WWE 2K22

The story mode of WWE 2K22 receives mixed but generally positive feedback, with several reviewers praising its innovative approach to narrative engagement. The MyRise career mode is highlighted as a standout feature, offering players the ability to create custom wrestlers and shape their journeys through branching decisions. Critics like IGN and TheXboxHub note that the mode provides open-ended choices and varied storylines, with some appreciating its replayability and immersive elements. The Showcase mode, focused on Rey Mysterio’s career, is celebrated for its nostalgic value and documentary-style presentation, with Jeuxvideo.com and Eurogamer Italy praising its emotional depth and archival footage. Additionally, Shacknews and VGC acknowledge the mode’s unique storytelling for female wrestlers and its attempt to modernize the career experience, despite some flaws. However, the story mode faces significant criticism for its lack of depth and execution. Many reviewers, including Hooked Gamers and TierraGamer, lambast the writing as flat, clichéd, or poorly structured, with Hooked Gamers specifically criticizing "hilariously awful facial animations" and "non-sensical stories." The MyRise mode is often deemed repetitive, with Hobby Consolas and Meristation noting its simplistic mission structure and lack of variety. Game Rant and Multiplayer.it highlight issues like tedious loading times, forced decisions, and a disjointed narrative, while Cultured Vultures points out that female storylines are underdeveloped compared to male ones. The Showcase mode also faces backlash for being fragmented or incomplete, with Press Start Australia and ZTGD noting missing key matches and a reliance on outdated tropes. Overall, the critics agree that WWE 2K22’s story modes have ambitious ideas but struggle to deliver consistent quality. While MyRise is praised for its player agency and replayability by VGC and TheXboxHub, its narrative shortcomings—such as cringeworthy dialogue (IGN, Push Square) and repetitive gameplay (Hobby Consolas)—diminish its impact. The Showcase mode, though nostalgic and well-produced (Jeuxvideo.com, Eurogamer Italy), is seen as a missed opportunity for deeper storytelling. Despite these flaws, many reviewers acknowledge the game’s efforts to innovate, with PlaySense and Shindig appreciating its creative approach to narrative structure. The consensus leans toward a balanced view: WWE 2K22 offers engaging mechanics and nostalgic touches but falls short in delivering a cohesive or compelling story.

The gameplay of WWE 2K22 received widespread praise for its accessibility, fluidity, and refined mechanics. Many critics highlighted the revamped control schemes, with IGN Adria noting a simplified system that caters to casual players while retaining depth for veterans. App Trigger and Impulsegamer lauded the game’s “best in series” combat mechanics, emphasizing faster-paced matches and improved combo systems. The removal of mini-games (as noted by We Got This Covered) and the introduction of intuitive controls (e.g., Xbox Achievements’ “natural reversals”) were celebrated for enhancing player engagement. Additionally, critics like Cubed3 and GameSpew praised the game’s dynamic ebb and flow, while others, such as GamesRadar+ and God is a Geek, highlighted the depth added by reversal mechanics and strategic elements like breaking submissions. The overall sentiment suggests a significant leap forward in making wrestling gameplay more accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience. However, several critics pointed out persistent issues that detracted from the experience. TheSixthAxis criticized the “lack of control and response,” describing matches as feeling more like passive observation than active participation. Merlin’in Kazanı and Inverse noted frustrations with unresponsive reversals, confusing mini-games, and hitbox registration problems, particularly in multi-competitor scenarios. Destructoid and Multiplayer.it mentioned lingering glitches and AI shortcomings, while GamesRadar+ and Checkpoint Gaming highlighted fiddly controls and challenges in mastering the mechanics. The game’s new systems, though praised for innovation, also faced criticism for being too jarring for veterans—Inverse called the combo mechanics “difficult to get used to,” and Gaming Nexus noted that some features felt less impactful in practice. These issues suggest that while WWE 2K22 improved significantly, it still struggles with balancing accessibility and complexity. Despite these mixed reviews, the overall consensus among critics leans toward optimism, recognizing WWE 2K22 as a substantial improvement over previous entries. While some (like TheSixthAxis) found the gameplay underwhelming, many others—such as Cubed3, GameSpot, and VGC—praised its fluidity, dynamic combat, and reduced reliance on outdated mechanics. The game’s ability to cater to both casual and veteran players, despite occasional hiccups, was a recurring theme. Critics like GamesHub and Press Start Australia emphasized the “revolutionized” control systems and enhanced realism, while others, such as Destructoid and XGN, acknowledged lingering flaws but still viewed the title as a step in the right direction. Ultimately, WWE 2K22 is seen as a bold, if imperfect, evolution of the wrestling game formula, with its strengths in accessibility and innovation outweighing its technical shortcomings for most reviewers.

The graphics and visual design of WWE 2K22 received widespread praise for their significant improvements over previous entries in the series. Many critics highlighted the game’s enhanced character models, realistic animations, and detailed environments. IGN noted that character models were "significantly improved," while GamesRadar+ called it a "substantial improvement" with "beautiful" animations. NME described the visuals as "astonishingly good" and the best in the series, praising its flashy presentation. The game’s attention to detail was frequently lauded, including photo-scanned faces, lifelike entrances, and vibrant arenas. Critics like GameSpot and GamesRadar+ highlighted fluid animations and improved cinematography, while TheXboxHub and Game Informer praised accurate character models and historical arenas. The game’s visual fidelity was also noted as a leap forward, with Push Square calling it the "best-looking title in the series" despite minor bugs. However, several critics pointed out inconsistencies and technical shortcomings that detracted from the overall experience. Noisy Pixel criticized the "unpolished" and "inconsistent" graphical presentation, citing dated texture mapping and uneven character models. GamingBolt and Vandal both mentioned "underwhelming" visuals and stagnation compared to previous generations, while New Game Network noted issues with facial animations and hair physics. Others, like Everyeye.it and GamesHub, pointed to problems such as unrealistic hair physics, robotic movements, and minor technical glitches. Wccftech and Vandal argued that the game didn’t look significantly better than its 2018 predecessor, while Pure Xbox noted that some female characters lacked detail. These critiques suggest that while the visuals were a step forward, they still fell short of expectations in certain areas. Overall, the consensus among critics was that WWE 2K22 represented a notable improvement in graphics and visual design, though not without flaws. While many hailed it as the best-looking entry in the series to date—with NME, GamesRadar+, and GameCritics praising its lifelike presentation—others like Noisy Pixel and Vandal felt it failed to deliver a generational leap. The mixed reception reflects a balance between technical advancements and lingering issues, with critics such as Push Square and IGN acknowledging the game’s visual strengths despite minor bugs. Ultimately, while WWE 2K22 set a new benchmark for the franchise, its graphical presentation was seen as a mix of impressive progress and unresolved imperfections.

The Sound Design and Music of WWE 2K22 received a mix of praise for its immersive elements and creative curation. Critics like Eurogamer Italy highlighted the high-quality licensed tracks curated by Machine Gun Kelly, which enhanced the game’s atmosphere, while GamersRD noted the clear audio effects and diverse soundtrack featuring various artists. Game Over Online praised the revamped weapon sound effects and improved commentary that mimicked the chemistry of TV announce teams, and Gaming Nexus emphasized the immersive sound effects that elevated the match experience. Additionally, Impulsegamer called it the “best sounding console wrestling title to date,” and XGN commended the sound design for making matches feel more engaging through crowd reactions and entrance music. These positives underscored efforts to create a dynamic audio landscape that aligns with WWE’s showbiz ethos. However, several critics pointed out significant flaws. The soundtrack faced criticism for repetition and limited variety, with Attack of the Fanboy noting fewer than 20 tracks leading to potential monotony, and Gamepressure criticizing the 12-track limit that looped quickly. COGconnected described the music as “horrific,” while App Trigger found it “offputting and out of place.” Wccftech echoed this sentiment, calling the soundtrack “horrible,” and Vgames highlighted missing iconic entrance music due to licensing issues. Commentary also drew mixed reactions: BaziCenter criticized the lack of excitement in crowd sounds and commentary, while GameSpot noted stilted voice acting likely due to pandemic recording conditions. TheSixthAxis and Cubed3 pointed to lazy vocal performances and stiff delivery, further detracting from immersion. Overall, the consensus reflects a polarized reception. While many praised the soundtrack’s creativity, variety, and immersive qualities—especially in areas like crowd ambiance and commentary chemistry—others found it repetitive, limited, or poorly executed. Eurogamer Italy and Gaming Nexus stood out for their positive takes on the music, whereas COGconnected, Wccftech, and Gamepressure highlighted its shortcomings. The game’s audio design seemed to strike a balance between innovation and inconsistency, with some critics appreciating its efforts to elevate WWE’s signature flair while others felt it fell short in key areas like track diversity and commentary authenticity. Despite the mixed feedback, the soundtrack and sound design remained a notable aspect of the experience for many players.

The voice acting in WWE 2K22 receives mixed but generally positive feedback, particularly in areas like commentary and specific modes such as Showcase. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy praise the commentary for being "engaging" and enhancing match intensity, while Eurogamer Italy highlights Drew Gulak’s tutorial work as immersive. GamersRD notes that over 30 superstars’ voiceovers add depth to MyRise, and GameGrin acknowledges improved commentary compared to other 2K titles. Notably, Rey Mysterio’s narration in the Showcase mode is repeatedly praised for adding a "personal touch" (e.g., GamesHub, Push Square, Shindig), with some critics like Meristation and Oyungezer emphasizing its emotional impact. These positives suggest that when executed well, the voice acting contributes meaningfully to immersion and storytelling. However, several critics highlight significant shortcomings, particularly in MyRise mode and general consistency. IGN and GameSpot criticize most performances as "uninvested," "stilted," or poorly recorded, with TheSixthAxis calling the vocal work "lazy" and Slant Magazine lamenting "lamentable" performances from non-established talent. Cubed3 and Digital Trends describe voice acting as "wooden" or "stiff," while Vgames and Checkpoint Gaming note cringe-worthy dialogue that detracts from immersion. Hardcore Gamer mentions the commentary team’s solid effort, but others like Everyeye.it and PlayStation Country find it "decent but lacking in excitement." These critiques point to uneven quality, with many voices feeling phoned-in or mismatched to character personalities. Overall, the consensus is that WWE 2K22’s voice acting is a mixed bag, with standout moments balanced by notable flaws. While Rey Mysterio’s contributions and commentary teams like those praised by Attack of the Fanboy and Hardcore Gamer elevate certain aspects, the majority of critics agree that the voice work in MyRise and other modes falls short of expectations. IGN, GameSpot, and TheSixthAxis are particularly critical, citing poor synchronization, lack of energy, and technical issues. Despite some praise for authenticity and immersion, the overall sentiment leans toward disappointment, with many reviewers feeling the voice acting fails to match the quality of other 2K titles or the hype surrounding WWE’s real-life promos. The game’s voice work is thus seen as a missed opportunity to fully capitalize on its wrestling pedigree.

The technical performance of WWE 2K22 shows notable improvements across platforms, with several critics highlighting stability and optimization. On PS5, reviewers like PSX Brasil praised its "well-optimized" performance with no bugs reported, while Push Square noted a "significant improvement over its predecessor," citing fewer crashes and smoother gameplay. Xbox Series X users also saw progress: Generación Xbox highlighted minimal loading times and stable frame rates, even with multiple characters on screen, and TheXboxHub mentioned that most glitches from previous iterations were resolved. On PC, PC Games (both PS5 and PC reviews) noted "stable performance" with minor issues, while PC Invasion praised high framerates and resolved initial crashes related to custom images. Overall, the game’s technical foundation appears more robust than its predecessor, WWE 2K20, with many platforms experiencing fewer critical bugs. However, persistent technical issues remain across all platforms. On PS5, Wccftech criticized input lag and sluggish match pacing, while Impulsegamer listed "widespread hiccups" like broken player-created content downloads and flawed AI in tag teams. COGconnected noted clipping and unrealistic rope physics, and Xbox Tavern highlighted severe online mode issues, including lag and server disconnections. On PC, Merlin'in Kazanı and Worth Playing reported crashes, lag, and long load times, with the latter emphasizing "connectivity problems in online modes." PS4 users faced similar challenges: TheSixthAxis mentioned unresponsive gameplay and "hilarious glitches," while Areajugones noted improved stability but lingering issues. Even on Xbox Series X, IGN France pointed to collision and animation glitches, and Stevivor cited random crashes and rope-related bugs. These problems, though less severe than in WWE 2K20, still detract from the experience. The overall consensus among critics is that WWE 2K22 represents a marked improvement over its predecessor, with technical performance showing significant refinement across platforms. While PS5 and Xbox Series X users generally reported smoother gameplay—thanks to better optimization and reduced crashes—PC and PS4 still faced persistent issues like lag, AI flaws, and load times. Critics like IGN and Eurogamer Italy acknowledged the game’s "fewer visual bugs" and "more stable experience," but many noted that minor glitches (e.g., character clipping, AI inconsistencies) and online instability remained. Despite these shortcomings, the majority of reviews emphasized that WWE 2K22 is more polished and reliable than its predecessors, with developers addressing key pain points while leaving room for further polish. The game’s technical foundation has clearly improved, but it still requires post-launch patches to fully realize its potential.

The majority of reviewers highlight WWE 2K22’s replay value through its diverse array of modes and customization options. Critics like Shindig and GameSpot praise the MyRise and Showcase modes for their branching narratives and varied storylines, offering players unique experiences with each playthrough. Stevivor and Dexerto note that while some modes feel incomplete, they still provide longevity through strategic gameplay and creative freedom. The MyGM mode is frequently cited as a standout feature, with PSX Brasil calling it highly replayable due to its brand management mechanics, while GamesRadar+ highlights the addictive nature of MyFaction, which adds depth through its card-based system. Additionally, GamingBolt and CGMagazine emphasize the game’s foundation for future updates, suggesting that ongoing content could enhance long-term engagement. However, several critics point to significant limitations in replayability. Meristation and Push Square criticize MyGM and MyRise for their repetitive mechanics and lack of depth, while Shacknews and The Games Machine describe modes as “half-baked” or underdeveloped. Wccftech and Press Start Australia highlight issues with MyFaction being exploitative or dull, respectively, and NME notes that an outdated roster and bugs detract from the experience. Hobby Consolas and Xbox Tavern also mention that some modes, like MyRise, lose appeal after a single playthrough due to their grindy nature. These critiques suggest that while the game offers a lot of content, its execution in certain areas fails to sustain long-term interest. Overall, the consensus among critics is that WWE 2K22 has moderate replay value, with its strength lying in its variety of modes and customization options, but its weaknesses in depth and polish. BaziCenter and Meristation acknowledge that MyRise and Showcase provide enough content for casual play, while COGconnected and Checkpoint Gaming note that the game’s potential is undercut by underdeveloped mechanics. Despite these issues, many reviewers, including IGN France and SomosXbox, believe it caters well to wrestling fans who prioritize variety over perfection. The mixed reception reflects a game that offers substantial content but requires refinement to fully realize its replayability potential.