WWE 2K25 Review – New World Order
Pro wrestling is a variety show. Spend a few weeks with WWE and you'll see how it caters to so many different tastes. Segments lean into genres like drama, action, comedy, or even horror. Matches showcase a broad spectrum of styles, from high-flying Luchadors to grueling submission bouts, to storybook endings that take years to build up. WWE 2K25 translates this variety beautifully, offering many modes that cater to different types of players. While some modes fall flat, it remains an exciting experience overall.
WWE 2K25 is a fantastic game in its own right, representing the culmination of years of effort by the Visual Concepts team to recover from the disastrous WWE 2K20. The backlash from that game was so significant that no new version was released the following year—a rare occurrence in annualized sports games. Since then, the series has steadily improved, and WWE 2K25 stands as the best entry in the series.
In the Ring
The biggest change in WWE 2K25 is the inclusion of intergender matches. While men and women frequently compete against each other in the indie wrestling world, WWE has long avoided it. This year, after receiving approval, the game allows intergender matches, letting players, for example, squash Dominik Mysterio as Rhea Ripley. It’s refreshing to see WWE embracing this idea in the game, breaking down unnecessary barriers.
The gameplay mechanics remain largely the same as last year, but with the addition of chain wrestling. This mechanic is optional and mirrors real-life wrestling, offering a way to open matches. The game's in-ring mechanics were overhauled after the 2K20 disaster, and while WWE 2K25 doesn't introduce much new content in this area, the return of chain wrestling improves what was already a highlight. The game effectively replicates real-world wrestling drama—starting with chain wrestling, building momentum, hitting signature moves, and delivering false finishes.
A small but fun addition is the Giant archetype. Giants come with an extra health bar, which must be depleted before a smaller opponent can execute most moves. While this might seem overpowered in a traditional fighting game, in WWE 2K25 it enhances match storytelling and psychology, adding an interesting dynamic.
WWE 2K25 doesn’t aim to be a fighting game; it’s more about capturing the spirit of pro wrestling, blending sport and stage play. This balance is key to the game’s charm and is evident in modes like the Giant archetype and chain wrestling.
New Match Types and Modes
This year, WWE 2K25 adds new match types like Bloodline Rules and the MMA-inspired Underground match. While neither match type is particularly groundbreaking, they provide welcome variety, especially in long-form modes like Universe and GM. It's a small but significant step toward a more diverse match list.
WWE 2K's annual sports games are known for offering an impressive variety of worthwhile modes, and 2K25 is no exception. The Showcase mode, which highlights The Bloodline—a Samoan wrestling dynasty—is an excellent example. Hosted by Paul Heyman, it covers the lineage from legends like Yokozuna and The Wild Samoans to modern stars like Roman Reigns and The Usos. This mode provides great historical context, and even though it's not told in chronological order, it’s an excellent introduction to wrestling history for newcomers and long-time fans alike.
Universe and GM Modes
For fantasy bookers, Universe and GM modes are where the real fun lies. Universe mode lets you run the entire WWE brand, booking shows, creating rivalries, and building stories. It’s incredibly flexible, allowing you to take control of a single wrestler’s career or manage the whole company. Whether you want to play hands-on or let the game generate storylines, it offers a great mix of control and automation. The return of promos in Universe mode is a welcome feature, even if it’s still a bit awkward without voice acting.
GM mode offers a competitive edge, where you draft wrestlers, create match cards, and upgrade production value to outdo your rivals. The biggest addition here is online multiplayer. Unfortunately, it’s underdeveloped—online GM mode only allows you to simulate matches rather than play or spectate them. For some, this might not be a big deal, but for others hoping to compete in real-time, it’s a disappointing omission.
MyRise Mode
MyRise is the narrative-driven mode that offers a goofy, cutscene-heavy story. While it doesn’t offer a coherent or serious plot, it’s a fun mode with plenty of unlockables like characters, costumes, and customization options. The mode is particularly enjoyable for younger audiences, as evidenced by my kids enjoying the story, which involved their custom characters, Batman and Billie Eilish. It’s quirky, absurd, and worth the time for those who like lighthearted gameplay.
Creation Suite and Customization
WWE 2K25 continues to shine in its creation suite, offering the best tools for creating custom characters, signs, movesets, and more. With an extensive range of options, fans can bring nearly any character to life, from Alan Wake to Leon from Resident Evil. The face- and body-sculpting tools are deep yet easy to use, and the large wardrobe allows for endless possibilities. It’s a perfect tool for fans who want to create their dream matchups, whether that’s a fight between horror icons or a crossover featuring characters from other franchises.
MyFaction and The Island
However, the competitive multiplayer modes suffer some issues. MyFaction returns as a card-collecting mode, similar to EA’s Ultimate Team. Unfortunately, it’s plagued by pay-to-win mechanics, with players who spend money getting a significant advantage. This is frustrating, but the mode offers enough single-player content that it can still be enjoyed without spending money.
A new mode, The Island, attempts to bring a social hub experience similar to NBA 2K’s The City. However, it falls flat. The Island offers a PvPvE experience where players can bring custom characters into a shared world and compete in events. Unfortunately, the mode suffers from pay-to-win mechanics and a lack of meaningful content. The Island feels like a barren wasteland, with little to do and many players spending money to level up their characters. It’s a disappointing feature that could’ve been a fun addition, but it currently feels lifeless and underdeveloped.
Conclusion
Despite some rough edges, WWE 2K25 is an outstanding game that appeals to a broad spectrum of WWE fans. It offers impressive depth in gameplay, a fantastic creation suite, and a variety of modes that cater to different types of players. Whether you’re a history buff, a fantasy booker, or a customization enthusiast, there’s something here for everyone. However, online multiplayer remains a weak spot, with issues like input lag and pay-to-win mechanics in certain modes. While The Island mode is a major disappointment, the rest of the game more than makes up for it, and WWE 2K25 is firmly positioned as the number one contender for sports game of the year.
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