WWE 2K22

WWE 2K22 manages to polish a lot of issues from the previous game, but it’s still not quite there yet. The good thing though is that it seems they put the first stone right, and the future of the series could be bright.

WWE 2K22 is a surprising return to form after the Shockmaster-sized disaster that was 2K20. The extra year of development has done a world of good, and the only hope now is that the series doesn't return to an annual schedule. There are still failings when it comes to multi-person matches, and not all of the new modes are particularly engaging, but 2K22 establishes a solid foundation for the future. Ideally, WWE will calm down when it comes to gutting its roster, and the next game in the series won't feel quite as outdated. It will also be interesting to see how Yuke's upcoming AEW game fares. Competition can only be a good thing.

The extra year has done WWE 2K22 a world of good as the game appears more stable and enjoyable. The time in the ring has been simplified although might still appear more complex than some would like. Countering windows seem tricky to get a hold of and there are times when you feel the game is playing for you. Despite this, the wealth of content and gameplay should keep people interested. Not quite a return to form but definitely a step in the right direction.

WWE 2K22 seems like a game that was promised to us a long time ago, we finally have a good WWE game that actually looks and works properly, has OK graphics and a system that may open the door to new players.

WWE 2K22 is a step forward, but not the fresh start the fans were hoping for. Although the game is much more fun than its predecessors because of the improved gameplay mechanics, it still has some technical issues and some of the game modes are rather disappointing.

Despite a few problems with the game's responsiveness when in the ring with multiple people, and a couple of lacklustre modes, there's plenty in WWE 2K22 to keep you very happy indeed, especially if you've played wrestling games before. The real pleasure with WWE 2K22 is in the hilarious community creations and chaotic action in the ring with friends. Download someone's crude rendition of Queen Elizabeth II, jump into an Extreme Rules match, and take them down from the top turnbuckle. At its best, it's an absolute joy.

WWE 2K22 is the return to form the WWE 2K series has desperately needed. Skipping 2K21 and delaying the release by five months may have caused the roster to be largely outdated, but the game is stable, plays great, and is practically bursting at the seams with content. An excellent Rey Mysterio Showcase really bolsters the experience, and every other mode (perhaps with the exception of MyFaction) sets a strong foundation for WWE games to come.

Despite its frustrating shortcomings, WWE 2K22 is a solid foundation for the series’ future. Entrances are spectacular and the combat is nearly flawless. The main improvements needed are the replayable modes like MyGM and Universe.

A stellar first WWE outing on PS5 and XBox Series X, but legacy flaws hold it back from true greatness.

It may be a few years too late, but WWE 2K22 improves on the series in almost every way. The combat system being changed and made more reminiscent of a fighting game makes the matches faster and more exciting.

WWE 2K22 is a major improvement over its insulting predecessor, featuring some smart tweaks to core gameplay and fan-favorite modes. That said, promises of a “completely rebuilt” experience ring hollow as it’s clear old tech is still being used, and while the action has been refined, it remains a notch below most other fighting or combat sports games you could name. Your reaction to the game will largely hinge on how you felt about 2K’s series before its hiatus, with those that still saw promise likely to have a good time. That said, don’t expect WWE 2K22 to transcend mid-card status if your patience was already at an end.

WWE 2K22 gives players a ton of content right out of the box and is backed by the lavish assets from the WWE archives. If you’re a wrestling fan, chances are you’re probably going to have fun diving into the various modes and match types. Although there’s no shortage of things to do or ways to play, having too many ideas often means that most of them aren’t executed to their full potential. At the heart of it all, this is a wrestling video game experience that feels inherently cumbersome, buggy, and dated.

Although the game is certainly better compared to the older version, the impression is spoiled by the sometimes clumsy controls. The strike aiming could use some tweaking. Pressing the right buttons is often more a matter of chance or luck than a planned strategy. The graphics have grown noticeably in beauty compared to the last game. [Issue#318]

I had low expectations for WWE 2K22, but it seems Visual Concepts has been putting in the hours these past couple of years. What we’ve ended up with is a fine foundation to build upon for future wrestlegames… but this is the eighth mainline WWE game from 2K – it should be more than just a foundation by now.

WWE 2K22 is a fine wrestling game, but the most frustratingly realistic thing about it is just how hard it is to make new stars in it as it is in the WWE.