the content from the Deluxe Edition, plus an exclusive collector’s package, featuring photos of Ric and Charlotte. You also get two Exclusive WWE Supercard content, A Ric Flair Pop Vinyl figure, a replica WWE Hall of Fame Ring, and a commemorative plaque, featuring a piece of one of Ric Flair’s robes.

There are two new modes in WWE2k19 that have been making people very excited. The first in the new Tower mode, which is similar to the structure of Mortal Kombat. You have a series of matches. Each one you win moves you up the Tower. Each tower is themed after a certain SuperStar or Era. This mode also plays host to one of the coolest contests ever held in a video game, the WWE2k19 Million Dollar Challenge. This challenge features WWE Champion and WWE2K19 cover athlete AJ Styles. There is a special AJ Styles Million Dollar Tower that can be found in Tower Mode. IF you can conquer this tower, you will be invited to send a video with your completion screen in the background explaining why you feel you can beat AJ Styles in the game. One fan will be chosen to compete against AJ Styles in the game. If that fan can beat AJ Styles, that fan will win one million dollars.

The second exciting announcement is the return of Showcase mode, which was a mode that relived classic eras and rivalries from the history of WWE. This year, the mode returns, and is focused on the career of Daniel Bryan, from his early days as the American Dragon, all the way up through his triumphant return to the ring. The mode will feature matches from throughout Bryan’s career, and the story will be told through newly recorded cutscenes featuring Daniel himself.

Here is the announcement trailer:

 

And, here is a gameplay trailer:

Now, let’s talk about the roster.

This year’s roster consists of Superstars from RAW, SmackDown Live, NXT and 205 Live. By including 205 Live and expanding the presence of NXT, the developers have creating a more complete picture of all of WWE’s different segments. Also, the Women’s Revolution is alive and well in WWE2k19, and the Women’s Division is well represented in this game.

Here is the complete Roster for WWE2k19

Also just announced, is he contents of the Season Pass, which will encompass all of the planned DLC for the game.

 

Here’s what to expect:

• The Accelerator – Grants access to all unlockable content and allows players to decide the attribute levels and overall rankings for all characters for the life of the product.

 

• My Player Kickstart – access to unlock and boost created character attributes and ratings. Unlock all clothing that provides attribute boosts in MyCareer.

 

• New Moves pack – Adds more than 50 in game moves, from such Superstars as Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, Tyler Bate and Mustafa Ali.

 

• Rising Stars – Playable Superstars Candice LeRae, Dakota Kai, Lacey Evans, Lio Rush, Maria Kanellis, Mike Kanellis and Ricochet

 

• Titans Pack – Playable Superstars Bobby Lashley, EC3, and Rowe and Hanson (The War Raiders)

 

NEW MODES

The first details have come out about MyCareer. This year, the mode seems to be taking inspiration from the NBA2K series, with actions backstage having just a big an effect on your characters path. But, the big deal this year is that all of the wrestlers encountered backstage or in cutscenes are FULLY VOICED, including your character. I cannot you tell how big a difference this makes. It adds a level of realism and immersion that was sorely needed. As with most of the WWE career modes in the past, you start in a local promotion and make your way into NXT, and, from there, the main WWE Roster. In the process, you will cross paths with several different WWE personalities, including Triple H, Braun Strowman, Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy. A trailer for this mode has shown the Wyatt Family Compound and some sort of meeting with Matt Hardy in the “Multiverse” This mode really looks like it hit it out of the park this year.

Here is the trailer:

 

Also shown for the first time was Universe Mode. Also essentially unchanged for the most part, there are two notable changes. One, 205 live is now a scheduled show on the weekly calendar. And, two, you can now cash in the Money in the Bank contract using an option on the action menu. Doing this will schedule a match at the end of the show. But, you can actually do it while a match is going on as well. This is a HUGE addition to this mode.

Here is a full breakdown of all of the new features

PART ONE: GAMEPLAY

General Improvements

• In WWE 2K18, we upped the total number of competitors on screen from six to eight. In WWE 2K19, we’ve improved the framerate for matches with six or more characters on screen so that things will remain smooth – even when the ring is crowded. In general, the animations are faster and look more impactful when moves are performed.
• Strikes have been overhauled with over 250 new attack and reaction animations. The new strike reaction system triggers varied and contextually appropriate response animations, taking into account fatigue level and size difference.
• When facing computer-controlled opponents, you’ll notice they utilize a wider variety of offense. Additionally, they behave more opportunistically based on their positioning inside or outside of the ring, on the cage, etc.
• Commentary is bolstered with over 15,000 new lines from the team of Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Byron Saxton. All entrance commentary is brand new, with more specific and natural references to the WWE Superstars as they come down the ramp. Once the action gets rolling, thousands of new move calls add to the excitement of the matches.
• Dozens of new match scoring conditions allow more creativity in your quest to earn a coveted five-star match, and a more detailed results screen offers more transparency as to what went into your rating.
• You can now change controller assignment in the middle of a match in Universe and Exhibition. Simply pause the game and you can switch to an A.I. vs A.I. match, control your opponent, or whatever you like.

New Match Types

5-Man

• Normal
• Extreme Rules
• Ladder
• Table
• TLC
• Hell in a Cell
• Battle Royal

6-Man

• Normal
• Triple Threat Tornado Tag
• Ladder Tag
• Ladder Triple Tag
• Hell in a Cell Tag
• Hell in a Cell Triple Tag
• TLC Tag
• TLC Triple Tag

8-Man

• Normal
• 4-Way Tornado Tag
• Ladder Tag
• Ladder 4-Way Tag

Royal Rumble

• Women’s Royal Rumble

Hell in a Cell Reimagined

The size of the Hell in a Cell structure previously scaled larger than it actually is in real life. Now that it has more realistic proportions, we can more accurately capture the tension of battling within the menacing Cell.

With the smaller Cell, competing at ringside goes from traditional moves to a claustrophobic feel, with heavier emphasis on brawling and using the Cell walls, apron, and steel steps to cause damage. Players formerly had to use their OMG skills to break through the Cell walls, but now they can smash rivals through them with standard moves if they take enough damage.

Once on the outside of the Cell, you have the option to move around and climb all four sides instead of just the left and right walls. While climbing, you can attack your opponent and move more freely instead of making a beeline to the top.

The roof of the Cell is now a uniform grid of panels like you’ll see on WWE programming. It’s noticeably simpler to send your opponent through the panels to the ring below with standard grapples, the carry system, striking, and Irish whips.

Revamped Steel Cage

Several new interactions and options have been added to steel cage matches as well. Attack while climbing if both of you are trying to get out or dive onto your opponent mid-climb if he or she is in the ring. A new climbing mini-game awaits when you’re close to the top of the cage. Once you’re up there in a sitting position, you can battle it out with strikes and throw a dazed opponent back into the ring. If you’re ready to climb out, there’s a new mini-game in place to add extra tension in the race to touch the floor first and win the match.

If you’d rather leave through the cage door, that’s also an option now. Simply go to the door and call the ref to unlock it. If it’s toward the beginning of the match when everyone’s still fresh, the ref will take his sweet time getting the door open. One he does, there’s a new mini-game to complete before you can fully exit. If you fail, your opponent will toss you back in the ring and the ref will close the door once again.

Money in the Bank Updates

You can now choose who is holding the Money in the Bank briefcase in both Exhibition and Universe Mode. In addition, a variety of cash-in sequences are now at your disposal. Player-controlled or A.I. characters can cash in before, during, or after a match with a quick selection in the pause screen. If you’re concerned about pesky A.I. cash-ins ruining your day, it’s easy to tweak the frequency with handy sliders in the settings. Players can also create and customize their own Money in the Bank briefcases for use in both Exhibition and Universe Mode.

Get Some Payback

The Payback System is new for WWE 2K19. This defensive mechanic can turn the momentum of a match and get you back on track. Take enough damage and you’ll unlock a Level 1 ability to help you get out of a sticky situation. If you hold out longer, you’ll earn a more powerful Level 2 ability. Players choose from various abilities before entering a match.

Level 1

• Auto-Reverse: Automatically reverse any minor attack.
• Possum: Playing possum allows an incapacitated Superstar to attack from several positions (leaning against the ropes, supine, or corner) or roll an opponent up in a small package.
• Fists of Fury: Temporarily increases striking speed and power.
• Speed Buff: Temporarily increases movement, stamina, and reversal recovery speeds.
• Reversal: Earn a reversal.
• Instant Recovery: Instantly recover after being knocked down. Includes minor speed buff.

Level 2

• Finisher: Earn a finisher.
• Resiliency: Escape a pin, submission, or elimination minigame with ease.
• Adrenaline Buff: Allows you to lift more weight and increases the amount of Momentum earned for performing lifting grapples.
• Tank Buff: Significantly increase your defensive abilities while reducing overall mobility.
• Low Blow: Perform a low blow from a standing or kneeling position. Risk of disqualification.
• Poison Mist: Spit poison mist in your opponent’s face. Risk of disqualification.
• Power of the Punch: Hit your opponent with brass knuckles. Risk of disqualification.
• Move Thief: Use your opponent’s own move set to finish him or her off.
• Run-In: Summon an ally to ringside to help turn the tide (1 vs. 1 matches only).
• Blackout: The lights go out. When they come back on, you appear behind your opponent. (1 vs. 1 matches only).

Big Head Mode

You may have noticed this one in our WWE 2K19 Phenomenal One trailer or in many recently posted videos from media and content creators. In the options screen before any Exhibition match, you can toggle on Big Heads for any WWE Superstar or created character. It’s hard not to smile seeing all of the silly entrances and moves with out of proportion faces and long hair styles reaching down to the Superstars’ ankles. It’s all part of bringing more fun to the series.

PART TWO: UNIVERSE MODE

You may have seen videos on YouTube of some of the changes coming to Universe Mode. We wanted to round this information up with additional details so that Universe fans can have everything in one place:

• The championship system has been expanded to allow six championships per show – compared to the previous limit of four.
• New customization options make it possible to assign multiple women’s titles or tag titles to a show.
• Money in the Bank briefcases, now fully customizable, will take a championship slot.
• New Championship Divisions can determine which titles specific groups of Superstars will pursue. Championships can also now be vacated.
• The new Superstar Save Profiles system lets players save changes to Superstar settings across MyWWE and multiple Universe saves at the same time. This includes Attributes, Skills, Abilities, Payback, Entrances, and Move Sets.
• Custom Match Tables let users customize the types of matches used on each show and Pay-Per-View. Using sliders, you can determine the frequency for various match types in storylines and rivalries.

• Managers are now available to assign to Superstars. In fact, you can assign up to three of them for any given Superstar. Managers will appear alongside the Superstars in One on One and normal Tag Team matches.
• Promos now incorporate recent events. A former champion will talk about losing the title and ask for a rematch. Rivals will talk about wins and losses, interferences or blindside attacks that happened last week. Many new promo animations have been added. While every Superstar comes with a pre-set “Promo Attitude,” you can customize any of them so that they behave the way you want.
• Last but not least, you can go through matchups in your Universe and decide the winners and losers of the matches without having to play the match yourself or rely on a random result!

PART THREE: MyPLAYER

MyPLAYER characters are customized to your specifications to play through MyCAREER, Road to Glory mode, and special MyPLAYER Towers. We’ll cover more creation details in a separate post, but today we’ll focus on how you’ll make your MyPlayer, build them up, and use them in various modes.

The MyPLAYER Wizard is back to help simplify initial creation so that you can get to playing the game quickly. However, if you’re an experienced creator, you can choose to skip it this year and go straight to the fully detailed creation tools.

Fighting Styles and Sub-Styles

We’ve streamlined the number of core fighting styles from eight down to five. Below you’ll find each fighting style alongside their respective Sub-Styles. Each variation includes unique attributes, skills, and abilities.

• Cruiser: Luchador, Technician Cruiser
• Striker: Brawler, Strong Style
• Technician: Shooter, UK Strong Style
• Powerhouse: Beast, Hero
• Giant: Monster, Big Man

New Skill Tree Progression System

The new MyPLAYER Tree offers a more visually engaging way to advance your character with branching paths that encourage you to make your Superstar your own. It includes three general categories to upgrade: attack, body, and defense.

Throughout the MyPLAYER Tree progression, there are five Prestige Ranks: Rookie, Superstar, Main Eventer, Titan, and Hall of Famer. Once you hit level 50 for your current rank, you can Prestige up to the next one. This opens new Tree options, exclusive Superstar parts, and exclusive emblems and banners for your MyPlayer profile.

Once your MyPLAYER reaches XP level 10, you can select one of two paths in the separate Sub-Style Tree. Sub-Styles will seriously affect the type of Superstar you will become. Good thing you can easily skim the entire tree to see all the upgrades available before you make your decision.

The third distinct tree covers the new Overcharge system. Remember the new Paybacks from the Gameplay section of this blog series? MyPLAYER characters have exclusive level 2 Paybacks called Overcharges. These start out with base traits and functionality and can be upgraded via the Overcharge Tree for extra buffs.

• Beast Mode: Increased grapple speed and damage. A golden glow highlights your arms when activated.
• Charged Fury: A supercharged, devastating punch. You fist radiates with power when fully charged.
• Electrifying: As you hold this taunt uninterrupted, your Momentum grows at a much faster rate. Electricity flows through your body.

Parts and Packs

Have a specific move or Create-a-Superstar part you absolutely need for your MyPLAYER? The in-game store allows you to purchase almost any move or part using currency you earned from playing WWE 2K19 (there are some exceptions for special rewards).

You’ll also earn tokens and deluxe tokens along the way, which can go toward new loot packs. These are tailored to specific genres in WWE 2K19, as opposed to the wide-ranging loot crates in WWE 2K18. Open packs labeled with Create-a-Superstar parts, Taunts/Entrances/Victories, Moves, Boosts, or combinations so you’ll always get a mix of the type of content you’re looking for. If you receive items you don’t like, scrap them to receive more deluxe tokens to spend on packs down the road. The rarer the item scrapped, the more deluxe tokens it will pay out.

Road to Glory

The online-based Road to Glory is revamped with several new features. Compete against others daily to earn boosts, Superstar parts, and VC. Like before, you’ll earn stars to gain access in Pay-Per-View events that line up with real WWE programming, but now you can also build up your star supply in single-player MyPlayer Towers.

Right out of the gate you can join one of eight different factions. Each faction has unique challenges to accomplish that will allow you to raise your faction level and earn Superstar parts and profile emblems and banners.

General challenges in both Road to Glory and MyPlayer Towers assign you in-ring tasks like kicking out two times in a match. You’ll earn small rewards for accomplishing this once, but if you can do it five, 10, or 20 times you’ll earn Sideplates that scale up from bronze, silver, and gold with higher rewards each time.

WWE Towers

In this new mode, you choose WWE Superstars or your MyPLAYER to compete against a string of WWE Superstar opponents. Each Tower features a unique theme with different win conditions and fun stipulations with varying degrees of difficulty.

There are two types of Towers:

• Gauntlet Tower: You must complete the Tower entirely in one session. Losing a match or quitting resets progress to square one.
• Steps Tower: Your progress is saved after each match, so you can play at your own pace.

The MyPlayer Towers offer you a chance to improve your MyPlayer with an overwhelming amount of gameplay. From day one onward, 13 persistent MyPLAYER towers await your skills. On top of this, new daily, weekly, and real-life WWE PPV towers constantly keep things fresh. Stars earned in Towers allow access to the monthly PPV towers where you can earn exclusive Superstar parts rewards upon completion.

In 2K Towers, you’ll compete using WWE Superstars in 20 different Towers included at launch. If you have day one access to Rey Mysterio and Ronda Rousey via pre-ordering WWE 2K19 or purchasing the Deluxe Edition, you’ll get a Rey Tower and a Ronda Tower. Deluxe and Wooooo! Edition owners also receive a Ric Flair-themed Tower.

PART FOUR: CREATION SUITE

Some people want to customize absolutely every detail of their WWE 2K characters. Others just want a silly-looking or badass character with minimal effort. In WWE 2K19, we have plenty for both preferences.

Create-a-Superstar Randomizer

The new Custom Superstar randomizer builds a complete character with the press of a button. You can keep tapping as much as you want to see what the game comes up with. The best part is that randomizer selects a unified color theme so that all the attire matches. If you like the attire, but not necessarily the colors, you can just randomize the color theme and keep everything else the same. If you like everything except, say, a glove, you can swap it out for a different one and the new glove will match the color theme. The randomizer isn’t just for the whole character. You can also focus the randomizer on individual details like the face, body, attire, etc. as well.

Mirroring Attire

When creating the perfect character, saving time is key. That’s why for WWE 2K19 we added a mirroring feature. If you create a custom glove, elbow pad, or knee pad for example, you can mirror it over onto the opposite limb instead of having to make it all over again. The item will retain logo placement, color, material – basically everything you’d want.

Block Bodies

You’ve probably seen these in YouTube videos by now. You can equip your character with a block body attire that makes them look kind of like a cardboard box person. You can edit the outer box surface pixel by pixel to make a lo-fi version of your favorite WWE Superstar, create old-school pixel characters, or design something completely new.

New Environment Filters

In Create-an-Arena, you now have the option to adjust all sorts of visual filters. Tweak the hue, saturation, and contrast similar to editing a photo for Instagram. Add in some fog to introduce a spooky vibe. Or you can play around with various lighting templates including a single spotlight on the center of the ring. In Create-a-Show, there is a new Cel-Shaded filter to give everything a comic book look.

Custom Side Plates and Money in the Bank Briefcases

You now have an option to create custom side plates to add to real WWE Championships or custom Championships you’ve made. Accurate side plates are tied to WWE Superstars to automatically change out whenever the title changes hands. This works the same way when you create custom side plates and tie them to created Superstars.

Money in the Bank briefcases are now customizable as well. Change the color of the case to whatever you want and add logos to make them your own.

TRAILERS:

Here are the trailers released for the game.

 

WWE2K19 launches on October 9th and I can’t wait! For more info and videos, go to www.2k.com. WWE 2K on Facebook and @wwegames on Twitter.