WWE 2K24 Review

Another year, another WWE game release! With the past few iterations being well-received by critics, can developer Visual Concepts and publisher 2K pick up the three count with their latest entry, WWE 2K24? Featuring a whole host of modes, new match types, and superstars to grapple with, could this be the best wrestling title in years?

As is the norm for the yearly franchise, small tweaks have been made in the background, the roster has been updated to match the current WWE product (and those that didn’t make the cut are usually available for download on Community Creations), and new, original stories for your created wrestlers bring that campish charm that WWE does so well. Not only that, but this year's Showcase mode is all about celebrating 40 years of WrestleMania, with a chance to play some of the most celebrated bouts from the yearly extravaganza. And, to top it all off, we have four brand-new match types that haven’t been featured in the series for a long, long time (Casket, Ambulance, Special Guest Referee, and Gauntlet) as well as multi-person backstage brawls! Arguably the most complete WWE 2K package to date, it’s always nice to see more than just a few new faces and arenas, despite the short development length.

If you’ve played the more recent iterations, then you’ll be instantly familiar with the combo attacks, grappling, and the rest of the huge assortment of offensive manoeuvres at your disposal. The combo system still feels great and allows players not as familiar with the more in-depth systems to still stand a fighting chance! Despite not feeling any different from the last game, the biggest new mechanic is the inclusion of Super Finishers. Stock three finishers, and you’ll have a chance to pull off one of these devastating moves (providing the wrestler you’re playing has one in their moveset). There’s also the trading blows mini-game, much like you see during so many wrestling matches: each combatant takes turns punching each other in the chops, where a timed button prompt will determine a successful attack. Miss three times and your opponent takes the upper hand! It’s a small addition, but one that brings the game closer to the real-life product because of it.

Speaking of the product, the 40 Years of WrestleMania showcase aims to relive some of the most iconic matches from the Showcase of the Immortals. With Corey Graves on hand to narrate this documentary-style mode and the return of the seamless transition from gameplay to real footage, it’s unfortunately not that engaging. Each match has a series of objectives to complete, which then turns into several long cutscenes with Graves eloquently providing some context before returning to the gameplay. It should be a fun jaunt down memory lane, but the frequent hands-off moments, lack of commentary, excessive use of blurring out people from the real footage, and some odd match omissions left me feeling rather underwhelmed.

Still, if you prefer to forge your own path rather than sitting through a wrestling history lesson, then MyRise is sure to be your thing. With two unique storylines — one for male and female superstars, respectively — you’ll rise through the ranks with your created wrestler and journey through some wild and wacky storylines on your way to the ultimate goal of being World Champion. The mode plays out the same as it always has: completing story missions to advance the plot whilst taking on optional matches and smaller side-stories to give your CAW some much-needed attribute and ability upgrades. It was nice to play as characters that weren’t just the underdog trying to get signed to WWE, but the tone of the mode is all over the place. Going from slapstick comedy to serious blood feuds in mere moments can be a tad immersion-breaking, but given some of WWE’s history with weird stories, it’s not entirely unbelievable. There’s a bigger emphasis on real-world stars this time and less of a focus on wrestlers made up for the purpose of the story. It’s possibly the most interesting pair of stories seen in the mode thus far, and with the inclusion of more branching paths that alter the tale, so it’s definitely more replayable this year!

With so many playable stars and so many variations of arenas full of screaming fans, it's always been impressive that this series has (mostly) been one of the best-looking annual sports titles year after year. In 2K24, the improved lighting system makes a noticeable difference from WWE 2K23, and the majority of the roster looks fantastically true-to-life. I say the majority because some of those not in the main event scene are a bit rough around the edges and don't quite nail the likenesses.

Still, it looks and sounds great, for the most part (and not just because some newer entrance themes are downright awful) and really encapsulates the grandiose aura of the televised product. Many titles miss the mark when it comes to recreating the sports they’re based around, but WWE 2K24’s presentation is second to none. Even if some wrestler attires/gimmicks are outdated, it’s hard to criticise it too much considering the over 250-strong roster of unique and varied individuals. Generic haircuts and matching uniforms aren’t a thing in sports entertainment!

But, like a wrestler dragged out of retirement to put on a show in Saudi Arabia, it has its issues. Glitches, clothing clipping, and major server issues for online modes, the WWE 2K series just can’t quite iron out some issues that crop up year upon year. For example, I once got counted out because the new mechanic that doesn’t allow illegal tag partners to break up a pinfall more than once kept me from entering the ring, despite being the legal participant! An attempted carry move froze both me and my opponent in an eternally suspended powerbomb animation, meaning I was forced to quit out and restart, and the less said about downloaded creations and the problems surrounding them, the better.

Coming back to the various game modes present, there are more than just the aforementioned story-centric ones here. Once again, players can opt to create their own shows, storylines, and rivalries thanks to Universe mode, which — despite not featuring any real changes — is still the perfect place to get those WWE vs AEW rivalries with a TNA invasion once you’ve downloaded some created wrestlers. Alternatively, you can opt to be more hands-on behind the scenes with MyGM, which has become one of my most played modes since its debut in WWE 2K22. Balancing budgets, putting on 5-star classics, and screwing over up to three other General Managers is always a blast, especially with friends. It isn’t incredibly deep and menu-heavy, but still has an infinite replay value thanks to the sheer variety it offers.

Finally, there’s MyFaction: the Ultimate Team-esque card collecting mode that is certainly divisive, for sure, but one that has seen the biggest changes this year. For starters, contract cards are no longer a thing, meaning no more having to use lower-rated cards until you open a card pack with new contracts. Then there’s the option to buy individual cards rather than open the random packs, with more new superstar cards added all the time, thanks to its live service nature. Yes, there are microtransactions, but just playing through Faction Wars, Proving Grounds, or Weekly Towers (as well as daily challenges) provides enough entertainment and a steady stream of cards that I never once thought of opening up my wallet and dropping cash in the hopes of pulling a Ruby tiered Bianca Belair. Oh, and certain cards unlock classic versions of wrestlers (such as a 2009 Sheamus) to be used across all game modes, which means no more downloading hacked versions of these superstars from Community Creations!

It seems that Visual Concepts and 2K are determined to never let another WWE 2K20 happen by constantly expanding and improving gameplay and modes across the board. Which, I think we can all agree, is definitely a good thing. A few issues do arise once in a while, and Showcase mode fails to impress, but as of now, WWE 2K24 is the most realistic, entertaining videogame form of wrestling on the market.