New information on WWE 2K17 ’s revised Universe Mode is out this week, hot on the heels of a similar update for the game’s improved MyCareer mode, including specifics on some of the changes we can expect to see when WWE 2K17 hits current and last-gen platforms next month.
The latest word on WWE 2K17 comes courtesy of Universe Mode lead designer Cristo Kyriazis, who published a new blog post on the game’s official website, outlining some of the changes we can expect from WWE 2K17 ’s player-guided story mode. Unlike MyCareer, which takes a more cinematic approach to storytelling, similar to what we’ve seen in NBA 2K recently, Universe Mode gives the players a chance to tell their own stories about the WWE locker room.
“Alongside the results you would expect to see on TV, we want players to also experience the ‘what-if’ and fantasy scenarios that could happen in WWE,” Kyriazis wrote. “This could include things like a surprise underdog earning a title shot and winning the gold against the odds; a fan-favorite Superstar turning against the crowd and doing everything he or she can to make them hate him or her; or even watching tag team partners compete against each other to see if their comradery (sic) will endure the rivalry or if they’ll go their own separate ways.”
Some fans will be disappointed to hear the recent brand split, separating the Raw and Smackdown rosters, won’t be reflected in WWE 2K17. Kyriazis says the real-life event happened to late in the development cycle to be reflected in the game. It's not even the first time we've heard that excuse in the last twelve months, after last year's exclusion of the Four Horsewomen, but it's not a huge shock either.
For those of us overflowing with terrible feud ideas, the biggest news this week is confirmation that Universe Mode will have three separate save slots this year. So households with multiple kids, or gamers with too many ideas for a single WWE Universe, can express all of their in-ring creativity without stepping on as many toes. 2K also says fans can expect to see a significantly improved user interface in Universe Mode this year, one intended both to streamline the menu system and bring the UI more in line with the televised product.
Universe Mode is also going to have better commentary in WWE 2K17. This will be the first time players have to complete each night’s matches in the proper order, instead of giving users the freedom to jump around the card as desired. But that change gives Yuke’s the opportunity to implement new commentary systems that give the broadcast team the ability to reference previous events from that night’s card if they’re relevant to the action currently on screen. The studio is also adding new cutscenes to Universe Mode, some of which can even be triggered mid-match, to flesh out the rivalries that develop during your time with the game.
For additional information on the changes coming to WWE Universe mode in WWE 2K17, take a few minutes to read the entire update from Cristo Kyriazis. And those who’d rather get a closer look at the game can always revisit the handful of trailers released in recent weeks. Then head down to the comments section and let us know if you’re planning to buy WWE 2K17 at launch.
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WWE 2K17 is in development for PlayStation 3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One. The game debuts Oct. 11.
Be sure to check back with iDigitalTimes.com and follow Scott on Twitter for more WWE 2K17 coverage throughout 2016 and however long 2K supports WWE 2K17 after launch.
