WWE 2K24’s DLC Could Be Better Than You Think
Following the release of the ECW Punk Pack, which paid tribute to hardcore wrestling legends, and the intriguing Post Malone and Friends featuring iconic superstars alongside the famous singer, WWE 2K24 is venturing into new territory with the Pat McAfee and Friends pack. This latest DLC showcases the charismatic announcer Pat McAfee and introduces his fellow talk show personalities to the wrestling universe. Will this fresh mix prove to be a hit or a miss? I was lucky enough to speak with Gameplay Producer, Bryan Williams, about the upcoming DLC, and here is what he had to share.
Releasing on July 31st, Pat McAfee leads the pack and is a fan-favourite due to his incredible color commentary work which has rejuvenated Micheal Cole’s performances creating the greatest duo since Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler and J.R back in the attitude era. In addition to his mic work, he has stepped into the ring on a few occasions in NXT and at WrestleMania showing a surprising level of athleticism. This bodes well for his implementation into WWE 2K24, fans will be able to re-enact iconic moments and see him kick some ass against the packed roster.
Not Just a Talk Show Host
When asking Bryan about the moveset of non-wrestling competitors, he commented on how each character feels and plays differently. Each personality was involved with the planning process pitching their ideas for moves and fighting styles. In addition, they used videos from the show to ensure that there is an authentic representation of Pat’s supporting cast. From signs in the crowd down to their attire, a lot of work has gone into making them part of the universe.
A difficult question that Bryan tackled was about how wrestling purists may react to a pack that doesn’t feature one in-ring wrestler. One aspect that he believes will appeal to the hardcore fan base is the introduction of over 20 new moves. Some belong to existing wrestlers on the roster but didn’t make it into the game but others are from those in other companies. That’s right! After fans requested it, WWE 2K24 added the Hidden Blade, allowing players to create Will Ospreay with a complete moveset. The game also includes Brody King’s Gonzo Bomb and the incredible moves of Speedball Mike Bailey, making this much more than just a pack of celebrities.
A tough decision for the dev team was getting a suitable OVR rating. Wanting to respect the current roster while also making the DLC characters viable was difficult but it seems like they got the balance right. Pat McAfee comes in at a respectable 80 rating with the ex-NFL players being a respectable 78. Those without an athletic background come in at a much lower 69 and 71, all of which seem suitable.
A Bright Future
The future of the game looks bright with the fourth DLC boasting the most wrestlers released in one single pack to date. This bolsters the roster with current stars like Jade Cargill and Dragon Lee, who could be the future of the promotion. Additionally, Pack 5 aims to celebrate the legacy of WCW by including legends of the sport. Fans can look forward to iconic wrestlers, adding a nostalgic touch and broadening the game’s appeal.
Initially, I wasn’t too excited about the pack since the characters were unfamiliar to me. While I admire Pat McAfee’s work, having him as the leading character didn’t particularly draw me in. However, learning about the new moves being added through this DLC pack changed my perspective. It opens up a plethora of possibilities, enriching the game by expanding the roster. This addition gives community creators more options, which is an exciting prospect.
So there you have it. Are you excited about WWE 2K24’s upcoming DLC? Would you like to see more celebrities blended in the universe or would you prefer NXT superstars and legends to be at the forefront of additional content? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter, and don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube for more great video game content.
Thank you for keeping it locked on COGconnected.