New details on WWE 2K18’s revamped Universe Mode are out this week, continuing a recent string of reveals and announcements from 2K and the WWE Games team. The changes we’ll see this year aren’t as substantial as in years past, nor are they anywhere as exciting as yesterday’s Road To Glory reveal, but it does sound like Universe Mode should be good for a few dozen hours of entertainment when WWE 2K18 heads to PC and (two) consoles in two weeks.
The biggest changes to this year’s Universe Mode were outlined by its lead designer, Cristo Kyriazis, on the WWE 2K blog. One of the biggest changes this year is a formalization of “squash” matches; lopsided affairs in which one member of the WWE 2K18 roster absolutely demolishes his/her opponent. Think of the dominant performances Braun Strowman and Rusev were known for, early in their respective WWE runs, or those moments when an established WWE champion offers a title shot to a “local competitor” that hardcore wrestling fans recognize as a top draw from the region. According to Kyriazis, squash matches will trigger semi-randomly in WWE 2K18 in situations where one performer significantly outclasses their opponent. Victory technically isn’t a guarantee. Universe Mode’s lead designer says the lesser of the two still has an outside chance at a win. But they’ll need to “mount a considerable offense to survive or suffer crushing defeat.”
WWE 2K18 will also be the first to take the intensity of rivalries into account when determining the interactions to script between the participating superstars. Friendly rivalries will see matches end in handshakes and other “sportsman-like conduct” while more hostile entanglements will lead to cheap shots, disqualifications and post-match brawls between competitors. There’s also a new goals system with specific objectives for each member of your roster(s), which gives players more incentive to engage with matches and rivalries outside of the title picture. Additional information on this year’s Universe Mode can be found on the WWE 2K blog.
For an early look at WWE 2K18, check out the gameplay trailers released in recent weeks. Then head down to the comments section and let us know what you’re most excited to see or do when WWE 2K18 heads to PC and consoles later this month.
WWE 2K18 is in development for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch.
Be sure to check back with Player.One and follow Scott on Twitter for additional WWE 2K18 news in 2017 and however long 2K supports WWE 2K18 after launch.
