Latest News and Rumors Surrounding 'WWE 2K15' for Sept. 15
Information about WWE 2K15 continues to come in slivers, but there are some details to get pumped about.
Notes on gameplay improvements courtesy of the folks at The Games Dungeon paint a picture of a sleeker, more true-to-life game. Counteracting that good news is word that CM Punk's attorneys are in talks with WWE, and the idea of him not being in the game at all has been brought up.
In other news on the upcoming WWE game, the digital version may not be available for all consoles, the Hulkamania collector's edition is selling well, and a commercial is in the works.
Gameplay footage remains scarce. When Seth Rollins played a WWE 2K15 demo at GameStop Expo, he noted that he hasn't seen what he looks like in the game.
Neither have we, Seth. Neither have we.
Info on Digital Versions
One expects the graphics to be far better, but there may be an additional reason that the next-gen edition of WWE 2K15 will be more desirable.
2K community manager Jared Rea recently noted on the 2K Sports official forums, "WWE 2K15 will be available digitally for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, no date set on when it'll be available for a digital pre-order. We'll make an announcement as soon as it happens for sure."
It's surprising that a month and a half away from the physical game's release date there hasn't been a date set for its digital counterpart.
The more interesting note, though, is the fact that Rea didn't mention the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 editions being available digitally. That could just be a result of him forgetting to mention them, or it could mean that current-game players will be forced to buy the disc rather than download the game.
Update on CM Punk Situation
A huge question as the release date approaches is if Punk will still be a featured part of WWE 2K15. As of now, his rivalry with John Cena is one of two rivalries that make up the 2K Showcase mode.
His legal team may change that, however.
According to Gamespot's Rob Crossley, "Legal representatives for pro-wrestler CM Punk are engaged with WWE officials to settle a range of disputes, including his possible removal in the upcoming game." The report also notes that there has been no lawsuit filed at this point. There have only been discussions so far.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscription required) (h/t ProWrestling.net) previously reported that Punk's lawyers had sent a lengthy letter to WWE regarding royalties.
Working out a royalties deal with Punk would have been manageable. Plucking him out of the game would be an utter mess. The 2K Showcase mode would be cut in half if he had to be removed.
Developers have to be hoping that the outcome of this legal situation isn't as drastic as that.
Hulkamania Edition Update
As WWE Games tweeted, Hulk Hogan is finally done signing the autographed cards that will be a part of the Hulkmania collector's edition:
Getting one's hands on that special boxed set, signed collectible card and all, won't be easy going forward. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc), the Hulkamania edition is sold out in the U.S.
In addition, Wrestling Observer Newsletter notes that it is currently seeing strong sales in Europe. That means American fans who still want the Hulkster-themed edition will have to either call up their friends in Europe or search for it on eBay.
That's great news for WWE and 2K but bad news for hesitant Hulkamaniacs who didn't already pre-order.
Hands-On Experience
The people at The Games Dungeon posted a YouTube video detailing their experience playing an early build of WWE 2K15. In it, they discuss changes to gameplay including strikes, stamina and animations.
One of the biggest takeaways from this clip is the talk of the game being more of a simulation. The action is apparently closer to what one sees on WWE TV each week.
That's something that several other reviewers have said so far, which is certainly exciting. A more realistic, more accurate game will be a welcome sight.
The Games Dungeon team also covers the fact that strikes are a bit slower than in previous games. It sounds as if one can't just go into a match and punch his way to a win.
In general, one needs to be more cautious and have a more thought-out strategy. How one grapples or brawls will greatly affect the stamina bar and depleting that leads the wrestler to being a wheezing, helpless target.
A great addition is added pinning animations.
The guys at The Games Dungeon raved about wrestlers crawling to make a pin. It apparently even includes details like the wrestler putting an arm over his opponent's chest as we see in so many matches. That will add to the drama of bouts in the game.
One negative detail to emerge from this video is that not countering a charging finisher may be too easy. As the Games Dungeon folks note, though, that may be fixed once the game is released.
WWE 2K15 Commercial Coming
An ad for the game appears to be on its way.
So far, the Sting-centered commercial is the only official WWE 2K15 trailer out. WWE Games has tweeted images of an ad in progress:
Bray Wyatt and Roman Reigns look to be featured in the upcoming spot. As cool as seeing The Eater of Worlds floating down a bayou will be, what fans will be more interested in is more gameplay footage.
From what the first reviewers have said, it sounds like 2K Sports made great strides in the WWE 2K series. Even without Punk kneeing people in the face, it promises to be fun aplenty.
It would just be nice to have more visual samples of it to savor.
