WWE 2K25: Grappling with Greatness and Glitches
Wrestling with the Good, the Bad, and the Buggy
Launch Day Larry
Ah, WWE 2K25, the latest installment in the series that promises to body slam its way into our hearts and consoles. With a mix of new mechanics, improved graphics, and a story mode that tries to pin down your attention, this game is a cocktail of excitement and exasperation. Let’s dive into the ring and see if WWE 2K25 is a champion or just another contender.
Gameplay: A Mixed Tag Team of Fun and Frustration
WWE 2K25 steps into the ring with a gameplay experience that feels both familiar and fresh. The grappling mechanics are a highlight, offering a fun and intuitive way to execute moves that even a wrestling novice could appreciate. The game modes, particularly GM Mode and Showcase Mode, are well-received for their engaging content and replayability. GM Mode, with its expanded roster and options, feels like a wrestling fan’s dream come true, while Showcase Mode allows players to relive iconic moments without feeling like they’re stuck in a wrestling time loop.
However, not all is perfect in the squared circle. The reintroduction of Quick Time Events (QTEs) has divided the fanbase like a controversial heel turn. While some appreciate the added challenge, others find them as welcome as a steel chair to the face. MyFaction mode, meanwhile, seems to have taken a page from the “How to Annoy Gamers” playbook, with its grind-heavy nature and microtransaction encouragement. And let’s not forget the bugs—random freezes, controller issues, and the need to open the game twice to connect to servers are just a few of the gremlins lurking in the code.
Graphics: A Spectacle of Splendor and Stutters
Visually, WWE 2K25 is a feast for the eyes, with a graphics overhaul that makes the action look as real as a scripted wrestling match can get. The improvements in animations, hair physics, and body bruising add a layer of realism that fans have been clamoring for. The entrances and cutscenes, particularly in the Bloodline storyline, are executed with flair, making you feel like you’re part of the show.
Yet, beneath the glitz and glamour, technical issues lurk. Performance problems, especially when graphics settings are lowered, suggest that optimization might have been pinned to the mat. The lack of advanced graphics settings like DLSS and the reliance on FSR1 introduce unwanted blur, making some textures look like they were rendered on a potato. And for those on the AMD 7900 XTX, artifacting issues might make you feel like you’re watching a match through a kaleidoscope.
Story: A Narrative with More Holes Than a Swiss Cheese
The story mode in WWE 2K25, particularly “MyRise,” is a tale of two halves. On one hand, the new storylines and the ability to play as different characters in Showcase Mode add variety and intrigue. The concept of NXT trying to take over Smackdown and Raw is an interesting twist, even if it stretches the bounds of believability more than a luchador’s spandex.
On the other hand, the story mode is criticized for its lack of depth and repetitive cutscenes. The inability to skip these scenes during replays is as frustrating as a botched finisher. The narrative feels railroaded, with limited player impact and false choices that make you feel more like a spectator than a participant. The intergender story within “MyRise” is also poorly executed, adding to the overall sense of missed opportunity.
Final Verdict
WWE 2K25 is a game that grapples with greatness but is ultimately pinned down by its flaws. While the gameplay and graphics offer moments of brilliance, persistent bugs, mode-specific issues, and a lackluster story mode prevent it from reaching its full potential. For those who can overlook these shortcomings, there’s fun to be had. But for others, it might be worth waiting for a price drop or the next installment in the series.
Score: 6.5/10