These are "finishing moves" that affect the environment.
Modern games have MyFaction (card collecting) and MyRise (RPG storytelling). 2K14 had two hidden gems:
While not revolutionary, SVR 2K14 is notable for:
Is the graphics engine outdated? Yes. The faces look like wax sculptures. The hair physics are non-existent. The crowd is a cardboard cutout.
But here is the truth: WWE 2K14 is the last pure wrestling game.
It doesn't care about your Ultimate Team wallet. It doesn't force you to play online. It doesn't crash to desktop because a DLC pack conflicted with a patch. You put the disc in, you pick The Rock, you hit the People’s Elbow, and you laugh.
If you are a lapsed fan who misses the days of Here Comes the Pain or SvR 2006, fire up 2K14. It is the bridge between the past and the present—and frankly, it’s better than most of the present.
Final Verdict: A necessary addition to your retro collection. It is the wrestling game for the PS3/360 generation.
What is your favorite memory from WWE 2K14? Did you break the streak? Or did you spend 100 hours in the Create-an-Arena mode? Let me know in the comments below.
While WWE 2K16 later attempted a similar "Stone Cold" showcase, 2K14’s flagship mode remains untouchable. "30 Years of WrestleMania" wasn't just a series of matches; it was an interactive museum.
Spanning from Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant at WM III to The Rock vs. John Cena at WM 29, the mode recreated 46 iconic moments. But the genius was in the "Objective System." You weren't just trying to win; you were trying to relive history. Miss throwing Shawn Michaels through the glass of the barber shop? You fail the objective. Didn't kick out of the Pedigree at 17 as Hulk Hogan? Restart. wwe smackdown vs raw 2k14
This forced a level of gameplay tension that modern, more passive cutscene-heavy modes lack. It also delivered the single greatest "what if?" moment in wrestling game history: "The Streak" mode. Playing as The Undertaker, you faced a gauntlet of legends. But the real magic was playing against Taker. The game would literally ramp up the AI difficulty mid-match—opponents would kick out of finishers, counter everything, and the screen would turn monochrome. It’s the only time a wrestling game ever genuinely made you fear the AI.
Yuke’s perfected the "hold A to grapple" logic. The reversal system (using the right trigger) finally felt responsive. You could reverse a punch into a grapple, a grapple into a finisher, or, if you were skilled, chain reversal sequences that felt like actual WWE exchanges.
is widely regarded as the definitive end of an era for professional wrestling games, serving as a transitional masterpiece between the SmackDown vs. Raw legacy
and the modern 2K era. Released in October 2013, it was the first title published under the following the bankruptcy of THQ. Key Game Modes & Features
The game's identity is defined by its deep historical focus and refined creation tools: WWE 2K14 - How To Create A Story 03/2014
While there is no official game titled " WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2K14 ," the game you are likely referring to is . It is widely regarded as a spiritual successor to the SmackDown vs. Raw series and is often considered the peak of WWE video games. Overview and Legacy Released in late 2013, was a landmark title, serving as the first game under the
banner following THQ's bankruptcy. It is celebrated as the "True End of the Golden Age" of wrestling games because it combined the deep, arcade-style DNA of the Yuke's/THQ era with 2K’s simulation-focused presentation. Platforms: Released exclusively for PlayStation 3 Release Dates:
October 29, 2013 (North America) and November 1, 2013 (Europe). Cover Athlete:
on the main cover, with a fan-designed contest for the reverse side. Key Game Features 30 Years of WrestleMania:
The centerpiece mode featuring over 45 historic matches from WrestleMania 1 through WrestleMania 29. It allowed players to recreate legendary moments like Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant. Beat the Streak: These are "finishing moves" that affect the environment
A dedicated mode where players could either try to end The Undertaker's WrestleMania streak or defend it against endless waves of opponents. Deep Customization: Known for high levels of player freedom, including Create-a-Story Create-a-Finisher
, and the ability to import custom music for superstar entrances. Refined Gameplay: Introduced Catapult Finishers (catching opponents in mid-air) and 7 new OMG! Moments , such as double finishers or ring-breaking moves. Current Market Availability If you are looking to play
today, it is primarily available through retro retailers and secondhand markets. Product Name (PlayStation 3) (Xbox 360) eBay - southernflfinds ~~~$14.00~~~ $11.90
Released in late 2013, is widely considered the peak of wrestling games from that era. It marked a major turning point as the first title published by 2K Sports after acquiring the license from the bankrupt THQ. While it technically dropped the "SmackDown vs. Raw" branding, it was the direct spiritual and mechanical successor to that legendary series. Game Overview Release Date: October 29, 2013 (North America). Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360. Cover Athlete: The Rock. Developer: Yuke's & Visual Concepts. Standout Game Modes
The game's legacy is built on its deep, nostalgic single-player content: 30 Years of WrestleMania
This massive campaign allows players to relive over 45 historic matches from WrestleMania I to WrestleMania 29. It includes classic video packages, era-specific filters, and historical objectives to unlock legends and alternate attires. The Streak
A dedicated mode honoring The Undertaker’s legendary undefeated streak.
Defeat the Streak: A "boss battle" style mode where you face an ultra-difficult Undertaker.
Defend the Streak: A gauntlet match where you play as "The Phenom" against endless waves of opponents. Universe Mode
Though there isn't a game officially titled " WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2K14 "—as the series rebranded from SmackDown vs. Raw ) starting in 2011— Is the graphics engine outdated
is widely considered the peak of that transitional era. It was the first game published under the 2K Sports banner but the last to be fully developed using the engine and "feel" of the classic SmackDown vs. Raw Still Reigns Supreme 30 Years of WrestleMania
: This is the game's flagship mode. It features over 45 historic matches, allowing you to recreate iconic moments from the first 30 years of WrestleMania with high-quality cinematics and period-accurate arenas. The Streak Mode
: A unique addition where you can either defend The Undertaker's legendary WrestleMania win streak against an endless wave of opponents or attempt to break it yourself in an incredibly difficult boss-fight setting. Perfect Gameplay Balance
often cite it as the perfect blend of arcade-style speed and modern simulation mechanics. It includes "OMG! Moments" like breaking the ring or double-finishing moves that were more fluid than in later entries. Massive Legends Roster
: Because of the WrestleMania focus, the game features one of the best "Old School" rosters in the series, including Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, Macho Man Randy Savage, and multiple versions of stars like The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Pro-Tips for Players Unlocking Everything
: You don't have to grind for every character. If you have the "Accelerator" DLC, you can go to Options > Unlockables and press a single button (X on PS3 or A on Xbox) to unlock all superstars instantly Hidden Unlockables
: Some characters have obscure requirements. For example, to unlock Eddie Guerrero
, you must beat Brock Lesnar on Legend Difficulty in an Exhibition match at the No Way Out 2012 arena. Community Creations
: While official servers have long since closed, the game was famous for its "Create-a-Finisher" and deep "Create-a-Superstar" tools, allowing players to build massive rosters of wrestlers from other promotions. Are you looking to revisit this classic on a specific console, or are you trying to find a modern alternative with similar gameplay? WWE 2K14 user reviews - Metacritic
The 30 Years of Wrestlemania Campaign is the main selling point of this game. it has lots of classic matches from the 80s and 90s. Metacritic