Few sports are prepared for the whole of being “a video game” than professional wrestling, but when you think about it, it’s a bit odd. WWE itself is similar to the detailed choreographed battles and dance sequences in the film, but the goal of a game based on winning rather than actual competition is the goal of a game based on winning. But aside the inherent contradictions, I’ve been enjoying my time with WWE 2K25 so far – in just a few days – thanks to its vastly improved showcase mode and generally great gaming feel.
When I step into a new version of an annual game like this, the first thing I’m trying to do is get a land ray. Despite playing a wrestling game since N64, my first stop is the tutorial. Because, unless things are very wrong, something is a little different (this year we’re looking at the long-term returns of chain wrestling) or I’ve forgotten how to do a very important, very specific button sequence. WWE Games has been making good introductions for a while, especially compared to other sports game franchises (hello, Madden!). WWE2K25 is no exception. This is a very detailed tutorial and explains everything you need to be a champion in the ring. Performance Centres are a great educational tool, whether you need a quick review or are learning to do Irish whip for the first time. This may seem strange to spill ink, but every version of the game is someone’s first, or their first for a while.
I refreshed my memories and spent some time looking around. WWE 2K25 has an absolutely stacked roster, whether they’re here for classics like Bret “Hit Man” Hart, Dave Bautista/Batista, Dwayne Johnson/The Rock, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, or a megastar-turned-wrestler-turned-movie star like Wearidos. I’m also grateful that there are several versions of the same guy in WWE history. Why yes wwe2k25, i do You need a handful of triple HS each with their own stats, thank you! Did you know that compared to the modern version of Rock, the 1997 version is considered a Bum? Not me, but that’s what statistics say! Remember when Rhea Ripley’s visual style was in 2020? Or 2017? When was your last thought about the “fascinating” Rick Rood? Something like this is great, and the better part is that if you don’t like the visual concept, you can edit almost every aspect of these wrestlers, from crowd reactions to adjusting individual statistics and changing movements. The ability to fine-tune individual wrestlers is nothing new, but as this roster grows, it’s good to remember how impressive it is.
Among other new things in WWE 2K25, so far I have an island, an island (i.e., who among us is among us? it’s not Did you want to impress the rule of Rome? ), and the new Myrise storyline. But most of my attention so far is this year’s showcase mode, followed by pedigree and families of Anoai, Fatu and Maivia. Paul “Wiseman” Heyman hosts things this year, he clearly very A good time providing a backstory explaining who the players are and why these matches are important. There is a lot of archival footage here, like in the past few years, but the issue continues to obscure some people’s faces (maybe it’s because of rights issues?).
Anyway, Showcase feels better than last year’s version (partially, this time there’s a full ring entrance, and the comments during the match are really good, and here’s great for every match), and this fun twist can sometimes be asked to change the outcomes of these family match members lost in the actual WWE storyline. If what I played is an overall indication, there are no more cuts to match footage that interrupts gameplay. Instead, big moments are recreated in-game. This means you play more organically even if you don’t follow the checklist. So far, I’ve been exploding with Yokozuna doing things like constantly beating my beloved nose from Hulk Hogan.
Another thing that stood out was how good it looks. The WWE series has always been a watchdog, but this year the visual concept has been able to make things more prominently cleaner than ever before. Bruises, blood and sweat are more realistic, allowing you to see how long the match is going on, who is winning, and where the men in the ring are getting the most punishment at a glance. That’s really impressive.
And that’s like I’m with WWE2K25 overall when I head to my first weekend. There’s a lot to do before slap this bad boy the numbers, but it looks great and feels pretty amazing (like WWE 2K24), and there’s a lot. If you do, a luxury wrestling buffet. What I’ve had so far is great, but there’s still a wide range of dishes on the table and your boy’s taste test is everything. It’s better to go back to that – that circle is not going to square it itself.
Are you playing? Tell us what you think so far!
