Despite its size, the roster wasn't perfect. Some popular names appearing on TV at the time—like Rob Van Dam, the Usos, and The Wyatt Family—were absent due to development scheduling conflicts, though some later arrived as DLC. A few legends were also missing from the "30 Years" mode, with Roddy Piper notably included only as a non-playable character during certain matches.
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.
Released in October 2013, holds a unique place in the hearts of professional wrestling video game fans. It marked a historic transition, being the first game in the series published by 2K Sports after the bankruptcy of THQ, while still developed by Yuke's, making it a bridge between the classic SmackDown vs. Raw era and the modern 2K era.
These are "finishing moves" that affect the environment. wwe smackdown vs raw 2k14
: A sandbox mode where you manage the schedules for Raw and SmackDown . You can book rivalries, create tag teams, and customize the calendar to your liking.
(released October 2013) marks a pivotal transition point in wrestling video games. It was the final game developed by Yuke’s under the SmackDown vs. Raw naming convention (dropped after WWE ’13 ) and the last title released before 2K Sports fully rebranded the series to WWE 2K15 . It is widely considered the peak of the arcade-simulation hybrid era , refining the gameplay engine introduced in WWE ’12 .
However, by 2011, THQ rebranded the series simply to WWE '12 and WWE '13 , attempting to streamline the branding. When THQ went bankrupt in early 2013, Take-Two Interactive acquired the WWE video game license. They handed publishing rights to 2K Sports while keeping YUKE's on as the developer. The result of this monumental shift was . Because it carried the foundational engine of the SvR series but bore the new 2K naming convention, the casual fan base often retroactively blends them together. Why WWE 2K14 Was the Ultimate Peak of the Era Despite its size, the roster wasn't perfect
This article explores the evolution of this transition, why WWE 2K14 stands as a spiritual successor to the SmackDown vs. Raw legacy, and why it remains heralded by many fans as the greatest wrestling video game ever made. The Evolution: From SmackDown vs. Raw to WWE 2K
The creative tools in WWE 2K14 were unmatched at the time of its release, contributing heavily to its long-lasting appeal.
: 2K14 is famous for its "Create-a-Story" and "Create-a-Finisher" modes, along with 100 slots for Created Superstars (CAWs). Roster Highlights Yuke’s perfected the "hold A to grapple" logic
Other complaints included:
This is the highlight of the game. You play through 45 matches spanning WrestleMania I through XXIX.
: The End of an Era is often hailed by fans and critics alike as the peak of the seventh-generation wrestling games, serving as the bridge between the old THQ era and the modern 2K series . Originally slated to be titled WWE 14 before 2K Sports acquired the license from the bankrupt THQ, it remains a "gold standard" for its blend of arcade-style speed and deep simulation elements. Key Game Features
The "3D" cutscenes are clunky by today's standards, but the emotional payoff of unlocking legends like "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan or 1998 "Kane" is unmatched.