WWE 2K19

The story modes of WWE 2K19 received mixed but generally positive feedback, particularly for their narrative ambition and cinematic presentation. Critics like IGN and GameSpot praised the MyCareer mode for its AAA-level storytelling, voice acting, and character growth, noting its immersive elements such as believable feuds, promos, and scripted sequences. The Showcase mode centered on Daniel Bryan’s career was widely celebrated for its documentary-style approach, blending real-life events, interviews, and match reenactments to create an emotionally resonant narrative. Hobby Consolas highlighted the mode’s “humor, character development, and integration of real WWE personalities,” while Jeuxvideo.com and IGN Italia lauded its depth and historical nods. Additionally, Gameblog.fr and Cubed3 appreciated the storytelling in MyCareer, which included branching dialogue options and a predetermined storyline that allowed players to shape their wrestler’s journey. However, several critics pointed out significant flaws in the game’s narrative execution. The MyCareer mode was frequently criticized for its uneven writing, predictable plot twists, and inconsistent tone. New Game Network called it “amateurish” with poor voice acting and a lack of meaningful skill progression, while JeuxActu described the story as “flat and lacking intensity.” God is a Geek noted that despite real voice work by superstars, the plot felt “wishy-washy,” and COGconnected criticized uneven voice acting and confusing difficulty curves. The Showcase mode, though praised for its focus on Daniel Bryan, faced backlash for omitting key figures like AJ Styles and CM Punk (Gaming Age) and being overly linear or insufficient in scope (IGN Spain). Additionally, TrueAchievements and InsideGamer.nl highlighted that while the Showcase was a standout feature, MyCareer’s narrative shortcomings undermined its potential. Overall, critics agreed that WWE 2K19’s story modes had ambitious ideas but struggled with execution. The Showcase mode for Daniel Bryan was universally praised as a high point, offering a nostalgic and detailed narrative that resonated with fans (SpazioGames, Cheat Code Central). However, the MyCareer mode faced widespread criticism for its unbalanced progression, repetitive structure, and lack of originality. While some reviewers like Hobby Consolas and GameSpot found it engaging, others such as New Game Network and JeuxActu deemed it underdeveloped. The game’s narrative strengths lay in its cinematic presentation and real-world storytelling, but its flaws—particularly in MyCareer’s writing and pacing—left many reviewers divided. Despite these issues, the story modes were seen as a step forward for the WWE 2K series, with IGN and GameCrate acknowledging their potential to evolve further.

The gameplay of WWE 2K19 received mixed praise for its incremental improvements and new features, which many critics highlighted as significant steps forward. The introduction of the Payback system was a standout addition, with Destructoid noting tighter mechanics and improved counter systems that added strategic depth, while God is a Geek praised balanced grappling and striking mechanics. New match types like Hell in a Cell and modes such as 2K Towers were also lauded for enhancing variety, with IGN and GameSpot emphasizing the fun core wrestling mechanics and refined animations. Additionally, the MyCareer mode saw notable upgrades, including customizable wrestling styles and a skill tree system, as highlighted by Push Square and Xbox Achievements, which added depth to character progression. Critics like Vandal and Hobby Consolas also appreciated the revamped "Venganza" mechanic and improved physics, which offered fresh tactical elements to combat. However, the gameplay faced widespread criticism for its outdated mechanics and persistent technical flaws. Multiple reviewers, including JeuxActu and The Digital Fix, criticized the slow, unresponsive controls and awkward QTEs, with JeuxActu calling the core mechanics "unresponsive and unfair." Issues like teleportation glitches, collision problems, and inconsistent match mechanics were frequently mentioned, as noted by TheXboxHub and Hardcore Gamer. The reliance on precise timing for reversals and counters was seen as frustratingly demanding, with SpazioGames and Xbox Achievements pointing to a steep learning curve and unengaging gameplay loops. Additionally, online play faced challenges, including balance issues from loot boxes (Gamers Heroes) and input lag (Generación Xbox), while modes like Showcase were criticized for being gimmicky or repetitive (Gaming Age). These flaws often overshadowed the game’s innovations, leaving many critics feeling it lacked major overhauls. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers was that WWE 2K19 offered a mixed but largely incremental experience. While some praised its refined mechanics and variety—such as Destructoid’s acknowledgment of "arcade-focused improvements" and GameSpot’s recognition of new match types—the game’s technical issues and outdated core systems remained significant drawbacks. Critics like DualShockers and Wccftech noted that while the Payback system and animations were improved, the gameplay felt "convoluted" and "stagnant," with little transformative change from previous entries. The divide between those who appreciated the polish and innovation (e.g., God is a Geek, IGN) and those frustrated by its flaws (e.g., JeuxActu, SpazioGames) reflected a game that, while improved, failed to fully address long-standing issues. Ultimately, WWE 2K19 was seen as a step forward for the series but one that still struggled with balancing innovation and execution.

The graphics and visual design of WWE 2K19 received mixed but generally positive feedback, with several critics highlighting incremental improvements and specific strengths. Many praised the game’s attention to detail in character models, such as Gameblog.fr noting improved facial details, hair textures, and overall visuals compared to previous entries. Xbox Achievements called it “the best visuals in the series to date,” emphasizing detailed character models, accurate likenesses, and immersive wrestler entrances. Digital Chumps appreciated the shift back to arcade-style aesthetics with enhanced lighting, textures, and animations that balanced realism with charm. Additionally, Gamers’ Temple highlighted improved crowd animations, immersive entrances, and a cleaner main menu design, while Xbox Addict commended the lifelike portrayal of most wrestlers and fluid animations. These positives underscored the game’s commitment to refining its visual identity, particularly in areas like arena presentation and character customization. However, the negatives were equally prominent, with critics pointing to persistent technical flaws and inconsistencies. SpazioGames criticized the “outdated character models” and “unrealistic physics,” while Wccftech called the graphics a “step back from WWE 2K18,” noting cartoonish appearances for newer wrestlers and women. TheXboxHub and Game Revolution highlighted poor hair aesthetics, glitchy animations, and unstable physics, with the latter citing “contorted limbs” and “unstable physics” as detractors. Jeuxvideo.com and JeuxActu mentioned glitches, collision issues, and long load times, while COGconnected pointed to reused older models for veteran Superstars, creating an uneven visual experience. Multiple reviewers, including Gameblog.fr and Eurogamer Italy, noted inconsistencies between well-known wrestlers and lesser-known characters, with the latter often lacking detail. These criticisms reflected a broader sense that the game’s visuals, while improved in some areas, failed to fully leverage the capabilities of its platform. Overall, the consensus among critics was that WWE 2K19 delivered incremental visual improvements but fell short of revolutionary changes. While many acknowledged enhancements in character models, animations, and arena design—such as the praised “stunning spectacle” by The Digital Fix and the detailed crowd interactions by Multiplayer.it—the game’s reliance on an aging engine and technical shortcomings undermined its potential. Critics like Gameblog.fr and Eurogamer Italy noted that while iconic wrestlers and arenas were visually impressive, less prominent characters and custom creations often looked lackluster. The mixed reception reflected a divide between those who appreciated the polish and authenticity of the presentation and those who felt the game’s visual design remained stagnant compared to other sports titles. Ultimately, WWE 2K19 was seen as a step forward but not a significant leap, with its visuals serving as both a strength and a point of frustration for many reviewers.

The sound design and music of WWE 2K19 received mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its energetic soundtrack and immersive audio elements. Game Over Online and Hobby Consolas praised the game’s "solid" and "energetic" soundtrack, noting the inclusion of popular rock bands like Metallica and Eminem, which effectively set the tone for matches. Everyeye.it and Merlin’in Kazanı specifically commended the diverse track selection, including custom entrance themes that added personality to wrestlers. Additionally, some reviewers, such as GameCrate and Gamers’ Temple, acknowledged the balanced mix of genres (e.g., rap, rock, and pop) and the detailed sound effects during matches, which contributed to a sense of realism. The commentary, while criticized in parts, was noted for its organic flow by Game Over Online and improved crowd reactions by Multiplayer.it, enhancing the overall atmosphere. However, several critics pointed out significant flaws in the audio design, particularly with commentary and variety. Digitally Downloaded and Gameplanet criticized the repetitive and poorly executed commentary, with announcers repeating lines and failing to maintain consistency, especially in 2K Showcase. Wccftech and Hardcore Gamer highlighted technical issues like nonsensical dialogue and mismatched crowd reactions, while Gaming Nexus and SomosXbox lamented the limited music selection, which relied on generic entrance themes rather than original or diverse compositions. The lack of voice acting in certain modes, such as Promos (as noted by Gamers’ Temple), further diminished the audio experience. Additionally, some reviewers, like God is a Geek and PLAY! Zine, pointed out inconsistencies in lip-sync accuracy and awkward dialogue during matches, which disrupted immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics was that WWE 2K19’s sound design and music had notable strengths but were undermined by repetitive commentary and limited variety. While the soundtrack and sound effects were praised for their energy and realism—particularly by Game Over Online, Hobby Consolas, and Everyeye.it—the commentary’s flaws, as highlighted by Digitally Downloaded, Gameplanet, and Wccftech, detracted from the experience. The game’s audio elements leaned heavily on familiar rock tracks and generic themes, with only select critics like Merlin’in Kazanı and Gamers’ Temple acknowledging specific positives. Despite some improvements in crowd reactions and sound effects, the overall sentiment suggested that while the audio design was serviceable, it fell short of delivering a cohesive or innovative experience, leaving room for significant improvement in future iterations.

The voice acting in WWE 2K19 received significant praise for its immersive qualities, particularly in the MyCareer mode. Many reviewers highlighted the inclusion of real WWE superstars' voices, which added authenticity and depth to the narrative. For instance, 3DJuegos noted the collaboration with real wrestlers and Spanish commentary, while Eurogamer Italy praised the emotional impact of original characters’ performances in storytelling segments. Gameplanet and IGN emphasized that full voicing in MyCareer elevated the narrative experience, with IGN Spain specifically commending Alexa Bliss and Baron Corbin for their authentic deliveries. Additionally, Hobby Consolas highlighted the use of real voices in Mi Carrera and other modes, ensuring accessibility through subtitles without compromising audio quality. These positives underscored a marked improvement over previous entries in the series, with critics like Impulsegamer and Wccftech calling it a "major improvement" that enhanced storytelling authenticity. However, several critics pointed out inconsistencies and technical flaws in the voice acting. COGconnected criticized uneven performances, noting standout work for main characters like Cole but poor delivery from many superstars, including questionable voice work (e.g., misidentified John Cena lines). Critical Hit described the dialogue as "corny" with over-the-top one-liners, while Destructoid called it "trite" and mismatched with the sport’s tone. PlayStation Universe specifically criticized Byron Saxton’s "wooden" performance, and We Got This Covered noted flat delivery from wrestlers like Triple H, who failed to embody their on-screen personas. Everyeye.it also pointed out poor synchronization between dialogue and animations in some modes, while TrueAchievements contrasted the quality of Daniel Bryan’s Showcase narration with "corny" MyCareer lines. These critiques revealed a lack of consistency across characters and scenarios. Despite mixed reactions, the overall consensus leaned toward acknowledging WWE 2K19’s voice acting as a significant step forward for the series, even if not flawless. While COGconnected and Critical Hit highlighted flaws, many praised its role in enhancing immersion, with GameSpot and GamesRadar+ noting that full voicing in MyCareer elevated storytelling. The inclusion of real wrestlers’ voices, as emphasized by Hobby Consolas and IGN, was a standout feature, though technical issues like poor lip-syncing and uneven delivery remained points of contention. Critics like Game Revolution and Cubed3 acknowledged the improvement over past games, even as others, such as Xbox Tavern, noted limitations in vocal variety. Ultimately, while not perfect, the voice acting was seen as a key strength that contributed to the game’s narrative depth, with its positives outweighing the negatives for many reviewers.

The technical performance of WWE 2K19 across platforms showed mixed but notable improvements. On PS4, critics like Gaming Nexus highlighted that the game was "more stable than previous entries" with fewer major bugs, while Destructoid noted fixes for major issues from prior years. PlayStation Universe praised smoother performance compared to its predecessor, citing reduced frame rate dips and faster load times. On Xbox One, Generación Xbox acknowledged improvements in framerate and physics, though they criticized slow load times and frame drops during large-scale fights. Gaming Age also pointed to better frame rates for 8-person matches, while Xbox Tavern noted a balanced progression system despite some uneven mechanics. For PC, IGN mentioned the core gameplay remained functional despite bugs, and PC Invasion observed minor texture glitches that were not game-breaking, suggesting the developers addressed issues in subsequent updates. However, technical flaws persisted across all platforms. On PS4, Jeuxvideo.com and JeuxActu criticized lagging engines, unresponsive controls, and unstable gameplay mechanics, while Forbes called the engine "outdated" with issues like awkward physics and limited HIAC interactions. Xbox One faced similar challenges: TheXboxHub and DualShockers highlighted input delay in online modes and inconsistent hit detection, while Generación Xbox noted matchmaking delays and frame rate drops. IGN on PC criticized laughably bad commentary and bugs, though the core gameplay remained functional. On PS4, Hobby Consolas and COGconnected pointed to bugs during complex scenes (e.g., weapon animations) and inconsistent character model quality, while Xbox Addict mentioned "janky" animation transitions and rope glitches. Despite some improvements, TrueAchievements noted that many issues were seen as fixable via patches but remained persistent. Overall, critics agreed that WWE 2K19 represented incremental technical progress but still suffered from lingering flaws. While Destructoid praised the resolution of major bugs from previous entries and Gaming Nexus acknowledged improved stability, most reviewers emphasized that issues like AI shortcomings (Eurogamer Italy), input lag (DualShockers), and graphical glitches (The Digital Fix) persisted across platforms. The game’s engine was seen as outdated despite tweaks (Forbes), with Xbox Achievements noting a lack of core system improvements. While Game Rant called it the "most polished WWE 2K entry to date," others like Jeuxvideo.com and 3DJuegos stressed that technical instability and repetitive mechanics detracted from the experience. The consensus was that while WWE 2K19 improved on its predecessors, its technical shortcomings—particularly in online play and physics—left it lagging behind competitors.

The majority of reviewers highlight WWE 2K19’s strong replayability through its diverse array of modes and features. Multiple critics praise the game’s MyCareer, Showcase Mode, 2K Towers, and Creation Suite as standout elements that offer varied experiences. For instance, Impulsegamer emphasizes the game’s “customizable elements and humorous modes like Big Head matches,” while GameSpot and IGN note how dynamic 2K Towers and Showcase Mode provide engaging challenges. The WWE Universe and community-created content are also lauded for their creativity, with New Game Network and Xbox Achievements pointing to the depth of customization and progression systems. Additionally, Game Revolution and God is a Geek highlight the game’s extensive modes, such as the “Road to Glory” and varied match types, which encourage repeated playthroughs. These elements collectively create a robust foundation for long-term engagement, particularly for wrestling fans seeking variety. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that temper the game’s replayability. Issues like predictable combat mechanics, repetitive objectives, and over-reliance on microtransactions are frequently cited. Gamers Heroes and Digitally Downloaded note that the game’s “predictability in combat” and “outdated features” reduce long-term appeal, while TheXboxHub criticizes MyCareer’s “linear progression” and online modes’ “poor matchmaking.” Destructoid and Jeuxvideo.com also mention that loot boxes and microtransactions detract from the experience, creating frustration. Additionally, some modes like WWE Universe and Towers are deemed undercooked or repetitive (We Got This Covered, Multiplayer.it), and DualShockers argues that the game’s reliance on WWE fandom may limit broader appeal. These flaws suggest that while the game offers substantial content, its execution sometimes undermines sustained engagement. Overall, critics agree that WWE 2K19 delivers a strong replay value for dedicated wrestling fans, thanks to its extensive modes, customization tools, and varied challenges. However, the consensus is that these positives are balanced by notable shortcomings. Game Revolution and Xbox Achievements acknowledge the game’s “extensive customization” and “varied content,” but many reviewers, including Gaming Age and We Got This Covered, argue that its lack of innovation and repetitive elements prevent it from being a must-play for all. While IGN and GameSpot praise the game’s “dynamic 2K Towers” and “varied match types,” they also note frustrations like “lack of checkpoints” or “dated mechanics.” Ultimately, WWE 2K19 is seen as a solid entry in the series with enough content to justify repeated play, but its flaws—particularly around engagement and design—mean it may not fully satisfy all players.