There are a lot of things that people like to try out with the new release of any game. Some people are roster perfectionists, others like to simulate and see results, and some just like to jump in and play. While WWE '13 isn't limited to a certain number of things to try out, here are my top five items you should check out when you fire the game up for the first time.

WWF...WWE Attitude.

1. Attitude Era Mode

WWE '13 replaced the Road to Wrestlemania Mode with the Attitude Era Mode. This is a must-try mode, and I would suggest doing it first. I would do this mode first because you unlock a lot of things while playing through it. Not only that, but you get the story behind the matches you're playing and video from the actual Attitude Era.

Throughout Attitude Era Mode you get to play as superstars like Shawn Michaels, Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Kane, The Undertaker, and more.

Whether you grew up watching wrestling during the Attitude Era, or you've just started watching wrestling, you have to try Attitude Era Mode.


2. Create a Show (Universe Mode)

Universe Mode is one of the most intriguing modes in any sports video game. In wrestling, the story-lines are the major sticking point to creating a great product. You can control the rosters, titles, and story-lines in Universe Mode in WWE '13. This year, you can create a show for any day of the week. If you've been a wrestling fan for a long time, this is an absolutely fantastic addition with many possibilities. If not, you can still take advantage of this cool addition.

Add in some community creations, or your own, and make your own Monday Night Nitro event. Create a TNA show. Create an ECW show. It's your choice, and WWE '13 gives you tons of freedom to be creative.

3. Hit an OMG! Moment

This might not be something that you necessarily will try, but it might happen anyway. The first time I saw it, I was on the receiving end of the OMG! Moment. Early on in the Attitude Era Mode, I was Shawn Michaels against the Undertaker. I was going to perform Michaels' signature elbow drop. But the Undertaker stood up, caught Michaels, and flipped the script by delivering a tombstone piledriver.

There are only certain moves and situations where OMG! Moments can happen, so make sure you're paying attention or you'll end up on the bad side of one of these moments.

4. New match types

The new match types added to WWE '13 are definitely worth trying out. The “I quit” match isn't used much at all in wrestling these days. But in the game, you get to try and beat your opponent into begging you to stop. You can take the action pretty much anywhere in “I quit” matches, and turn the environment into your own weaponized playground.

Special referee matches are a lot of fun, too. Depending on your own preference, you can throw whoever you want in the match, and have whoever you want refereeing it. Personally, I like to be the referee of a match with two computers competing. I'll pick a side based on who I like, or maybe if one of the two wrestlers hit me. It's also fun to reproduce special referee matches that you've seen over time.

These match types have been in previous wrestling games, and it's good to see them back in WWE '13.

Making vampires cool...before they were...cool?

5. Watch the in-game footage

Trying this may seem like an obvious thing, considering a lot of the footage is played throughout the Attitude Era Mode. Nevertheless, not only is it exciting to re-live the actual moments that were the Attitude Era, but it can be informational and never-before-seen footage for those who didn't watch during the Attitude Era.


What do you recommend other gamers try in WWE '13? Do you have anything else you would like to add to this list?