WWE 2K Franchise Returns with 2K25 Hands-On Update

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

2K's WWE series, revitalized in 2022, continues its iterative improvement strategy with WWE 2K25. Promising additions like "The Island," a revamped story mode, and a new "Bloodline Rules" match type, were unfortunately unavailable for preview. My hands-on time focused on the core gameplay (largely unchanged) and the updated Showcase Mode.

Showcase Mode: A Refined Retrospective

This year's Showcase centers on The Bloodline, spanning generations of Anoa'i family wrestlers. It features three match types: recreating history, creating history, and – most intriguingly – altering history. I experienced recreating Nia Jax's 2024 Queen of the Ring victory, creating a Wild Samoans vs. Dudley Boyz match, and altering Roman Reigns' 2022 Royal Rumble match against Seth Rollins. All three offered unique perspectives, significantly improving upon last year's Showcase.

However, the over-reliance on real-life footage ("Slingshot") from previous iterations remains, albeit improved. While still present, the cut to real-life footage is less frequent and shorter, with key moments recreated in-engine, resulting in a smoother, more engaging experience. The only exception was the conclusion of the Nia Jax match, where control was removed, leaving the player as a passive observer during the final pin. More player agency during such pivotal moments would be ideal.

The checklist system, a common point of contention, returns but with refinements. Optional timed objectives now reward players with cosmetics without penalizing failure – a welcome change.

Altering history, allowing players to change the outcomes of classic matches, is a standout addition. The ability to rewrite the Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins match adds a fresh layer of replayability.

Gameplay: Familiar, Yet Enhanced

While the core gameplay remains largely consistent with WWE 2K24, several welcome additions and returns enhance the experience. Chain wrestling, absent in WWE 2K22, is back, adding a strategic layer to the opening grapple sequences. The submission mini-game also returns, though it's optional, along with other QTEs.

Weapon throwing, a highlight of WWE 2K24, returns with an expanded roster of weapons and new environments, including the WWE archives, a veritable treasure trove of easter eggs. The inclusion of Prime Hydration bottles as weapons adds a humorous touch.

A significant addition is intergender gameplay, finally allowing matches between male and female wrestlers. Combined with the largest roster ever (300+ wrestlers), this opens up countless new matchup possibilities.

Underground Mode: A Glimpse of Something New

A brief look at the new "Underground" match type revealed a rope-less exhibition match in a Fight Club-esque setting with lumberjacks. A full match and detailed explanation will be available later.

Conclusion: Incremental, Yet Promising

WWE 2K25 builds upon a solid foundation, adding smart refinements rather than revolutionary changes. While the core gameplay remains largely unchanged, the improvements to Showcase Mode, the return of chain wrestling, the addition of intergender matches, and the new Underground mode suggest a worthwhile evolution. The unplayed features will ultimately determine whether 2K25 truly surpasses its predecessors, but based on my preview, it's a solid, incremental step forward.