WWE 2K22

We can't help but admit that 2K managed to create perhaps the most complete title of the series. Despite any hiccups, WWE 2K22 entertains enough to be recommended to people with little involvement with the genre or even an interest in sports martial arts.

WWE 2K22 is a beacon on the road: the sports simulation of wrestling returns with that essence that allows us big kids to go out and play again, with flaws to correct, but with a goal that can return the illusion to the fans of the saga.

If it hasn't drastically changed its gameplay, WWE 2K22 is almost a reboot in its visual rendering and with the incorporation of the My MG mode. The latter is a good surprise, leads us to manage a stable of stars and a schedule of shows without being too complex, a successful bet. Technically, the latest generation of consoles holds its own and avoids the pitfall of WWE 2K20's many bugs, even if some loading times are long. In short, if this last opus could have been deeper in terms of staging, it delights in its lifespan thanks to an XXL roster, realistic in the animations without being polluted by the less vital virtual currency than in NBA 2K. A spectacular and versatile title, like the cover star Rey Mysterio.

WWE 2K22 does have some notable problems, such as modes that feel lacking or tacked on. Thankfully, it manages to excel in other departments, including visuals, controls, and performance. Although its predecessors set a very low bar, WWE 2K22 still cleared it and exceeded expectations.

WWE 2K22 is many things, but one thing most of us can probably agree on is that it is not, as retired WWE wrestler Bret Hart would say: "The Best There Is, The Best There Was and The Best There Ever Will Be". While WWE 2K22 might have made considerable strides forward in the area of general stability, compared with its infamously terrible launch, it’s doubtful that the studio will bother continuing to support it for much longer. One doesn’t have to be The Rock to know that 2K is probably already cooking up a new annual instalment. Here's hoping that in-between now and then, the publisher learns from both the successes and failures of WWE 2K22 and use that as a guide to give players a true WWE experience worthy of the license.

WWE 2K22 is a lot of fun because the gameplay is faster, better and more fluent than in its predecessors. On the other hand it still has some technical flaws and some of the game modes – especially the extremely boring MyRise story mode – are rather disappointing.

The fighting alone is much improved and enjoyable to work with, and the graphics look quite nice, even though some flourishes are missing and the PC version isn't up to expectations. The modes are pretty hit-and-miss, and the legacy issues and hilariously outdated roster show that this isn't quite the comeback many people were hoping for. There's enough fun to be had here, despite the issues to warrant a look for those craving a "good enough" wrestling game, especially from those who were heavily burned by WWE 2K20.

Quotation forthcoming.

Has WWE 2K22 convinced me to rebuild my custom roster? Hesitantly, I guess so. The actual in-ring gameplay is solid, and MyGM mode is a little addictive slice of management. I want to be hopeful and believe that 2K and Visual Concepts will take the foundation they created and finally build a wrestling game that doesn’t just feel like a bunch of compromises. However, that’s exactly what I’ve wanted for years, but they just keep hitting the same.