WWE 2K22 Review – A New Beginning
GameUtha April 17, 2022
WWE 2K22 is a professional wrestling game developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports. It follows WWE 2K20 after a year of absence. The game iterates on previous titles by introducing new features and game modes while also improving several problems fans and critics had with the previous entry in the series.
A Tainted Legacy
WWE 2K20 was met with widespread criticism by fans and critics alike. Technical problems like dropped frames and lag spikes were polarizing amongst fans, additionally, many game modes were removed along with fan favorite features such as entrances, user created arena’s and the ability to edit match rules. The series took a year off by cancelling WWE 2K21 but returned with a bang with the release of 2K22.
WWE 2K22 features a completely rebuilt engine, allowing for more detailed character models and overhauled lighting solution and new, realistic animation work. The game also features updated controls allowing for smoother gameplay and the biggest roster of characters the series has ever seen. The game improves, enhances and introduces several new features while also retaining the core of what fans have come to love from the series by delivering a fresh new take on what was becoming a tired franchise.
Taking Cues
The game has simplified many segments by introducing or revamping several systems, for example the removal of the multi-tiered health system and a stamina meter, although some may consider this a step down from previous games it works incredibly well by simplifying what was an overly convoluted system. This allows new comers to break into the game much easily.
2K22 introduces two new systems akin to other fighting games. Firstly, it introduces a new combo system featuring light, heavy and grab attacks. Players can chain combos to deal devastating blows, these combos can be customized in Create-A-Move set. Secondly, the game adds a special meter, which once filled allows players to pull of a number of defensive or offensive moves specific to the character they are playing as, charging the meter all the way allows the player to execute their signature move.
A New Direction
WWE 2K22 ditches its “My Career” mode for a much more robust and fleshed out “My Rise” mode. My Rise features the option to select your character’s background from four options. The mode also features a separate story for both male and female characters adding a replay ability to what is usually a one and done mode. Branching storylines makes player choices matter in comparison to the linear My Career mode of previous titles.
The introduction of the My Faction mode puts players in control of creating their own faction, it mixes the collectible-card game style gameplay with traditional 2K gameplay to deliver something truly unique, although the collectible-card style gameplay may not be to everyone’s liking.
One of the most requested modes MyGM makes a return after years of absence. Appearing initially in the Smackdown vs Raw Games. MyGM allows players to step into the role of a WWE General Manager in a competition for ratings and revenue. This mode allows players to draft superstars, book marches and manage contracts. The player calls the shots on the way the WWE is run, the reintroduction of this fan favorite mode completes the already impressive package into something that gives players a great value for their money.
Performance and Resolution
2K22 delivers a razor sharp 4K at 60FPS on PS5 and Xbox Series X. The series S renders the game at 1440p with the same fluid 60FPS gameplay. The previous generation of consoles also deliver a 60 FPS experience with the base PS4 coming in at 1080p, while the Xbox One has a resolution of 1044p, as far as their enhanced counterparts are concerned the PS4 Pro delivers a resolution of 1620p while the Xbox One X renders at a native 4K.
Verdict
WWE 2K22 get’s a lot right, the year off between 2K20 and 2K22 allowed the team to deliver a truly fresh experience, that retains all of what fans have loved from the series while also bringing back and introducing new modes. There is enough here to keep the player engaged for many hours. The game does feature a few minor bugs but nothing that detracts from the otherwise stellar experience and nothing can’t be fixed with future patches. Visual Concepts delivers one of it’s best games yet in WWE 2K22.
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