WWE 2K25: Exclusive Hands-On Preview

Since its successful reinvention in 2022, 2K's popular WWE series has continued to evolve with iterative improvements, aiming to enhance its winning formula and justify its annual releases. WWE 2K25 introduces a range of new features, including an online interactive world called The Island, revamped story, general manager, and Universe modes, and a new hardcore match type known as Bloodline Rules. However, I didn't get the chance to experience these innovations at a recent preview event, so it's uncertain whether they will elevate 2K25 above its predecessor.

My time with WWE 2K25 was mainly spent exploring the core gameplay, which remains largely unchanged, and the adjusted Showcase Mode, focusing on The Bloodline stable of wrestlers. While I couldn't access most of the new features, I did notice some small but significant improvements that suggest WWE 2K25 will be another successful evolution of the series, likely worth the investment for wrestling fans.

WWE 2K25's Showcase Mode delves into the history of the Anoa'i family, featuring stars like Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, as well as legends such as The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, and The Rock. The mode now offers three types of matches: recreating history, creating history, and altering history. I had the opportunity to experience all three, including recreating Nia Jax's Queen of the Ring victory from 2024, creating a dream match between The Wild Samoans and The Dudley Boyz, and altering the outcome of the iconic Roman Reigns versus Seth Rollins match from the 2022 Royal Rumble. These matches provided a unique and engaging experience for hardcore WWE fans, marking an improvement over last year's showcase mode, though some minor issues persist.

Last year's WWE 2K24, like its predecessor WWE 2K23, suffered from an over-reliance on switching to real-life footage, a feature Visual Concepts calls "Slingshot." As I mentioned in my WWE 2K23 preview, "I found myself wanting to be back in the action and create these moments myself, not just watching clips of footage that are already burned into my brain." Thankfully, progress has been made in WWE 2K25. The cut to real-life footage is now gone, replaced by in-engine animations of key moments, which provide a smoother and more immersive experience. These sequences are also shorter, allowing for more time in control of the action.

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However, not all issues with control have been resolved. During the conclusion of my Nia Jax match, control was taken away from me, forcing me into the role of a bystander during the pin. Ideally, I'd like more control during these crucial moments, allowing me to relive them with my own gameplay decisions rather than just observing.

WWE 2K25 also refines other elements of the Showcase Mode. The checklist system, which previously required completing rudimentary maneuvers to trigger live-action sequences, is back but with some improvements. Optional objectives on a timer have been added, and you're rewarded with cosmetics for completing them without being punished for failure, marking a step in the right direction.

A standout feature of the Showcase Mode is the ability to change the outcome of historic matches. For instance, you can alter the result of Roman Reigns' disqualification loss to Seth Rollins, exploring different scenarios. This feature offers a fresh experience for hardcore WWE fans and adds significant replay value.

The core gameplay of WWE 2K25 remains largely the same as its predecessor, with minor tweaks. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as the grappling action in WWE 2K24 was already solid. The return of chain wrestling, a mini-game sequence lost in WWE 2K22's engine revamp, adds another layer of authenticity. During the opening moments of a match, initiating a grapple leads to a mini-game where you can gain the upper hand by driving, wrenching, attacking, and repositioning your opponent. This, along with the trading blows mechanic introduced last year, enhances the realism of the WWE experience.

The submission system also makes a return, featuring a mini-game where you must match or avoid your opponent's color block on a wheel. While the UI can be overwhelming at first, it becomes intuitive with practice. Both the submission system and chain wrestling can be disabled in the options menu, providing flexibility for players.

One of my favorite features from WWE 2K24, weapon throwing, returns with an expanded roster of weapons and new backstage brawl environments. The WWE archives, where you can throw apples, footballs, and megaphones, stand out as a highlight, offering a dream environment filled with history and easter eggs. You can also fight on top of a giant Wrestlemania sign and the iconic giant fist from the Smackdown era.

The ring area is adorned with Prime sponsorships, allowing you to use the Prime Hydration Station's giant bottle as a weapon. Wrapping a bottle of Logan Paul's luminous juice around your opponent's head is a fun and creative way to utilize the in-game environment.

A significant gameplay addition is the introduction of intergender matches, allowing you to pit men against women in any match type. Coupled with the largest roster ever, featuring over 300 wrestlers, this opens up a wide array of new matchups.

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Lastly, I had the chance to explore the new Underground match type, a rope-less variation of an exhibition match set in a Fight Club-like environment with lumberjacks around the ring. This innovative addition to the series will be covered in detail later this month as part of IGN's exclusive First content. Be sure to check IGN for a full match and detailed explanation from Visual Concepts developer, Derek Donahue.

WWE 2K25 continues the series' tradition of building on existing fundamentals with new features. While the changes I experienced are incremental, they enhance an already well-realized series. The true impact of the advertised major updates and new modes remains to be seen, but my brief experience suggests that WWE 2K25 is another solid entry in the franchise.