2KSports’ latest WWE game is yet another step up, but still has room for improvement
BY: JACOB POLITTE
Managing Editor
Continuing the goodwill that they’ve been trying to build back up since the disastrous “WWE 2K20” game years ago, 2KSports and Visual Concepts have another great game on their hands in “WWE 2K24.” The graphics in the game are some of the best ever. That being said, besides the innovation of including some new match types and substantial gameplay improvements, certain aspects of the game continue to feel stale and in desperate need of an overhaul.
The 2K Showcase needs a major overhaul
Let’s start with one of the most heavily advertised modes in the game. This year’s 2K Showcase centers on “40 Years of WrestleMania” with 21 matches spread across the last 4 decades ready to be replayed move-by-move.
The first problem is that, quite frankly, they could have picked better matches for the most part. That, and some of the matches that are available to play have already been a part of multiple WWE 2K games.
Take, for example, the match between The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin from WrestleMania X-Seven in 2001. This game marks the third time in the last 10 years that the match is a part of a Showcase. The same goes for the match between Bret Hart and Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13, which suffers from the same fatigue, and other matches from the earlier eras that have already appeared in a 2K game.
In addition, likely due to not wanting to pay people royalties for appearing in the game, and in some cases, specific directives not to feature them at certain times, there are an absurd amount of faces and logos blurred during portions of the game where footage is shown to the point where things seem more distracting than immersive. This includes any and all referees, ring announcers, timekeepers, former President of the United States Donald Trump and currently disgraced former owner Vince McMahon.
Granted, the 2K team probably had their hands tied in a lot of ways. There are certain performers’ likenesses that they legally can’t use anymore because they have either passed away or they work for different companies. That being said, 2K probably should have gone for a different kind of Showcase mode if that was the case. Perhaps, though, it may be time to scrap it all together. It’s long outlived its usefulness, especially with its fan base finally beginning to shun the past and embrace the future.
MyRise is a bit weird, but still fun
Where the “Showcase” mode falters, the “MyRise” mode once again thrives, although this years stories are a bit weaker than those from last year.
That being said, MyRise offers two engaging, largely serialized narratives that can’t be found in ShowCase mode, and takes full advantage of its current roster. The true equivalent of a “Season Mode” but spread out over multiple years, it allows for the game developers to truly show off their creative chops and while the results can be cheesy, the mode is almost always full of life.
The men’s story is probably the most engrossing, but the overarching premise that looms over the proceedings is strange. The longest reigning champion of the modern era, Roman Reigns, willingly surrenders his title and leaves the business for Hollywood but continuously bullies you when you try and fill his shoes and reach the heights that he did. Roman is arguably the most important star in the company and has been for several years, so including him heavily in this mode makes sense.
The women’s story has the same initial premise as the Men’s story from last year, with a slight twist. This year, an indie wrestler who built her own company finally gets her big break, and has to navigate her way up to the top. It’s a much more simple premise, at least initially, but it’s still as fun to play as you may expect.
Overall, the stories could have been a bit better this year, but they’re still creative enough to warrant multiple playthroughs.
MyGM continues to improve
MyGM mode, where you book and promote your own brand on a weekly basis, once again greatly improves from last year’s offering, which had greatly improved on the inaugural outing before it. For those not acquainted with it, the allure of the mode is essentially running the business side of things, and this year, includes the ability to book more diverse match types, more championship titles for your roster to compete for and features even more brands to compete against. In a way, the mode is more challenging because of these aspects; superstars are more subject to injury and the money a brand has to work can’t accommodate every superstar, match or even event. If anything, a successful MyGM season relies heavily on booking well-balanced shows and paying attention to one’s fiscal budget. Not every disgruntled superstar can get the $100,000 bonus they demand or the pay they’re asking for. This year also introduces new scenarios such as talent and cash trading opportunities, which help enhance the mode and make every decision count much more.
The game’s annual Universe mode is, as usual, also a bit confusing and a bit of a waste of time, but it also is essentially MyGM without the limitations of the financial aspects. Players may be less stressed with this mode.
Gameplay and new match types can’t be scoffed at
As for the gameplay itself, the graphics don’t appear to have changed much on a surface level, and like its predecessor the game is still a lot less glitchy than many previous entries in the series. The game’s extensive combo system is still a bit challenging to deal with, especially during the Showcase mode where certain objectives can only be met by performing combos perfectly. But punching and kicking alone won’t fill your stamina meter that allows you to perform your signature and finishing moves. The combo system needs simplifying, but it’s a necessary evil during gameplay.
Another fun addition is a new “Trading Strikes” mini-game where you and your opponent must press a button at the correct meter to land a blow. This allows a fun exchange as you try to get the better of your opponent and take control of the match.
After the successful implementation of the WarGames Match last year, this year’s game introduces four new match types: the Ambulance Match, the Casket Match, the Gauntlet match and the Special Guest Referee Match.
The Ambulance Match and Casket Match are really fun new additions, both of which revolve around trapping your opponent in those objects. The Special Guest Referee Match can be the most fun, but if you intend to screw over one of the competitors, it’s best to use a wrestler in the role and turn the referee meter off in the match options. The Gauntlet match can be a little daunting, but only if you set it to feature a higher number of competitors.
As with every addition of the game there are a few inaccuracies when it comes to the talent and arenas that are featured, although the former isn’t really the fault of the game developers. That’s because the characters in the game change their personas rather frequently, although it’s really not a massive issue this year due to the consistency of the television product. It’s also worth noting that an extended roster is on the way, with multiple groups of downloadable characters and even arenas still to come.
WWE 2K24 refines every single ounce of all of the hard work put into this franchise over the years, but it still can be improved. While the gameplay is solid, and they have a winning formula, it’s time to take a serious look at the Showcase Mode and make some big changes in the coming years, and perhaps make some tweaks to other modes or scrap them entirely.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Ring Bells
