WWE 2K22 Review

After the two-year hiatus from the horrific events that was WWE 2K20, WWE 2K22 comes in full throttle holding no punches bringing in new welcoming changes and a very impressive makeover. This new instalment truly proves to be the series redemption arc fulfilling promises of truly being a new and improved WWE title.

WWE 2K22 has taken pride in its presentation this time around. With the use of an all-new visual effects engine, the graphics in this game are extremely well polished allowing superstars to look the most realistic they’ve ever been in this franchise which I can almost guarantee will have some if not most players taken back. Its easy to see that the two year absence played a critical role and how slick and clean this instalment is. Throughout the matches, players will encounter new camera angles and unique environments giving players an authentic experience. In comparison to past titles, it’s obvious that graphically this game has made major improvements.

Graphics aren’t the only thing that has gotten a rework. New gameplay mechanics have been built from the ground up and can be easily seen with the first few matches played. The traditional grappling system has been replaced with something requiring a bit more skill. WWE 2K22 is the first in the series to actually possess a combo system. Players have no need to panic as they’re not expected to pull off any Street Fighter or Tekken-like combos. These combos are only strings of light and heavy attacks. When performed correctly wrestlers will perform devastating grapple or strike moves.

Reversals play an even more pivotal role in this installment. Almost anything can be reversed by playing a game of rock paper scissors with their opponent. While a prompt at times will still show up at times, players can now reverse by pressing the same attack button as their opponent. In addition, a block button and even dodges were added. It may take players a few games to familiarize themselves with these new changes however it does great for adding the element of variety to the series making it feel more like a fighting game.

MyCareer has also gone through a new makeover now being dubbed MyRise. This game mode introduces two independent stories, one for male superstars and one for female superstars. Starting out with their created character players can choose between four different story backgrounds. While they do offer different stat boosts for player’s characters they also change up certain dialogue and events within their playthrough.

• MMA
  • Arm Power +5%
  • Leg Power +5%
  • Technical Submission Defense +10%
• Indie Talent
  • Aerial Offense +10%
  • Grapple Reversal +5%
  • Finisher +5%
• Pro Athlete
  • Agility +5%
  • Body Durability +10%
  • Grapple Offense +5%

Within MyRise players will be able to choose which of the three brands they want to work for; NXT, Raw, or Smackdown. Essentially your decisions wont matter as players aren’t limited to sticking to one brand and will be given the option to switch if they wish. In each of the brands, players will encounter various events, some depending on their reputation status, heel, or face. After each event is completed players can upgrade their created superstar with attribute points earned for future matches. If a comparison had to be made MyRise closely resembles a mission mode feature of the game. Your goals are to win all the matches in each brand as heel and face and win all the championship belts available. Unless players choose to complete another playthrough with their male or female counterpart this mode wont be revisited again.

MyFaction is a franchise first in the series. Comparable to the concept of Ultimate Teams or even WWE Supercard, MyFaction lets players build a faction of WWE Superstars to compete in challenges and missions. Players can collect and upgrade their earned superstars to build their best and ideal line-up. Although the mode requires players to be online its a shame we can’t take our line-up of superstars and pit them against friends or even other players. Speaking of online, the WWE community hub also makes a return allowing players to create and download superstars, belts and etc. The only dilemma is that during launch the online mode’s functionality has been underperforming. While the game didn’t have any WWE 2K20-type glitches, it would be very buggy at times making players undergo severe lag, extremely long loading times, disconnection from servers and even game crashes. Hopefully a future update is made to combat these problems.

Since WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2008 MyGM has not been seen in any future instalment of the series. That is until WWE 2K22. Players need to understand that changes have been made to the game mode. The fact that players are put in charge of Raw, Smackdown, NXT remains untouched. The same can be said about how they can still draft a roster of WWE Superstars and Legends.

There are certain downgrades that have been made since 2008. WWE 2K22 feels like it put more limitations on the feature. Match cards held for shows are capped at three instead of the traditional six. The only title belt options that superstars can compete for are the men’s and women’s titles. Finally, there are limitations on the certain types of matches you can do. While the game mode undoubtedly received a facelift it will not feel the same as it once did almost 14 years ago and players wont be spending the majority of their time in the mode. Its a shame considering all the hype about the feature’s return to the series.

Conclusion

WWE 2K22 is the comeback that the series needed to put itself back on everyone’s radar once again. The game’s amazing presentation and fluid gameplay are exactly what the doctor ordered to make such a solid and enjoyable experience. 2K delivered on all of their promises making WWE 2K22 a instalment that “Hits Different”.

This game was tested and reviewed on Xbox Series X/S. All of the opinions and insights here are subject to that version. Game provided by publisher.