WWE 13 - 9 reasons we're excited about returning to the ring

Tuesday is one of the biggest release days of the year, including the launch of Assassins Creed III and a new Need for Speed. However, the biggest launch for wrestling fans--particularly those old enough to remember the Monday Night Wars--have their eyes on WWE 13. The newest entry in THQs franchise, WWE 13 looks to continue its dominance of the world of wrestling games with this next entry. Why?

Keep an eye out for our review very soon, but at the moment there are at least nine big reasons were anticipating the game. Starting with

Many hardcore wrestling fans will argue over what was the best era for wrestling, but its hard to deny that in the late 1990s/early 2000s, WWF was firing on all cylinders. The main campaign harkens back to that time, taking place in the so-called Attitude Era. In the story mode you play as icons like Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, and The Rock in some of their most important matches of their careers. Its a great love letter to a bygone age of wrestling.

Every year the roster for THQs WWE titles keeps expanding, but this years offers more superstars than ever before. Including a dozen or so DLC characters, over 100 wrestlers are in the game. Both current and classic fans will appreciate the rosters deep mix of stars from the 80s, 90s, and now. Check out the full WWE 13 roster.

For over a decade in WWEs preceding franchise SmackDown, developer Yukes spent its time creating and enhancing its creation tools. With WWE 13 the creator tools are as deep as any weve seen in gaming, whether its the extensive Create-A-Superstar options, Create-A-Finisher, or even Create-An-Arena. This years version adds even more option and modes, likely securing the creation suites dominance for another year.

Attitude Era covers so many big moments in WWE history, like the first appearance of Kane and Stone Colds tense meeting with Mike Tyson. But it also covers controversial moments, including the Montreal Incident, the night that changed wrestling for ever. We love a trip down memory lane as much as the next person, but it only gets really interesting when the history lesson includes the gory details.

Remember that WWE 13 roster we were mentioning not too long ago? Well, if you want the complete set of superstars, youll have to grab the DLC characters, and if you get them through a reduced rate on THQs season pass, you get exclusive wrestlers Diamond Dallas Page and Goldust. Admittedly they arent the biggest stars of all time, but it warms our old school hearts to see them included.

Attitiude mode is all about recreating dozens of the famous matches and moments of that time, though you can get through the whole mode just by winning matches. Still, there are side objectives to fulfill in the game that will not only make the digital recreation more historically accurate, but youll also start unlocking the huge amount of bonus content in the game. So just try to remember to hit that Stone Cold Stunner on Vince at just the right moment.

Outside of the extensive visit to the Attitude Era, WWE 13 still includes the extensive Universe mode. Simulating the packed schedule of Raw and SmackDown superstars, youll play through all the major pay-per-views in randomly generated situations and settings. Full of adjustable stats, match choices, and freedom to follow a storyline however you see fit, fans will get the extra treat that the mode is introduced by the mad genius of wrestling, Paul Heyman.

Once you unlock superstars in different modes and fill out your roster, you can pretend to be a mad time god and battle current stars against their former selves. Ministry Undertaker vs. Phenom Undertaker, Hunter Hearst Helmsley vs. Triple H, even the thugged out original John Cena vs. his current HLR self. And yes, theres an Achievement/Trophy for doing this.

Just like the creation suite continues to mature, so too do the graphics. WWE 12 introduced Predator Tech and WWE 13 further refines it. Just look at the definition on all the tattoos of cover star CM Punk.

Look out for our review early next week, but in the meantime, tell us in the comments if you're excited for WWE 13. Is it for one of the reasons we listed or something else?

Need more wrasslin'? Check out our WWE 13 roster and our list of Attitude Era moments we hope are in the game.