WWE and 2K have announced that the new WWE 2K14 video game will feature a “30 Years of WrestleMania” mode. The concept will include the opportunity for fans to re-experience 45 classic WrestleMania matches, featuring historic character’s throughout the company’s history.
Here is the official press release:
STAMFORD — 2K announced the all-new “30 Years of WrestleMania” mode in “WWE 2K14,” the upcoming video game in the award-winning franchise. Details about the exciting new single-player campaign were revealed during a conference call with WWE COO Triple H and 2K Creative Director Cory Ledesma.
Inspired by the landmark WrestleMania XXX, which will emanate from New Orleans on Sunday, April 6, 2014, “30 Years of WrestleMania” will be a nostalgic journey through three decades of WWE history. Utilizing the greatest video game roster ever assembled, “30 Years” will allow players the chance to relive and experience 45 classic WrestleMania matches, including Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III, Hogan vs. The Rock at WrestleMania X8 and The Rock vs. John Cena at WrestleMania XXVIII.
The inclusion of Hulk Hogan in the game is a particularly exciting announcement, and one the WWE Universe has eagerly anticipated.
In addition to the 45 classic WrestleMania matches, 2K has painstakingly recreated arenas, era-centric graphics and vintage screen effects to provide gamers with the ultimate historically accurate experience.
“WrestleMania creates moments in time that last forever,” WWE’s COO told reporters. “And with our amazing partner, 2K, we can really capture that.”
Also included are exclusive WWE-produced video packages made for the game to refresh the storylines that led to the matches and historical in-game objectives to unlock a treasure trove of rewards such as Superstars, Legends, alternate attire and exclusive photography.
“Knowing where you came from is important to where you’re going to go, and for WrestleMania, it’s important to see these iconic moments,” Triple H said. “We are extremely excited about this concept, as 30 years of WrestleMania is a massive milestone for us.”
“WWE 2K14” puts gamers in the boots of WWE’s grandest Superstars at the very moments that made them legendary, allowing WWE Universe members the chance to live that big match and participate in that big WrestleMania moment.
Because “WWE 2K14” is where dream matches happen, WWE.com asked Triple H what his dream match would be. Admitting that it would be hard to choose just one, The Cerebral Assassin said, “I would have loved to go one-on-one with Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania, because I consider him to be the greatest in-ring performer of all time, and my best friend.”
Since we are talking dream matchups here, Triple H added, “I’d go back to the early ‘80s and wrestle Ric Flair … I’ll go back even further and say Bruno Sammartino and Buddy Rogers. I’m really a history-based guy.”
And, from all accounts, “WWE 2K14” is shaping up to be a game steeped in history, while bringing the cutting-edge graphics and gameplay the WWE Universe has come to expect from the franchise.
The game will be released on Oct. 29, 2013 in North America and two days later elsewhere. Don’t forget to check out the exclusive Wrestling Rumors WWE 2K14 hub, as everything you need to know about the game and more!
Follow Jon Alba on Twitter!