5 Things That Make WWE 2K22 the Best Wrestling Video Game in Years

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WWE 2K22 “hits different” in more ways than one.Credit: WWE.com

WWE had a lot riding on the latest installment of its 2K video game series following its disastrous predecessor, and ultimately, WWE 2K22 delivered.

The game was met mostly with rave reviews up its widespread release on Friday, March 11. It had been two-and-a-half years since the release of WWE 2K20, which was widely regarded by the gaming community to be among the worst WWE video games of all-time.

The wait for WWE 2K22 was long but worth it for hardcore and casual wrestling gamers alike. While far from perfect, it’s easily the most playable game WWE has put out in several years thanks to its many new features and revamped gameplay.

As someone who has owned every WWE-licensed video game since the SmackDown vs. Raw days, it’s been a blast to do a deep dive into everything WWE 2K22 has to offer, including the entertaining Rey Mysterio-centric Showcase mode and especially the return of General Manager mode in the form of MyGM.

My sole goal with the WWE 2K series has always been to have fun and this excels in that area. For all of its flaws, it’s still a strong piece of business and an overall immersive experience that can be enjoyed over and over again.

Let’s look at the five ways WWE 2K22 indeed hits different.

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One of the biggest knocks against WWE’s 2K video games for the longest time seemed to be that the gameplay was getting too convoluted and confusing for its own good. The attention to detail and inclusion of new techniques and whatnot were appreciated, but it became almost impossible to keep track of what the controls were, regardless of the system.

That’s especially for those who don’t consider themselves hardcore gamers and only purchase the annual WWE games. The controls were constantly changing, but thankfully, that sense of simpleness has finally returned.

Before getting underway with WWE 2K22, all players are encouraged to take part in a tutorial led by Drew Gulak. He takes you through what’s new and, remarkably, it isn’t more difficult than it needs to be.

Countering moves is relatively simple along with hitting finishers, targeting different opponents, connecting with combos, and more. It should really only take you a match or two to get everything down and learn the basics.

It was imperative that 2K improved the gameplay process to ensure it was smooth sailing from the get-go and they managed to make it one of the game’s greatest strengths.

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Take a moment to appreciate the WWE 2K22 roster for what it is because upcoming installments are going to have the tall task of topping it.

This game was released at a perfect time in that it features the best of both worlds: virtually every notable name from the current active roster as well as a whole heap of talented competitors who have either left or been released over the last year.

That includes (but isn’t limited to) Jeff Hardy, Keith Lee, Johnny Gargano, Isiah “Swerve” Scott, Karrion Kross, Kyle O’Reilly, Braun Strowman, Samoa Joe, John Morrison and many more. Adam Cole and Daniel Bryan were obviously excluded because they signed with AEW early enough to where they could be taken out, though no reason was ever provided for why Bray Wyatt and Bronson Reed didn’t make the cut despite being let go after other people.

Nonetheless, the presence of all of those ex-Superstars in the game is appreciated despite the roster being vastly outdated. They match up well against the talent of today as well as the many legends who are featured.

Say what you will about WWE’s real-life roster lacking star power, but WWE 2K22 doesn’t have that issue at all. Other obvious omissions such as Kurt Angle and Lita were a bit disappointing, but that’s about it. The deep selection of Superstars creates endless match possibilities and storyline scenarios in MyGM and Universe Mode.

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Based on how Rey Mysterio has been booked in WWE in recent years, the average viewer wouldn’t think the company views him as a legend, even though he undoubtedly is one. Thus, it was only appropriate he got his just due as WWE 2K’s cover athlete this year.

It was done to commemorate the 20-year anniversary of his debut with WWE, a remarkable run that has featured countless classic Mysterio matches and moments. Almost everyone is already aware that The Master of the 619 is one of the greatest to ever do it, but his Showcase mode only further proves that.

Showcase lives up to his name by celebrating the career of Mysterio over the past two decades and beyond. From his legendary series of bouts with Eddie Guerrero in WCW to his bitter rivalry with Batista, players get to experience it all.

There are cool challenges along the way as well as the opportunity to unlock the likes of JBL, Eddie Guerrero and alternate versions of The Miz, Dolph Ziggler and others. The only nitpick is that with Kurt Angle excluded from the game, Mysterio’s World Heavyweight champion victory at WrestleMania 22 is essentially ignored.

MyRise is equally entertaining as it provides players with a chance to create their own wrestler, start out at the Performance Center and eventually work their up through the ranks. Both modes are worthwhile and are fun for fans for different reasons.

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When 2K announced back in November that the “stunning graphics” would be among WWE 2K22’s top features, they weren’t wrong.

It’s a drastic difference from 10 or 15 years ago, of course, but the improved graphics are also noticeable even compared to WWE 2K20. Although that was to be expected seeing as how there was a two-and-a-half-year gap in between installments, it’s still surreal to see just how lifelike everything is now in game form.

The simple menu makes everything easy to navigate and the the soundtrack is the strongest it’s been in years. It features the well-known likes of The Weeknd, Machine Gun Kelley, Wu-Tang Clan, Bad Bunny, Motorhead and more.

Above all else, it’s infinitely less buggy and doesn’t lag nearly as much. Seriously, you couldn’t get through five minutes of a multi-man match in WWE 2K20 without running into some sort of an issue or the game crashing all together.

WWE 2K20 was such a botched installment that it cast considerable doubt on WWE’s relationship with 2K going forward. It’s possible the relationship is still strained and could end anyway, but the positive feedback to WWE 2K22 so far should be enough to convince WWE to continue working with 2K for many years to come.

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I always found General Manager Mode to be one of the best features WWE ever conceived for its video games starting with SmackDown vs. Raw 2006. They perfected it the following year but didn’t do as well with it in 2008 and scrapped it all together by 2009.

Once the Brand Split went away and the SmackDown vs. Raw series title was retired, it made sense for GM Mode to not be as much of a priority anymore. However, the Brand Split was eventually brought back in 2016 and thus it was logical for fans to assume GM Mode would follow suit.

It took several years, but GM Mode has finally returned to WWE’s long line of video games courtesy of WWE 2K22. Now known as MyGM, the extensive game mode allows players to choose from any of WWE’s biggest brands and build up a roster in order to compete with an opposing show.

Prior to 2K22’s release, many fans took exception with how midcard championships wouldn’t be included and that only singles and tag team matches could be contested. As limited and as basic as it is, the pros of MyGM far outweigh the cons and it’s still super addictive.

The makings of a great GM Mode are there with 2K22’s MyGM assuming they decide to continue featuring it and expanding upon it. If so, 2K could have something even more special in store with their next installment.

Either way, WWE 2K22 still stands on its own and is a welcome return to form for the WWE 2K series.

   

Graham Mirmina, aka Graham “GSM” Matthews, has specialized in sports and entertainment writing since 2010. Visit his website, WrestleRant, and subscribe to his YouTube channel for more wrestling-related content.