2KSports’ latest WWE game is radically different from any other WWE game this decade.. or last decade
BY: JACOB POLITTE
Managing Editor
If the disastrous “WWE 2K20” game years ago forced 2KSports and Visual Concepts to over-perform in every game they’ve released after, then they’ve absolutely succeeded in their goal despite some missteps over the years. But if the changes in “WWE 2K24” and other recent editions felt like both a cosmetic and technical fresh coat of paint, then “WWE 2K25” feels like an entirely new paint scheme. In fact, parts of it are so radical that it may very well cause some unintended controversy. More on that later.
The 2K Showcase gets the overhaul it desperately needed
One of the most maligned parts of each of the last few games revolved around the game’s annual Showcase mode, and it appears that developers heard that criticism, as the mode this year is better in almost every conceivable way.
For starters, the “Slingshot” technology that has plagued this mode in recent years is absent, which already makes the mode a million times better. It can not be understated just how much that technology, which essentially would cut to actual footage (which would blur out almost every face on the screen other than the wrestlers that would have to be financially compensated), would ruin the flow of the gameplay.
“2K25” returns to relying on in-game cutscenes and features the return of superstar entrances to the mode, which is so much better from a practicality and presentation standpoint. The mode itself focuses on the longrunning “Bloodline” stable and the adjacent but connected Anoa’i Samoan Wrestling Dynasty, which also helps freshen up the mode by making every single playable match a new one for the mode; unlike every Showcase mode for the last 10 years, there are no repeated matches from game to game. Another change that freshens things up: timed objectives, which makes staying on track even more important than before and adds an extra urgency to the proceedings. Everything about the mode feels remarkably fresh and the team at 2K/Visual Concepts really outdid themselves with this year’s Showcase offering.
“The Island” is a unique addition, but microtransactions will harm players enjoyment
WWE is under the 2K umbrella, so it was only a matter of time before an equivalent to NBA’s “MyCity” was introduced for next-generation consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. That equivalent is “The Island,” a take on wrestler Roman Reigns’ “Island of Relevancy” catchphrase, where players can compete against each other to “earn a WWE contract.”
The Island itself is pretty cool to look at, and nice to explore overall. But it is glitchy, and interactions with certain things are limited. There’s no audible dialogue outside of video messages to the player. And the mode greatly relies on microtransactions to purchase any item or upgrade.
The microtransactions in particular are pretty egregious, as the price of the game is already not cheap. Buying special editions helps in terms of having more virtual currency to spend, so buying those editions is almost essential for even getting something remotely resembling a jumpstart in the mode.
Winning matches and performing certain moves, reversals and taunts also helps get you currency in every match you compete in, but the amount you earn is laughably low. Not to mention, there really is no endgame for the mode in sight, making the whole experience feel like a non-canon, pretty, but ultimately useless cash-grab.
MyRise narrows its focus, employs a heavy use of intergender wrestling action
Taking any sort of cue from “2K20” should raise some sort of eyebrow, but the one cue “2K25” does take from that game is at least one that works. While it was easy to hate at the time, one part of “2K20” that aged very well was the extremely cheesy, yet remarkably cohesive “MyRise” story.
While the overarching story in “2K25” is a lot more serious on the whole than the former and takes place in a much more compressed in-game timeframe, it does have the same kind of structure, with both the male and female characters sharing the same overarching story where they both either join or fight against a “munity” forming across the company.
This mode in particular highlights a big change in the series; for the first time since “WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009,” intergender matches are playable. Those male vs female matches can be played without restriction throughout the game, but they feature heavily throughout parts of MyRise, including the mode’s finale.
The unexpected return of intergender wrestling (something that WWE does not do on their own television show) has been lauded by players who crave the freedom to do as they wish in their game. But it does feel sudden and somewhat shocking, especially given the company culture.
This year’s MyRise also offers a multitude of hidden rewards, and unlocking “Live Events” in the mode can lead to accumulating many of those different rewards. Not to mention, the mode, which features multiple endings and unique story branches, has to be played more than once to acquire all of the available unlockable content. Given the cohesiveness and creativity of the mode this year, that should not be a problem for many players.
MyGM continues to improve, and goes online
MyGM mode, where you book and promote your own brand on a weekly basis, once again improves from last year’s offering, which had greatly improved on the outings before it. For those not acquainted with it, the allure of the mode is essentially running the business side of things. The roster of potential General Manager’s to pick from also gets a refresh from previous years.
The mode continues to be a challenge if you can’t manage your money correctly; superstars are more subject to injury with each special match type 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, and players should keep that in mind going in. Not every disgruntled superstar can get the $100,000 bonus they demand or the crazy pay they’re asking for. This year also incorporates scenarios added last year such as talent/cash trading opportunities, but offers players this year the chance to compete against each other online.
The game’s annual Universe mode returns again this year. While it can serve as essentially MyGM without the limitations of the financial aspects, it also gives players a unique opportunity to play as any given superstar every single show. Players may be less stressed with this mode and get more enjoyment out of it, especially with returning features from years past such as the ability to cut promos.
Gameplay remains the same, but matches and environments feel current
As for the gameplay itself, the graphics don’t appear to have changed much on a surface level. The game’s extensive combo system will always be 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. “Chain wrestling” from previous games in the franchise also returns, which helps the game feel more grounded in reality.
After last year’s successful implementation of the WarGames Match, the Ambulance Match, the Casket Match, the Gauntlet match and the Special Guest Referee Match, this year introduces two more new match types: the Underground match and the Bloodline Rules match. Both of those matches don’t scream “big” on the surface, but they have been heavily featured in the television product for the last two years, so their inclusion makes sense.
The “Underground” match is essentially akin to a “shoot” fight in a ring without ropes surrounded by a group of spectators. The only way to win is by knockout or submission; if you aim for the former, the match can often end in 5 minutes or less, which is kind of disappointing. The main feature of the “Bloodline Rules” match is the ability to call out three of a superstar’s allies to assist you in an Anything Goes brawl, basically guaranteeing an 8-man dust-up. It’s not the most ideal match choice, but it can be fun if you just want to see chaos unfold.
In addition to those new match types, there are also two new backstage areas to brawl in. In particular, the new “WWE Archives” arena is a nostalgia trip of a venue to explore… and destroy. It may disappoint gamers that some of the items in the warehouse cannot be interacted with, but even the ones that serve as window dressing are neat and pay tribute to various eras. There are also many that are hidden pretty well, so finding them can be a real treat.
The other new playable area is the infamous “NXT Parking Lot” which is sure to give hardcore fans a chuckle. Often called “one of the most dangerous places in pro wrestling” for the sheer amount of attacks and brawls that have happened there over the last decade, the inclusion of the area in the game is a nice little easter egg for long-time fans.
In recent years, the team at 2K has also made great strides to make sure the arenas, superstars and titles in the game are as current as possible, and they have succeeded in spades this year. Arenas that just debuted on television in early January are featured, as are updated superstar gimmicks and titles. Nothing is worse than when a game feels out of date upon release, and the team at 2K/Visual Concepts should be lauded for avoiding that pitfall.
Overall, while it has certain kinks and bugs that will need to be fixed, and certain modes like The Island feel more hollow than they should, “WWE 2K25” feels like the culmination of a lot of years of slow, but meaningful change for the franchise. There’s far more to like about this game than to not like, and it feels endlessly replayable.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Ring Bells
