WWE '13 runs on the engine dubbed, "Predator Technology 2.0", which succeeds the first version from WWE '12.[5] The engine has been updated to allow for more fluid animations, with odd collisions and transitions having been fixed and updated, it also allows over 300 new moves. Other past problems that have been fixed include a better weight detection system, contextual animations, and automatic attack homing, to ensure that the character always strikes toward opponents. The contextual animation system has been refined to ensure that it dynamically swaps out moves to make sure that the game is using the appropriate move animations at any given time and state. The weight detection system makes it so that small superstars such as Rey Mysterio are unable to lift larger wrestlers such as the Big Show. Thus, the contextual animations ensure that more appropriate attacks are put in the superstar's normal moveset.
The game's new homing system is designed so that when doing high-flying moves, a player will hit the intended target with better precision. The homing system also tracks tables so that they will be better detected when doing grapples on a ladder in TLC and Ladder matches.[6] This feature allows for environmental moves such as ring breaks, barricade breaks, announce table breaks, and catching (mid-air) finishers to be possible.[7]
A different model is used for "giant" characters, rather than a single-body structure for all superstars. The game also features a newly revamped audio system with remastered sound effects and crowd reactions, and commentary audio taken directly from live WWE events. Online servers have been enhanced to allow players to test out creations before downloading them into the game.
The "Special Referee" match type returns from its last appearance in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007. Additionally, AI will fill in for absent players during online matches, in the event when not enough players are available.[8]
Story Modes[edit]
Attitude Era Mode[edit]
The game's "Attitude Era" mode feature 35 superstars and over 60 cutscenes that detail aspects of the Era. To fill in the gaps and storylines necessary to understand a feud or match's context, THQ worked with WWE editors to produce 20 video packages. The "Monday Night War" with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), a major element of the era, is given a nod through the way of a rating chart that follows the player as they progress throughout the mode.[9] Smaller details, such as entrances, arenas and television graphics from the time period have also been recreated.[10][11]
Players have the option to recreate several moments from the Attitude Era, allowing them to unlock over 100 items.[12] Commentary from Jerry "The King" Lawler and Jim Ross, who were WWE's main commentary team during the period, are present, with re-recorded commentary along with archived audio in certain points during in-game cutscenes. Though Lawler is present in Exhibition and Universe modes alongside Michael Cole, Ross' commentary is only featured in "Attitude Era" mode.[13]
"Attitude Era" mode features various storylines and moments played out over a two-year season of 65 matches from "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels VS. Mankind at Raw at the start of the "Rise of DX" chapter to a no disqualification match between The Rock and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania XV at the end of the "WrestleMania XV" chapter. These matches are divided into chapters of varying lengths, each focusing on certain WWE Superstars. Such characters include "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Rock, D-Generation X, The Undertaker, Mick Foley, Kane and Bret "The Hitman" Hart.[14] "Off Script" is an epilogue set between WCW's 2001 bankruptcy and acquisition, into the "Ruthless Aggression" era, from Kane VS. Vader at Over the Edge 1998 to Lita VS. Trish Stratus at Raw. It features The Godfather, Vader, Chris Jericho, Edge & Christian (Edge and Christian), Lita, Trish Stratus, Eddie Guerrero and The Acolytes (as The APA),.[citation needed]
Universe Mode[edit]
WWE '13's "Universe Mode" was developed with assistance from "The Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar's advocate, Paul Heyman. New additions include the ability to use created arenas and stadiums on any given show. Each recurring show, divided into major and minor, SmackDown and WWE Superstars respectively, can have their theme, roster, belt, and arenas adjusted. However, only "major" shows are allowed to have belts assigned to them. The option to create a pay-per-view has also returned, and players get the option to choose which rosters are able to participate in the PPV, and what theme or match type is consistent throughout the event. Players can delete shows entirely, add new shows, or move shows around on any day of the week.
Statistics and rankings are also once again included, the former of which divides ranks into tracking record holders, historical information, the period of time a title was held, and the number of times a title was held. Titles are again divided into minor, major, tag-team, and divas. Scenarios also play out differently, with the game giving the player options to lead out to a branching storyline based on decisions made within the match. This allows players to choose how to attack during cutscenes, not to attack, and gives the option to break up tag teams and alliances. This allows for over 200 new storyline possibilities. Finally, the option to turn injuries on and off is also present.[15]