Today is a bitter-sweet day to review WWE 2K22. Last night, WWE revealed that Hall of Famer and former NWO member Scott Hall passed away. The WWE 2K22 nWo4Life edition unlocks most of the game’s characters and bonus content; there are some things that can only be unlocked by completing game different modes. Though the collector’s edition of the WWE 2k22 focuses around the nWo, there is no special story within the game centering around the faction. Outside of unlocking most of the in-game content, the collector’s edition, the expansion grants a pack in MY Faction. So with no real connection to the nWo, does WWE 2K22 truly hit differently?
Going into WWE 2K22, there was a lot of room for improvement after the disastrous release of WWE 2K20. With a year and a half to improve, did Visual Concepts and 2K manage to turn the franchise around, or did it jump off the ladder and crash through the tables without a body to interfere? Before diving into WWE 2K22, it is important to know that there are five game modes outside of the match menu; the five playable game modes are Showcase, Universe, MY GM, My Faction, and My Rise. The game allows players the ability to wrestle the computer, create content, wrestle others, download creations, and edit the game’s settings.
Gameplay
Going Into WWE 2K22, we were expecting the worst but hoping for the best. With a wide array of bugs in WWE 2K20, the bar was extremely low for this year’s WWE game. Before you potentially pick up this game, it should be noted that there are still bugs but they are not as frequent as in the previous game. Within the first 10 hours of playing the game, we only experienced seven major bugs but none of them were game-breaking, only annoyances. While playing there were a few occasions where the computer would get stuck in some very odd places and get countered out. Luckily, as long as you are not in My Rise or Showcase, you will win the match. Each game mode has its own stipulations but the overall fight mechanics remain the same.
Although character movements are more fluid, some issues remain. Character interaction does not always work as it should. Characters will bounce off each other despite a move command being issued and sometimes the character’s attack will go through the enemy despite colliding with them. The game’s counter system does not always work properly which can make most players feel frustrated. So how does each game mode stack up?
My Rise
We started the game in the My Rise game mode to learn the game’s core mechanics. Thankfully, the nWo4 edition grants a boost to your created character’s stats. As the player completes missions, they unlock stat boosts, cosmetics, and arenas. My Rise gives players a look at what it is to be a professional wrestler. Start in the WWE performance center and prove your worth. Each section of My Rise has multiple storylines for the player to complete; the game features a male and female-oriented story. In total there are 82 story missions for the player to complete. Interaction with other superstars in this mode can be rather tedious. Rather than having an interactive cutscene, most interactions are either done through mobile texts or chat boxes. By checking the player’s social media feed or DMs, the player can undertake certain missions.
The My Rise menu hub allows the player to alter their entrance, clothing, move set, and post-match victory reaction. The player can sometimes travel between locations and interact with other WWE universe members. Some superstar story missions can only be completed based on the player’s alignment. Swapping between a heel or face persona allows the player to experience different storylines.
In all honesty, the WWE My Rise mode is the best game mode in WWE 2K22 because of the variety and creativity. The WWE Universe mode is a close contender.
Universe
In the WWE Universe game mode, players get to run the WWE. Edit the roster, rivalries, champions, stables, and even the match type. You run the show and control who’s in line for a title shot. WWE Universe is a better version of MY GM Mode. The player can run Raw, NXT, Smackdown, and even create a new show to run throughout the week. During the show, the player can alter the matches on the card, change who competes, edit the match settings, and even dictate other superstars to interfere with the match. Players can choose to either simulate the matches, watch the matches, or play in the match.
We did notice quite a few bugs while playing the My Universe mode. When attempting to watch a match, the game will sometimes bug and have characters just stand around. The player can take over a superstar in that situation. Sometimes superstars who weren’t even booked in the match will just show up in the ring. In the booking menu, the player can choose which superstar will win the match. Ultimately you are the main booker. Sadly, My Universe game mode feels like it stripped some of the fun aspects out of My GM Mode.
My GM Mode
When 2K first revealed My GM Mode, we were excited. It had been a while since General Manager mode had been in a WWE game. Sadly, the excitement for this mode was short-lived. Players can choose between either five established GMs or a created superstar GM. Each GM has its own unique special ability. These abilities can affect the superstars’ popularity and morale. Once a GM is selected, the player will need to select what show they want to run; each show grants special abilities to the roster as well. Players can take turns drafting superstars using their salary cap.
Once rosters have been drafted, HHH will welcome each general manager; then the player must select their champions. Each week, the player will have to work with a budget. Each week’s budget is a carry-over from the previous week. Players are responsible for establishing matches, promos, show logistics (arena, road crew, special effects, or advertising). The player can also sign free agents for a select amount of time. Additionally, Power cards can be used to help give an edge against your opponent. Finally, a Commissioner goal will be set each week that must be completed in order to receive a reward.
Missing Out
WWE and 2K really missed out with MY GM Mode. Not only has the game mode been stripped of its former glory but it is severely lacking. Booked matches can only be singles matches or tag team matches. Additionally, each brand has only two titles that can be defended. Throughout the GM year, players will need to purchase upgrades to their show logistics and then pay for them to be used. In reality, My GM mode feels like a gimmick to cash in on former nostalgia. Yes, you can face another player in MY GM mode but only if they are on the same device.
Showcase
Like previous years, WWE 2K22 features a My Showcase mode. This year’s mode focuses on the accomplishments of Rey Mysterio. The showcase highlights twelve matches throughout Rey Mysterio’s career. Each match has its own objectives that you have to do in order to unlock a match reward. Playing this mode there were good and bad moments. It was cool seeing Visual concepts blend special moments in Mysterio’s career with the game’s match; however, getting to those cutscenes can be infuriating. The game requires that you complete certain actions to trigger these cutscenes, however, the game can break making it hard to execute the desired action.
Because of this technical issue, you may have to replay the matches a few times. Also, some of the matches selected don’t actually feel as significant as others in Mysterio’s career. Where the hell was Kurt Angle?
My Faction
My Faction otherwise known as my waste of time is 2K’s attempt to bring WWE SuperCard over to consoles. This game mode is similar to EA Sports ultimate mode where players collect cards to use superstars. These superstars then can wrestle in matches a certain amount of times before their contract will need to be renewed or extended. Ultimately, this game mode is arguably its weakest. Only play this if you like Madden Ultimate Team.
Graphics
WWE 2K22 visually has improved but the game still has issues. Lighting and special effects are more natural and the overall shadowing that was in WWE 2K20 is no more. Most of the designed superstars look good with only a few issues visually throughout the game. The real issues come with bugs during the matches or character customization. Honestly, we are shocked that some of the created characters look so good. When we tried to create our character in My Rise, the character design tool felt clunky and visually unappealing. Yes, Visual Concepts wanted to give players the option to create their own unique character, but visually, it looks like a weird blend of early 2000s arts with modern-day technology.
When wrestling in matches, we dealt with a multitude of bugs. In one instance, we were attempting to throw a superstar off the landing, instead, our bodies fused together for a brief second, and then suddenly we were on the ground before we knew it. We were able to duplicate this glitch on a few separate occasions. The second most annoying bug was a superstar getting thrown through the ropes and getting stuck on the barricades; it took close to five minutes to get the superstar unstuck.
WWE still has a lot of bugs that need to be fixed before it can be considered a solid game. Also, why blur out the faces of former superstars and even the crowd during the Mysterio showcase? it wasn’t always consistent and looked unprofessional.
Controls
Personally, I hate WWE 2K22‘s controls. Yes, once you master them combat can be smoother from a pickup and play standpoint they are tedious and aggravating. The game’s counter system requires you to match the button you think your opponent is going to press in order to counter and depending on the difficulty or internet connection, the timing window is rather limited and potentially missable. The control scheme in WWE Smackdown vs Raw felt more fluid and less of a headache. The game relies too heavily on combos and stick angles, you lose part of the wrestling moment and atmosphere.
If everything worked smoothly then the game would be more enjoyable. Sadly it does not.
Audio
So WWE 2K22’s audio is a jukebox of chaos, sometimes it’s good other times it’s a complete mess. The developers have done a great job of having the commentary team acknowledge what’s going on during a match or as the characters come down to the ring; however, the play-by-play commentary can be repetitive. Additionally, the NXT commentary has been stripped from the game and been replaced with the base commentary team of Cole, Saxton, and Graves. These three get annoying quickly.
Next, there is the issue with WWE’s soundtrack and entrances. On multiple occasions, superstars would come down to the ring without their music playing. Additionally, some superstars’ music would play after winning a match. Finally, in between loading screens, some wrestler theme tracks would overlap in weird ways. No playing one after another but instead playing at the same time.
Also, the development team could not be bothered to put the full wrestling theme songs into the game and instead cut them off after a certain amount of time. Sometimes these breaks come at really weird points.
Replayability & Verdict
At the end of the day, WWE 2K22 is a wrestling sim game; it is something you can pick up, play a match, and then put down. However, in the long run, once you beat the core moments, it’s very easy to put it on the shelf and forget about it. My GM mode is great to try once, but fans of the original mode will feel sick to their stomach. Factions is a cash grab or for those with determination for a perfection medal. The universe is closer to what My GM mode should have been, and finally, My Rise is probably the only game mode with any substance. With two career paths to take, it probably provides the most core gameplay to take in.
Overall, WWE 2K22 is a step in the right direction for the 2K wrestling franchise but the game as a whole feels rather lacking. Characters for the most part look great despite a good bit of Superstars in the game no longer being an active part of the WWE roster. The core gameplay still has quite a few bugs despite being patched a few times since launch. The game’s soundtrack is probably one of the most mediocre in years and features multiple bugs in its own right.
As a whole, it is safe to say that it is worth waiting for WWE 2K22. Although it has improved since WWE 2K20, the game as a whole has room for improvement. We would recommend waiting until it’s on sale before picking it up unless you are dying to play it.
A copy of WWE 2K22 was provided for review purposes on the Xbox Series X
RIP Scott Hall
