WWE 2K20

The story mode of WWE 2K20 received some praise for its ambitious scope and attempts to modernize the MyCareer experience. Critics like Eurogamer Italy highlighted the focus on the Four Horsewomen’s revolution as a compelling narrative thread, while SomeXbox noted that the "Mi Carrera" mode offered a fresh take with an enjoyable narrative. The dual protagonist setup—following Red and Tre’s journey from NXT to the Hall of Fame—was seen as a positive step by Hardcore Gamer, who appreciated its originality and bonding moments. Additionally, MondoXbox acknowledged that the story improved over time, with engaging dialogue and a decent plot despite its slow start. The inclusion of female characters in the narrative, such as the dual-gender MyCareer mode, was also praised for expanding representation, though this was often overshadowed by other flaws. However, the majority of critics panned the story mode for its poor writing, unlikable characters, and technical shortcomings. TrueGaming and PlayStation Universe criticized the "terrible dialogue," "cringeworthy execution," and "outdated script," with the latter noting that characters like Trey were described as "dislikable" and riddled with "unnecessary Canadian stereotypes." Cheat Code Central and IGN called out the "abysmal voice acting" and "corny" dialogue, while Game Rant dismissed it as a "train wreck" with "absurd plot elements." Technical issues like visual bugs in cutscenes (per Jeuxvideo.com) and repetitive objectives further detracted from the experience. Even when critics acknowledged moments of humor or nostalgia—such as PlaySense’s mention of "some enjoyment through choices" or GameSpew’s praise for "rewarding progression"—these were often overshadowed by critiques of the narrative’s lack of depth and polish. Overall, the consensus among critics was that WWE 2K20’s story mode fell short of expectations despite its ambitious ideas. While some praised its attempt to diversify representation and expand on previous entries (e.g., GameOver.gr’s note on female narrative options), the overwhelming sentiment was one of disappointment. The narrative’s "tedious" progression, "unpolished execution," and "forced objectives" (as highlighted by We Got This Covered and Push Square) left many feeling disconnected. Even when elements like the Women’s Revolution in Showcase mode were lauded for their historical context (Screen Rant), these positives were frequently undermined by technical glitches and a lack of engagement. The story mode, while occasionally entertaining, ultimately failed to deliver a cohesive or compelling experience, reflecting a broader frustration with its execution despite its potential.

The gameplay of WWE 2K20 received some positive remarks, particularly regarding minor refinements and new features. Critics like VGC acknowledged that the core mechanics were "fun when stable," while Wccftech noted the Payback system added "minor depth" to combat. Multiplayer.it highlighted improved counter mechanics as a step forward, and Cultured Vultures mentioned that reversals felt more responsive, though not entirely reliable. Additionally, Vandal praised the new control schemes for counters and special moves, calling them an improvement for precision. These elements suggest that while the game struggled with consistency, some updates aimed to enhance strategic depth and player agency in specific areas. However, the negatives dominated the critical reception, with widespread complaints about broken mechanics, poor execution, and a lack of innovation. PlayStation Universe and Shacknews criticized inconsistent collision detection, confusing control schemes, and flawed AI, while Impulsegamer and 3DJuegos called the gameplay "stagnant" and reliant on outdated systems. We Got This Covered and New Game Network described the experience as "frustrating," citing sluggish movement, unresponsive combos, and repetitive animations. Game Rant and TrueGaming highlighted issues like awkward control schemes, floaty physics, and a lack of polish, with New Game Network even labeling it the "worst in the series' history." These critiques underscored a general sense of disappointment, as the game failed to address long-standing flaws or deliver meaningful evolution. The overall consensus among critics was that WWE 2K20 fell short of expectations, despite some incremental improvements. While a few reviewers, like VGC and Wccftech, acknowledged minor positives, the majority emphasized persistent technical issues, unpolished mechanics, and a lack of innovation. Shacknews, 3DJuegos, and Game Rant all pointed to stagnation in gameplay, with critics arguing that the game regressed compared to previous entries. The recurring themes of broken AI, inconsistent controls, and repetitive systems created a frustrating experience for players, leading many to conclude that WWE 2K20 failed to deliver a satisfying wrestling simulation despite its ambitions.

The graphics and visual design of WWE 2K20 received mixed reactions, with some critics acknowledging minor improvements over previous entries. For instance, Gamers’ Temple noted slight enhancements in textures, ring environments, and crowd details, while We Got This Covered observed that character models looked "fine in action" despite flaws in selection screen portraits. Additionally, Xbox Tavern highlighted decent entrances and video packages, and VGC praised the roster’s size and detail, even as they criticized inconsistent character models. These positives, however, were often overshadowed by broader technical shortcomings, with some reviewers noting brighter visuals or minor refinements in specific areas like pyrotechnics or arena design. The negatives dominated the critical reception, with nearly all reviewers criticizing the game’s graphics as outdated, unpolished, and inconsistent. Wccftech and GameSpew called the visuals "ugly" and "PS2-era," while Metro GameCentral and Everyeye.it highlighted unrecognizable character models, clothing clipping, and bizarre physics like belts stored inside torsos. Shacknews pointed to mixed-quality character models, with some (like Brock Lesnar) appearing high-fidelity while others (e.g., Becky Lynch) looked poorly designed. Issues like animation glitches, unrealistic hair physics, and lighting problems were repeatedly cited, with Cheat Code Central mocking "noodle hair" and DualShockers comparing the engine to "early Xbox 360 era graphics." Even positive aspects like crowd animations or arena recreations were often undermined by technical flaws, such as repetitive movements or distorted ring structures. The overall consensus among critics was that WWE 2K20 represented a significant visual downgrade compared to its predecessors and modern standards. While a few reviewers acknowledged minor improvements—such as VGC’s praise for roster detail or GameSpew’s mention of "realistic sweat" — the overwhelming sentiment was one of disappointment. The game’s graphics were frequently described as "outdated," "unpolished," and "a step back," with Game Rant and Xbox Tavern emphasizing how its visual design failed to meet expectations for a triple-A title. Critics like GameSpot and Cheat Code Central highlighted specific flaws, such as "terrifying goblin facsimiles" and "PS2-looking NPCs," which underscored the game’s technical shortcomings. Despite some praise for certain elements, the majority viewed WWE 2K20’s visuals as a major drawback, reflecting poorly on its development and polish.

The sound design and music of WWE 2K20 received mixed but occasionally positive feedback from reviewers. Several critics highlighted improvements in announcer performances, with Hardcore Gamer noting dynamic dialogue and standout voices like those of Graves and Saxton, while Game Over Online praised the voice acting of Ronda Rousey and X-Pac as standouts. The menu music also drew praise, particularly for featuring well-known bands like Muse and Motley Crue (BaziCenter) and being "reasonably in order" with artists such as The Black Keys (PlaySense). Additionally, Xbox Tavern commended the "spot on" music during entrances, and Multiplayer.it noted more varied commentary compared to prior entries. These elements suggest that while not revolutionary, the game’s audio had moments of quality and effort in specific areas. However, the overall sentiment leaned heavily toward criticism, particularly regarding consistency and innovation. 3DJuegos and GameOver.gr criticized the sound design as outdated and stagnant, with static audio banks and a lack of intensity during matches. BaziCenter, Cultured Vultures, and PLAY! Zine pointed to issues like poor voice quality, shallow dialogue, and inconsistent synchronization in commentary, while Hobby Consolas and Everyeye.it lamented the limited soundtrack variety and repetitive tracks. Technical flaws were also prevalent: PC Games mentioned misplaced sound effects, ZTGD highlighted repetitive and out-of-sync commentary, and Hardcore Gamer noted audio inconsistencies across game modes. These issues collectively undermined the immersive experience, with many reviewers feeling the audio failed to meet expectations for a wrestling simulation. The consensus among critics was that WWE 2K20’s sound design and music were uneven, with notable positives overshadowed by significant flaws. While some praised specific elements like announcer performances or select tracks, the majority felt the audio lacked innovation and consistency. 3DJuegos and PLAY! Zine emphasized the stagnation of the audio bank, while Game Rant noted a clear downgrade in soundtrack variety compared to previous entries. Despite occasional highlights, the overall impression was one of missed potential, with critics agreeing that the sound design and music failed to elevate the game’s core experience. The mixed reception reflects a game that, while not entirely lacking in quality, struggled to deliver a cohesive or impactful audio experience.

The voice acting in WWE 2K20 received mixed but occasionally positive feedback from several critics. GameOver.gr praised the realism and authenticity of the performances, noting that the voices "preserve the authenticity of the wrestling phenomenon." Similarly, Game Over Online highlighted notable performances from Ronda Rousey and X-Pac in story mode, while Push Square acknowledged Samoa Joe’s exceptional delivery as a standout. Gaming Age mentioned Bray Wyatt’s commentary in the Bump in the Night DLC as a "pleasant touch," and PlaySense appreciated that real WWE superstars provided voices, avoiding "poor imitations." DarkStation also commended the "spirited" voice acting, which they felt complemented characters in MyPlayer mode. These positives often centered on specific performers or modes, suggesting that while the overall quality was uneven, some aspects of the voice work were well-received. However, the majority of critics criticized the voice acting as subpar, with recurring complaints about technical and creative shortcomings. BaziCenter called it "poorly executed" with "low-quality audio," while Cultured Vultures noted that story mode dialogue felt "underdeveloped" and "repetitive." Forbes highlighted a 7-second delay in commentary, attributing it to limited access to WWE talent, and Metro GameCentral described the voice acting as "woeful," detracting from the game’s emotional elements. Shacknews criticized poor lip-syncing and glitches, while IGN called Tre’s dialogue "insufferable" and "filled with forced humor." Many reviewers, including Cheat Code Central and Game Rant, labeled the script and delivery as "cringe-worthy" or "lifeless," emphasizing that the voice acting often undermined immersion rather than enhanced it. These critiques pointed to a lack of polish and inconsistency across characters and modes. The overall consensus among critics was largely negative, with only scattered praise for specific performances or elements. While some reviewers acknowledged pockets of quality—such as Samoa Joe’s work or the authenticity of real WWE voices—the majority found the voice acting unconvincing, poorly timed, or technically flawed. The game’s reliance on pre-recorded lines and limited vocal variety led to repetitive commentary, while technical issues like poor lip-syncing further detracted from the experience. Critics like GameSpew and IGN emphasized that even when performances were decent, the script and delivery often failed to meet expectations. Despite a few exceptions, the voice acting in WWE 2K20 was widely seen as a significant weakness, contributing to an overall sense of unpolished execution.

The technical performance of WWE 2K20 across its platforms received mixed feedback, with some minor positives noted despite widespread issues. On PC, critics like Jeuxvideo.com acknowledged that a patch addressed some bugs, though they still highlighted persistent problems such as "stuck animations" and crashes. Similarly, GameOver.gr pointed out that post-launch patches resolved many of the initial technical issues on PS4, improving stability over time. For Xbox One, while most reviews were critical, Cubed3 noted that online play was relatively stable compared to other modes, suggesting some aspects of the game functioned better than others. These glimpses of improvement indicate that 2K’s developers made efforts to refine the experience, even if they fell short of expectations. However, the negatives for all platforms were overwhelming and consistent. On PS4, GameSpot and IGN criticized the game for "bugs, glitches, crashes, and lag," with specific examples like characters teleporting or getting stuck in ropes. Jeuxvideo.com (PS4) and PlaySense echoed these complaints, emphasizing that the game launched in a "problematic state" despite promises of patches. On Xbox One, Game Rant called it a "disaster," citing issues like wrestlers "crab walking" or finishing moves failing, while DualShockers described it as a "mess." Even PC Games and Shacknews (PC) noted severe bugs, including wrestlers falling through the ring floor. The technical flaws were pervasive, affecting gameplay mechanics, visuals, and online functionality across all platforms. The overall consensus among critics was that WWE 2K20 suffered from a lack of polish and poor quality assurance, with PS4 and Xbox One being particularly affected. While some post-launch patches mitigated issues—such as GameOver.gr noting resolved launch problems on PS4—the initial experience was widely deemed unplayable or frustrating. IGN and GameSpot highlighted that the game felt like a "broken beta," with technical flaws overshadowing its content. Even PC Invasion, whose review is incomplete, likely shared this sentiment given the broader criticism. Ultimately, the game’s technical shortcomings were a major hindrance, with critics across platforms agreeing that it failed to meet expectations as a polished product.

The positive aspects of WWE 2K20’s replay value are highlighted by several reviewers who praise its extensive content and variety. Critics like 3DJuegos and Hobby Consolas note that modes such as MyCareer, Showcase, Universe Mode, and the Create-A-Wrestler system provide substantial engagement, with the latter offering over 100 wrestlers and customizable experiences. Eurogamer Italy and LaPS4 emphasize the sandbox-like freedom in character customization and the appeal of diverse game modes, while Vandal acknowledges that the sheer volume of features—ranging from DLCs to tournaments—could support long-term replayability if technical issues were resolved. Additionally, GameSpew highlights the allure of the character creator, which kept some players invested for hours despite other shortcomings. However, the negatives surrounding WWE 2K20’s replay value are widespread and significant. Many critics, including Hardcore Gamer, Screen Rant, and TrueGaming, point to repetitive core mechanics, unengaging storytelling, and technical flaws that undermine long-term appeal. GameOver.gr and Gaming Age criticize the lack of innovation compared to previous entries, with modes like Women’s Showcase and MyCareer feeling underdeveloped or tedious. COGconnected and Everyeye.it note that missing content, bugs, and slow progression systems detract from enjoyment, while Wccftech and We Got This Covered argue that the game’s flaws—such as broken modes and poor polish—make repeated playthroughs feel like a chore. The Torri mode and MyCareer’s mandatory cutscenes are frequently singled out as particularly frustrating. The overall consensus among critics is that WWE 2K20 has strong potential for replayability due to its content depth but is held back by technical and design flaws. While 3DJuegos and Hobby Consolas acknowledge the game’s ambition, they also stress that its reliance on quantity over quality and repetitive gameplay limit sustained engagement. Conversely, Vandal and LaPS4 suggest that the game’s extensive features could justify multiple playthroughs if bugs were addressed. However, most reviewers, including Screen Rant and ZTGD, conclude that the title fails to deliver a cohesive or enjoyable experience for repeated use, making it more of a niche product for dedicated WWE fans rather than a broadly appealing wrestling simulation. The mixed reception reflects a divide between those who value content volume and those who prioritize polish and innovation.