WWE 2K25: The Must-Play Wrestling Game of the Year

In WWE 2K25, you’ll find fresh, thrilling additions while keeping the spotlight on The Bloodline. However, be ready to savor the familiar, top-notch gameplay you’ve grown accustomed to over the years.

After the misstep with WWE 2K20, which led to a reevaluation and the shelving of the following year’s release, WWE 2K has made a comeback. Although they have delivered engaging wrestling battles for enthusiasts, their storylines haven’t always shone brightly. Luckily, some of Triple H’s TV enchantment has been infused into WWE 2K25, making it the finest WWE game since the new phase commenced.

Although the wrestling gameplay continues to resemble its previous version from 2K22, the fresh Bloodline narrative and exciting new elements make this year’s edition an attractive purchase due to these additions.

WWE 2K25 screenshots & details

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  • Price: $59.99 USD | £54.99 GBP | $79.95 AUD
  • Developer: 2K
  • Release date: March 14, 2025
  • Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X | S, PC
  • Reviewed on PS5

Showcase of the Immortals

Ever since Paul “Triple H” Levesque assumed creative control at WWE, the company has seen something of a revival. This renewal positively impacts games like WWE 2K25, which chooses to center this year’s Showcase around The Bloodline saga – a compelling WWE narrative that stands out as one of the best in years. Essentially, the Showcase is WWE 2K25’s story mode, focusing on the career journey of a specific wrestler or group.

Showcase not only highlights Roman Reigns and The Usos, but it additionally showcases contests that include other family members from the dynasty like The Wild Samoans, The Rock, and even Nia Jax.

As a die-hard wrestling enthusiast, I can’t wait to immerse myself in the ring, reliving epic battles from yesteryears. For me, it’s not just about Roman Reigns versus Solo Sikoa; it’s also about stepping back in time and grappling with legends like Yokozuna or Umaga. The nostalgia is real!

You have the ability to alter history by swapping the victor in a well-known wrestling match, such as a rematch between Yokozuna and Hulk Hogan at King of the Ring (1993), with Hulk Hogan being the one who loses this time instead.

In this presentation, the storyline is narrated by the insightful Paul Heyman, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for WWE fans. Given his long-standing connection to the Bloodline saga and reputation as one of the most eloquent mic handlers in the industry, Heyman serves as an ideal storyteller for this captivating tale.

2K has incorporated NBA’s “The City” mode into WWE 2K25’s “The Island.” In this area, players can purchase cosmetic items, complete tasks, and engage in wrestling matches at unique locations. It’s an enjoyable diversion, although it’s not something that demands extensive playtime.

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More of the same

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve got to say, the latest addition, 2K25, has really upped its game compared to the previous version, 2K24. Despite some similarities in appearance and feel, there’s an additional layer of realism this year that takes it to a whole new level.

In a revamped combat system, wrestlers now exhibit noticeable injuries after prolonged bouts, leaving them looking noticeably bruised and bleeding. After a fight lasting more than 20 minutes, the impact is clear as both opponents appear significantly damaged.

In essence, while the gameplay remains largely similar to what we saw in 2K24, those hoping for a complete makeover or significant enhancement might find it underwhelming. The combat retains its smoothness and thrill much as it did since 2K22, but there are minor enhancements in graphics and performance, as is customary with annual updates.

The lineup has been updated too, welcoming back both contemporary heavyweights and legendary figures from the past. Although some stars like Sting are now focused elsewhere due to AEW’s growth, there’s an abundance of fresh and thrilling performers to take their place.

As a die-hard fan, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be welcoming newcomers such as Penta into our gaming world with the acquisition of the Season Pass! Not only that, but the enigmatic Wyatt Sicks faction, known for their eerie presence, will also join us. More intriguing additions are in store later this year through DLC releases. I can hardly wait!

Verdict

2K25 shares a lot of similarities with its predecessor, 2K24, and the one before that was 2K23. Typically, updates like these might not generate much enthusiasm. However, this year’s version brings an exciting new twist with its Showcase mode, which seems to embody the spirit of the Triple H era particularly well. In fact, it could be argued that it’s been the best WWE game from 2K since they began developing them. So, even if you already have 2K24, you might not want to miss out on wrestling with Roman Reigns this time around.

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2025-03-11 17:19