By Jason Savio

Things just got a whole lot rowdier for 2K Sports. The award-winning home to games such as the recently released NBA 2K14 has a new tenant on its list. That’s right, WWE has made the jump to the popular developer and upped its game, bringing a whole host of colorful characters and body slams along with it.Now, you may be thinking that wrestling isn’t a real sport and that The Rock shouldn’t be sitting side by side with LeBron James on the shelf at the fine retailer with which you choose to do business. But let’s put the gloves away (or steel chairs, in this case), save that argument for another day and instead get out our controllers because WWE 2K14 is a slobberknocker of a good time.

Sports games are a unique commodity in that they are released annually and often struggle to offer the consumer new reasons to purchase them on such a repetitive basis. The WWE games of recent years have been able to serve up varying features to keep from falling into this trap. The Attitude Era mode on last year’s WWE ’13 comes to mind, and this year, WWE 2K14 is no exception, with two unique features that are sure to catch the interest of both avid fans of the squared circle and casual followers.

First up is the excellent 30 Years of Wrestlemania mode. Starting with the very first Wrestlemania and leading all the way up to the upcoming one at the New Orleans Superdome this April, you are taken on a historic run as you grapple through the best matches ever to take place at the Showcase of the Immortals. Memorable footage from the WWE vaults is also included to help explain the storyline for each big showdown, creating a time machine of nostalgia for the older fans and a lesson in Wrestlemania 101 for younger fans. Everyone from Hulk Hogan to John Cena is a playable character, along with a plethora of unlockable wrestlers, helping to create the biggest, most comprehensive roster in a WWE game to date. Dream matches with the heroes and heavies of yesteryear pitted against modern day champs can now be a reality.

WWE 2K14’s other main event is The Streak mode, where you are given the opportunity to try to end The Undertaker’s undefeated Wrestlemania streak and/or defend it. If you thought the guys in the WWE locker room are having a hard time trying to end The Phenom’s impressive feat, wait until you try it for yourself here. This is a fun, albeit difficult, addition that will really test your patience and ability to maneuver around the ring.

WWE 2K14 is a fun and entertaining experience that offers plenty of goodies for wrestling fans of every generation. The tag team of WWE and 2K Sports is a welcomed union that will hopefully continue to release more titles in the years to come. It will be hard to top this one, but just like in wrestling, anything’s possible.

For more, visit: wwe.2k.com.