WWE 2K22 – Review
Just over two years and a half. That’s how long we’ve had to wait since WWE 2K20’s debacle to see an official wrestling simulation. The ‘rasslin landscape’ will be vastly different in October 2019 than it is now. This year, WWE has a new competitor in the form of AEW, which will see the return of some of the most popular characters in the WWE universe, including Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, and Dean Ambrose. Is WWE 2K22 up to the task of fending off such an attack? Yes, but it’s a Brock Lesnar-sized improvement over the previous version of the app.
‘It hits different’ is 2K’s catchphrase in its marketing. Not only would it have been equally accurate (though unlikely to move as many copies), but the publisher was right all along: “Two steps forward, one back.” Just when you think you’ve seen it all in WWE 2K22, the developers throw in a heel turn. Smackdown broadcasts, on the other hand, tend to follow a similar pattern, so it could be a deliberate attempt to mimic reality. I seriously doubt it.
Take, for example, the eagerly awaited addition of a new mode called MyGM. THQ’s GM Modes have been replaced by this new mode, which lets you choose from five on-screen bosses (Regal! Stephanie! While no one is interested in taking on the role of Shane O’Mac (sorry Shane), players can choose one of four brands (with NXT UK receiving the same airtime as Raw) and face off against an AI or human opponent. Playing around with a $2.7 million budget and making up free agents like Jive Owens, Triton, and the like is a lot of fun. Following the initial setup, you’ll want to concentrate on building feuds over a number of weeks and shows, while also monitoring your budget and how well your opponent is doing. One step forward, so far.
The two-steps-back portion is here. MyGM’s season is limited to either 15, 25, or 50 weeks rather than an indeterminate period like Madden 22 franchise mode or FIFA 22 career mode. You don’t have the option of having a tournament or a match to choose your World Champion. In fact, there are no secondary championships to speak of. There was no US Title, no Intercontinental Title, and no Tag Titles to be found. Promos can be assigned, but they cannot be executed. The end result is a game mode that is initially entertaining but quickly becomes tedious due to its lack of depth.
WWE 2K20’s in-ring action was so buggy and difficult to control that no one would have survived the first few weeks if MyGM had appeared in the game. That’s where WWE 2K22 really shines. It’s a joy to watch, and it really does ‘hit different’. Happy Corbin versus Finn Balor feels like a finely balanced battle of heft versus speed in the game’s handling. In addition to the emphasis on grappling and combos, there is an increased emphasis on timing counters and dodges, which is a welcomed addition after No Mercy and Fire Pro’s lack thereof.
Again, a “but” is required. Despite the game’s poor performance, some elements of WWE 2K20 remain, with controls being the most problematic. Throughout the series’ history, reversals have been naturally mapped to the right trigger and remain on the triangle. It’s cumbersome to constantly switch between defence and offence by flicking your thumb across the face buttons. As a result, signatures and finishers now require more than just a single button press to complete. A running finisher on PS5 requires the simultaneous application of the keys triangle, R2, and X. Ugh. When you consider the new dodge mechanic, this design decision becomes even more puzzling. Isn’t it logical to have the reversing button right next door to the bumper command?
Tag-team partners, on the other hand, can be a real pain in the neck. As soon as you finish a move, your opponent’s buddy rushes in to stop the ensuing pin attempt, while your partner, who was watching WrestleMania 3 on his phone, takes a slow stroll through the ropes. Before making a pin, the game advises you to attack your opponent on the apron. Instead of having your AI friend programme it for you, why not just do it yourself? It may take some time for that to sink in.
“Highly playable with a few niggling controls” is a better description than “completely borked.” The new MyFaction mode, which allows you to open packs and build up an octet of stars, makes it even more challenging (four male, four female). A currency is unlocked for each and every action you take, regardless of the type of match you’re playing or the level you’re at (MF). For example, new packs with wrestlers, nameplates, and upgrades like side plates can be purchased with this money.
Cards that evolve over time are particularly useful because they improve over time. After damaging seven opponents’ heads and landing 100 heavy attacks, for example, Bayley moves up a level. For 4-on-4 bout climaxes, the tag-partner issues cause them to drag on for far longer than 15 minutes.
After blitzing Showcase, which this year features classic Rey Mysterio bouts against Eddie Guerrero, Shawn Michaels, and Gran Metalik, I usually spend 11 months hammering Universe mode until the next WWE game is released. ‘ Because MyFaction is so engrossing, I’ve already blown my time management goals for the year. For those who don’t want to spend money on VC – the cash-purchased alternative to MF – 2K will be key in keeping it competitive. However, I’m eager to see where it goes from here!
That doesn’t mean Universe mode isn’t enjoyable. In a strange way, the out-of-date WWE 2K22 roster helps this mode feel familiar to returning players. In 2021, WWE axed 30 of the stars featured here, so you could create a new show starring Braun Strowman, Breezango, and Peyton Royce if you wanted. Unlike MyGM, there are no time limits or restrictions on the number of title belts a player can wear, so it’s possible to play through the entire game as a single wrestler. However, controlling the entire roster is the best way to enjoy Universe, and you can always simulate matches or shows you don’t like.
MyGM has a diluted feel when compared to its predecessors, and there are some frustrating legacy issues, but there is a lot to like here. There’s a real sense of urgency to the on-screen action. Previous series entries were blown away in terms of their animations, likeness, and even their entrances. Moreover, both MyFaction and Universe provide long-term value for the money invested. For the first time in two-and-a-half years, Visual Concepts has brought an end to the WWE 2K20 era. AEW, it’s your turn.
