WWE 2K22 allows you to lay the SmackDown in 4K.
There is that good feeling that circulates through your bloodstream when you realise that WWE 2K22 is finally here. You may be aware that WWE 2K21 was cancelled because of the regular occurrences of bugs, a dull story mode, weak wrestling mechanics, and so on. Therefore, the publisher felt that it would be best not to release the game and use the extra year for the next one. During this two-year gap, you would expect a massive improvement from the predecessor. Gameplay, visuals, models, animations, systems, the whole lot. And when you look at the last game’s output, you would sincerely hope that this is the case.
WWE 2K22’s roster is arguably the best in recent years. Not only can you use the company’s list of current wrestlers, but you can also use your favourite iconic superstars from the best eras in wrestling history. Regardless of what age you are and what times in the WWE you’ve experienced, you would think that this mixture of old school and new breeds is remarkable.
With this many selections of characters and different fighting styles, it gives you a mouth-watering emotion. Imagine causing mayhem with classical stars such as Stone Cold Steve Austin against a much newer character like Kevin Owens. Now, adding some WCW legends into the equation has made it even spicier.
There is also a great number of match modes to choose from. You can achieve a greater experience playing in some of the most hectic matches, like the Royal Rumble and wreak havoc on your opponents. Or if you just want to chill and play casually, you can just go for a normal match.
But to get to the next level, you should probably play with friends, as it gets even crazier, even when you are playing online. What’s even better are the brand-new, authentic camera angles that truly bring the intense battles to life. You must play the game modes such as MyGM, MyRise, and MyFaction. They perform much better and are worthy of your time to grind.
WWE 2K22’s gameplay is where the game shines, and as it should be. Especially if you are playing on a current-gen console. You can notice a massive difference from their last game or the other WWE titles, for that matter. Without question, this is the most realistic gameplay on a WWE 2K game. To gain an advantage over your opponent, there is a great number of combos, moves, strikes, finishers, reversals, etc. to use. It is a great feeling using your favourite wrestlers and having them perform their signature moves. If you think you’re not done, there’s an option to continue inflicting pain after a match, which is an awesome addition.
The button setup is not too complicated, but not too simplistic either. This creates an adequate level of balance that a gamer of any level would feel comfortable with. The refereeing system deserves a huge shout-out. Referees are counting to a pinfall faster than ever before, and their overall behaviour has gotten much closer to being real-life officials. However, the gameplay isn’t perfect. There are instances where the performance of the characters looks disjointed. When charging at your opponent is an example of this. Sometimes your move wouldn’t connect, and it often leads to frustration sometimes as it can destroy momentum.
WWE 2K22’s visuals are unbelievable and have been taken to the next level. The WWE characters look virtually identical to the real-life superstars. Each entrance looks far better than before. Go and compare this game’s graphics to the previous title, and you will notice the difference in quality almost instantly, and you’ll be left amazed. The arenas look outstanding, and if you were to view some of them, for a split second, you would think they’re real. It’s like they’ve been rendered in photorealism, and it’s very difficult to differentiate between virtual and reality. It’s even better when playing on 4K resolution on a current-gen console.
The models of the audience have also been enhanced. The brand-new crowd mechanics are a breath of fresh air, and they all behave according to situations such as executing certain moves, kicking out of pinfalls, plus more. The animations from the audience after performing cool moves can build your morale and might motivate you to keep going. Plus, it is a special touch that they’ve added the COVID-pandemic areas where there’s no live audience, but screens of fans worldwide.
Or you don’t even have to only wrestle on WWE stages, but you could also lay the smackdown on a special and stunning-looking DLC WCW arena that would blow your mind.
WWE 2K22’s audio is good. Having to listen to the most realistic commentary, as well as the crowd cheering or booing you, is thrilling. However, I feel that they probably should have added more commentators to not make it seem generic, and also give the current commentators more lines to make it much less robotic. The number of soundtracks is limited.
Fortunately, most of them are great song choices. I’d hope they add more songs in a new update, or even better, add your songs to vibe to. But adding the WWE wrestlers’ music for you to also enjoy is not too shabby.
To put it in the best way how WWE 2K22 has restored my faith in 2K gaming. Almost every aspect of the game has been improved. This game has given us the closest any of us fans are going to get to the real-life in-ring experience. Visual Concepts had properly used this 2-year hiatus to their advantage because let’s be honest, WWE 2K20 possessed far too many holes and left a lot to be desired.
The developer had realised this, which prompted them to go back to the drawing board and start from scratch. They’ve also blessed us by adding so many iconic wrestlers for the nostalgia. This is a great start, and hopefully, this is the start of a great future with WWE 2K.
WWE 2K22 is now available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, and is also available on current-gen consoles PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Also, please follow our website for the latest gaming news, reviews, and blogs.
