You know, I've always been one of those gamers who needs a good story to really get invested in a game. When I first heard about the new wrestling game modes, I was skeptical - I mean, how much narrative depth can you really pack into a sports title? But let me tell you, the developers have absolutely knocked it out of the park this year. The MyRise mode with its two distinct storylines - Undisputed for the men's division and Unleashed for the women's division - has completely changed my perspective on what sports gaming can be.
I remember firing up Undisputed for the first time expecting the usual barebones career mode we've seen in previous iterations. What I got instead felt like binge-watching my favorite wrestling show. The storyline follows your created wrestler's journey through the ranks, complete with backstage drama, championship pursuits, and some genuinely surprising plot twists. There's this one segment where your character has to choose between aligning with a veteran star or going solo - I must have spent fifteen minutes just weighing the consequences. What really impressed me was how the choices actually matter, creating different branching narratives that make each playthrough unique.
Now, let's talk about Unleashed - the women's division storyline that might just be better than its male counterpart. I've played through both modes twice now, and I have to say Unleashed feels more polished in terms of character development. Your female wrestler's journey tackles some really relevant themes about breaking barriers in the sport, dealing with industry politics, and the constant battle for respect. There's a particular storyline involving a veteran female wrestler mentoring your character that actually got me emotionally invested - something I never expected from a wrestling game.
The voice work this year is a massive step up from previous installments. Sure, some deliveries are a bit rough around the edges - I counted at least three scenes where the audio quality dipped noticeably - but overall, it adds so much to the immersion. The wrestlers actually sound like wrestlers, not voice actors reading lines. There's this raw energy in their deliveries that makes the backstage segments feel authentic. I particularly enjoyed how your character's relationships with other wrestlers evolve through these voiced interactions - it reminded me of those intense Raw or Smackdown segments that keep you glued to the screen.
What surprised me most was how the emergent narratives blend with the scripted content. During my second playthrough of Undisputed, I decided to turn heel unexpectedly during a championship match, and the game actually incorporated that into the ongoing storyline. The next several weeks of in-game events reflected my character's new alignment, with different wrestlers reacting to my betrayal in unique ways. It's these little touches that make the experience feel truly personalized.
The production values are noticeably higher this year too. I'd estimate about 65-70% of the story content features full voice acting, compared to maybe 30% in last year's version. The cutscenes are more cinematic, with better camera work and more dynamic transitions between gameplay and story segments. There's one particular moment in Unleashed where your character wins their first major title - the presentation gave me genuine chills, complete with dramatic lighting and crowd reactions that felt straight out of a pay-per-view event.
If I had to critique anything, I'd say the pacing can be uneven at times. Some story arcs feel rushed while others drag on longer than necessary. There's a mid-section in Undisputed involving a tag team partnership that overstays its welcome by about two weeks of in-game time. But these are minor complaints in what is otherwise the most engaging story mode I've experienced in a sports game in years.
What really sets these story modes apart is how they capture the essence of professional wrestling - the drama, the larger-than-life personalities, the emotional highs and lows. I found myself actually caring about my character's relationships and career trajectory in ways I never have before. The writing understands wrestling tropes and uses them effectively, creating moments that feel both authentic to the sport and compelling as narrative experiences.
Having spent roughly 25 hours across both story modes, I can confidently say this is the gold standard for career modes in wrestling games. The developers have managed to create something that appeals to both hardcore wrestling fans and casual gamers looking for a good story. Whether you're someone who lives for Monday night RAW or just someone who enjoys character-driven narratives, these story modes deliver an experience that's well worth your time.