Review – WWE 2K22
Hello Bandits, with thanks to the folks at 2K I’ve been checking out the latest in a 22-year line of wrestling titles, with the long awaited return in WWE 2K22. For both platforms, I’ve been getting footage and testing out the title for you, and it’s high up on my list of games to grab for this year.
The Basics
I’ve been lucky enough to get this one through on both PC and Xbox, and have thoroughly enjoyed the title on both platforms. A year and a half since WWE 2K20 was released to exceptionally negative reviews, 2K22 feels like a phoenix rising from the ashes. In this title you’ll find a whole heap of new features, and completely overhauled visual and gameplay mechanics. While 2K20 may have put a dampener on things, it seems to have spurred Visual Concepts on to create what may be one of the greatest wrestling games ever made.
WWE 2K22 brings superstar wrestling back to consoles and PC, and as you may have guessed, this one involves… wrestling. For those who have been long-term fans of the series, there are a huge number of new features and mechanics which make this one great.
Firstly, and importantly after 2K20’s sluggish and uninspiring system, the movement and gameplay benefits from an entirely new game engine. Movement in 2K22 is smooth, and with reversals overhauled, and with new combos and blocks added I’ve felt in charge of my actions at all times. Counters can take some getting used to, but when you do matches can turn around in a moment, and feel supremely real.
There are also new MyGM, MyFACTION and MyRISE modes, allowing you to take full control of your game. In MyGM you take control as general manager, taking control of behind the scenes action. MyFACTION is a trading card game, not dissimilar to Fifa’s Ultimate Team mode, where you’ll look to build your own faction to rival the nWo. MyRISE contains two new careers in which you’ll take your own character from nobody to a WWE superstar.
The Creation Suite has also been overhauled adding a huge number of options for you to make your character look as realistic, cool, or silly as you like.
Parent’s Eye View
WWE 2K22 is rated by PEGI at 16 and above, and by the ESRB at T for Teen. Being a wrestling game there is , of course violence, and while it’s absent in most of the regular matches there are some blood effects as well. From time to time there’s also some suggestive language, and some overt sexualisation of female wrestlers within the costume department, The title features a number of ways to play with the general public online.
All in all, it’s not one which I’ve found to be awful for playing in front of our Micro Bandits and I’m giving it a medium rating here. If you have your parental settings in place and keep an eye on the younger generation, they should be ok.
Accessibility
For accessibility, the title is picking up a rating of casual. Again it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean hardcore players won’t have things to do, as WWE 2K22 comes with enough to properly sink your teeth into. However it also makes it really easy to drop in and out every now and then whenever you get time. The controls are easy to learn, and the pause screen gives a full breakdown of relevant characters’ moves, combos and specials.
The Run Down
Visuals – Great: WWE 2K22 has a whole new visual effects engine, and re-scanned superstars. It’s hands down the best looking wrestling game I have seen. The hair effects do leave a little to be desired in the title’s cut scenes, but in the actual gameplay it’s way over and above what I was expecting
Audio – Great: Due to licensing we can’t play them here but the title is powered by wall to wall certified bangers. The soundtrack is beyond excellent, and also benefits from some great voice acting from a huge number of WWE superstars.
Narrative – Great: There’s some great narrative here, especially within the MyRISE mode and the WWE Showcase which takes you through some of the highlights of Rey Mysterio’s career.
Replay – Great: There is, of course, a solid multiplayer aspect to WWE 2K22, but even if you’re only looking at single player gameplay there’s a huge amount to do. Even outside the MyGM, MyFACTION and MyRISE modes, all games have a huge number of match combinations which will be enough to keep you going for just about forever. If you’re old like me, there are also a whole host of retro superstars to use, which is always nice to see for those us us who remember turn-of-the-millenium wrestling.
The Verdict
Overall the Pixel Bandits Can you Smell what 2K are Cooking Level for WWE2k 22 is Grab It! Honestly, this has been one of my favourite games of the year so far and while it’s not perfect in every way, it’s absolutely worth your time. With a huge amount to do, WWE 2K22 works hard to put memories of the last title behind it. With overhauled gameplay and visuals taking advantage of a new engine, smooth movement and mechanics which just make the game feel real, if you’re even slightly interested in wrestling then this is one you absolutely do not want to miss.
