WWE 2K25 Hands-On Preview

WWE 2K25: A Solid Evolution, But Is It Revolutionary?

2K's WWE series, revitalized in 2022, continues its iterative improvement, aiming to enhance its winning formula and justify annual releases. WWE 2K25 promises several additions: The Island (an online interactive world), revamped story, general manager, and Universe modes, a new "Bloodline Rules" hardcore match type, and more. However, a recent preview event focused primarily on the core gameplay (largely unchanged) and the updated Showcase Mode.

The Showcase Mode centers on The Bloodline, showcasing the Anoa'i family's history, from Roman Reigns to The Wild Samoans and The Rock. It features three match types: recreating history, creating history, and altering history. I experienced recreating Nia Jax's 2024 Queen of the Ring victory, creating a Wild Samoans vs. Dudley Boyz match, and altering a Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins match. While enjoyable, the mode still has minor issues.

Previous Showcase modes suffered from excessive use of real-life footage ("Slingshot"). While not entirely resolved, 2K25 shows improvement. Key moments are now recreated in-engine, resulting in a smoother experience and shorter cutscenes. However, I lost control during the Nia Jax match's conclusion, a drawback that ideally needs addressing for future iterations. The checklist system remains, but optional timed objectives reward players with cosmetics without penalizing failure – a positive change. The ability to alter historical match outcomes is a significant addition, offering a fresh perspective for fans.

Core gameplay remains largely consistent with WWE 2K24, featuring minor refinements. The return of chain wrestling, a mini-game allowing players to gain an advantage during grapples, adds a classic WWE element. The submission system also returns, a mini-game that can be disabled in the options, along with chain wrestling and other quick-time events. Weapon throwing, a highlight of WWE 2K24, returns with expanded backstage brawl environments, including the WWE archives, offering a fun, nostalgic experience. The use of Prime Hydration bottles as weapons is a humorous addition.

Significantly, WWE 2K25 introduces intergender gameplay for the first time, along with a roster exceeding 300 wrestlers, opening up numerous match possibilities.

A new "Underground" match type, a ropeless exhibition match in a Fight Club-esque setting with lumberjacks, is also included. Further details will be revealed later.

WWE 2K25 builds upon a solid foundation, adding smart tweaks and features. While the large-scale changes remain unseen, the preview suggests a very incremental, yet positive, step forward for the series.