WWE 2K25 – Review

For over two decades, WWE has developed numerous aggressive games. In partnership with 2K games, they recently released a different WWE 2K game that showcases classic and historical matches and lets players experience the greatness of one of the most significant factions of all time, The Bloodline Dynasty. This review will cover how aggressive and iconic this WWE game is in the eyes of not only a gamer but also a WWE fan.

WWE 2K25 is a hard-hitting wrestling game filled with many active and legendary WWE wrestlers, such as Cody Rhodes, Rob Van Dam, CM Punk, Undertaker, Trish Stratus, and even the face of the game and the Original Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. The lineup of celebrities and more is undeniably eye-catching, appeasing the minds of WWE fanatics worldwide.

The gameplay is still the same as any WWE 2K game with just better graphics and updated movesets. Performing combo moves from light to hard punches and kicks, and doing a mix of grapples, are presently active in this game. Though a bit outdated, this is for the best as it is hard to improve as it already reached its peak. But to make up for this flaw, the developers added a new graphic feature that shows that the games that 2K makes can catch up with the next-gen consoles, which is the bruising system. In this feature, players can see clearly through the screen how battered, bruised, or bloody their wrestlers are after receiving numerous beatdowns from their progress on the mat, and I can see how committed the developers are to making sure they make up for it.

There are several modes that players can explore. One of them is the MyRise, which lets players have a chance to debut their very own original wrestler with moves and personalities adapted from iconic wrestlers inside and outside of WWE. With an all-new original storyline featuring popular WWE superstars and stages that one dreams of being part of, this mode can boost the interest of many gamers. Aside from that, the story content, there are various ways to progress the story and choose what route a player can take from going babyface or going heel. Each choice will play a critical role in MyRise and will give players numerous unlockables that are worth using.

This year’s 2K25 Showcase mode features the greatness of the Bloodline Dynasty. Narrated by Paul Heyman, WWE Hall of Famer and the advisor to the Tribal Chief, players will get a chance to relieve many iconic matches such as Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes at Wrestlemania, Rocky Maivia vs Hunter Hearst Hemsley, and many other Samoan wrestlers who have made their contributions to the history of the WWE. During each match in Showcase mode, players are given objectives in the middle of the match and in doing so will trigger iconic events and cutscenes seen in real life. However, I am quite irritated at the fact that some objectives have short time limits and most of the attacks take longer to complete. Because of that, I couldn’t get to unlock the rewards given for completing them at 100%. Aside from this minor setback, the narration of Paul Heyman and how he interprets the iconic WWE matches is amazing. I never felt so alive to become a WWE fan and relive the fact that I am playing a game that is awe-inspiring.

For the first time in all of WWE 2K games, a new mode was added called the Island. Here, WWE gamers must create a new superstar and compete with other superstars at WWE rings, PVPs, and more to earn credits and more.  In between those bouts, you are free to roam an online neighborhood exploring locations like Arcade of Tomorrow, Hero HQ, The Temple of Ancestors, The Deadlands, and more. There are various stores located in these areas and with it, a chance to improve your original character’s design using gear styled by not only the WWE but other sports brands like Nike and Air Jordan. Quite a surprise, ain’t it right?

That said, WWE 2K25 is a great game. Despite having an old engine that needs to be updated, its features and modes have truly made me acknowledge how gamers can strive for greatness when playing it. Whether you play online or compete locally, this game is sure to capture the hearts of many gamers, including WWE fans worldwide.