In the world of professional wrestling, the WWE franchise has had its ups and downs over the year, and the gaming counterpart, WWE 2K, is no exception. However, with WWE 2K24, developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K, it seems like the franchise has once again hit its stride, delivering a game that is a celebration of WrestleMania’s 40th anniversary – building on the reboot that 2K started a few years ago.
One of the standout features of WWE 2K24 is its immersive gameplay, which has seen yet more improvements over previous iterations. From refined animations to smoother controls, the game offers a more polished experience that will be felt right from the get-go if you played 2K22 or 2K23. New match types such as Special Guest Referee and Ambulance matches add new and dramatic layers of excitement and chaos to the gameplay, while features like the trading blows mini-game and the ability to throw weapons bring additional depth to matches.
The Showcase Mode, dubbed “Showcase of the Immortals” for this edition of WWE 2K, takes players on a journey through 40 years of WrestleMania history. Seamlessly blending archive footage with gameplay, this mode allows players to relive iconic matches while completing specific objectives to unlock rewards. It’s a nostalgic trip for longtime fans and a valuable history lesson for newcomers – and a huge draw for anyone who grew up knowing some of the iconic characters featured in this game.
Another highlight of WWE 2K24 is the MyRISE mode, which features two original storylines—one for male and one for female created superstars. While the narratives may veer into silliness at times, they offer both entertainment value and unlockables, adding to the game’s replay value as a mode you’re going to want to play through at least once.
The game also boasts an extremely impressive roster, with over 200 current and past superstars, including fan favorites like Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Steve Austin and John Cena. Additionally, the visuals are top-notch, with facial expressions and character animations that truly impress – especially when you consider how many characters are here, with more on the way in DLC packs. If you’re a WWE enthusiast, you’ve got months of gameplay to look forward to just to see a good selection of the wrestlers on offer.
However, WWE 2K24 isn’t without its flaws. Some occasional collision issues, particularly with (female) characters that have longer hair, can disrupt immersion and should be fixed post-launch, and the inclusion of microtransactions in the MyFACTION mode may irk some players. But with so many other modes and so much content to explore, we were able to overlook these.
Overall, WWE 2K24 is a massive improvement over its predecessors, offering a comprehensive wrestling experience that caters to both casual and hardcore fans alike. With its engaging gameplay, diverse game modes, and robust creation suite, it’s a must-have for anyone looking to step into the ring and experience the thrill of WWE action. Building on the franchise’s recent foundations, WWE 2K24 marks a stellar entry for the franchise, delivering a game that feels like the result of lots of refinement and improvements.
Score: 8.2/10
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