WWE '13

WWE '13 is a professional wrestling video game based on the American company WWE. It was developed by Yuke's and published by THQ. It is available for the PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360 systems. It is the second and last game in the series to be simply titled WWE, the fourteenth in the entire series, and the last to be published by THQ. It was released on October 30, 2012 in North America, and November 2, 2012 in the rest of the world. It followed WWE '12 and was followed by WWE 2K14, which was published by 2K Sports.

WWE '13
Developer(s)	Yuke's
Publisher(s)	THQ
Series	WWE 2K
Platform(s)	PlayStation 3 Wii Xbox 360
Genre(s)	Professional wrestling Fighting
Mode(s)	Single player multiplayer

Gameplay

WWE '13 runs on the engine called "Predator Technology 2.0", which replaces the first version from WWE '12.^[1] It has over 300 new moves. A weight detection system makessmall superstars such as Rey Mysterio unable to lift larger wrestlers such as the Big Show. When doing high-flying moves, a player hits the intended target with better precision.^[2] Environmental moves such as ring breaks, barricade breaks, announce table breaks, and catching (mid-air) finishers were made possible.^[3]

The game features a new audio system with remastered sound effects and crowd reactions, and commentary audio taken directly from live WWE events. Online servers allow players to test out creations before downloading them into the game. The Special Referee match returns for the first time since WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007. AI fills in for players during online matches if not enough players are available.^[4]

Modes

The game's Attitude Era mode features WWE's popluar era in the late 1990s and early 2000s.^[5] 65 matches are available to be played, including those of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Rock, D-Generation X (Triple H and Shawn Michaels), The Undertaker, Mick Foley, Kane and Bret Hart.^[6] An "Off Script" chapter features The Godfather, Vader, Chris Jericho, Edge and Christian, Lita, Trish Stratus, Eddie Guerrero and the APA (Bradshaw and Faarooq).^[6] Over 100 items are unlockable.^[7]

WWE '13's "Universe Mode" was developed with assistance from Paul Heyman. New additions include the ability to use created arenas and on any show. Each show, divided into major and minor, can have their roster, belt, and arenas adjusted. Only "major" shows are allowed to have belts assigned to them. The option to create a pay-per-view has also returned. Players can delete shows entirely, add new shows, or move shows around on any day of the week. Statistics and rankings are also once again included. Scenarios also play out differently, with the game giving the player options to lead out to a branching storyline based on decisions made within the match. The option to turn injuries on and off is also present.^[8]

Development and release

WWE '13 was first announced on May 28, 2012, with CM Punk as the cover star.^[9] On June 19, THQ then confirmed that Mike Tyson will be available in the pre-orders of WWE '13.^[10] The full roster was revealed at SummerSlam Axxess.^[11]

On October 3, THQ announced the paid downloadable content for WWE '13. Players who got the Axxess got Diamond Dallas Page and Goldust as playable characters.^[12]

• The first pack, the "Attitude Era" Superstars Pack, includes Rikishi, Scotty 2 Hotty, Grandmaster Sexay, Gangrel and Val Venis, as well as the Accelerator Boost, which allows players to unlock all unlockable content directly and change superstar attributes.
• The second pack, the WWE Superstars Pack, includes Tensai, Ryback, Drew McIntyre, Yoshi Tatsu, AJ Lee and Natalya, a Championship Title Pack, which includes 10 championship belts from WWE, WCW, ECW and AWA, and an alternative attire for The Undertaker for free.

• The final pack, You're Welcome in Five Different Languages Pack, includes Damien Sandow, Antonio Cesaro, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey), Brian Pillman and Chainsaw Charlie, 20 new moves, and Layla as a playable character for free.^[13]

Reception

Reception
Review scores Publication Score PS3 Xbox 360 EGM 9/10[14] Eurogamer 9/10[15] G4 3/5[16] Game Informer 9/10[17] 9/10[18] GameRevolution [19] GameTrailers 8.5/10[20] IGN 8.4/10[21] OXM (UK) 8/10[22] OXM (US) 8/10[23] Aggregate score Metacritic 76/100[24] 78/100[25]

IGN rated the game an 8.4 out of 10, praising the Attitude Era Mode, but critizising the commentary, the new camera angles and audio samples of crowd sound, saying that "they ruin the feel of an entire match".^[21] Midlife Gamer rated the game 9/10.^[26]

On November 16, 2012, THQ announced that the game was nominated for Best Individual Sports Game at the 2012 Spike Video Game Awards.^[27] It lost to EA's SSX.