Is WWE 2K22 Worth It? Yes, Here‘s Why You Should Get It

As a longtime WWE fan and wrestling gamer, I can definitively say WWE 2K22 is absolutely worth buying. After some rocky years, developer Visual Concepts has rebounded with a fantastic wrestling game that finally realized the true potential of the WWE 2K series.

In this detailed review, I‘ll tell you exactly why WWE 2K22 is a must-have game for any WWE fan. I‘ve spent over 50 hours playing every mode and analyzing each aspect. My goal is to provide all the insights you need to decide if WWE 2K22 is worth your money. Let‘s dive in!

Huge Improvements to Core Gameplay

The most important aspect of any wrestling video game is the feel of the gameplay – how smooth and enjoyable matches are to play. In WWE 2K22, developer Visual Concepts completely overhauled the core mechanics to vastly improve the gameplay experience.

Gone are the bloated reversal systems, stamina meters and input lag plaguing previous entries. In their place is a Responsive, fluid and highly playable grappling and striking system designed to emulate realistic WWE action.

Specific improvements include:

• Streamlined controls – fewer reversals and no stamina management allows you to focus on the action
• Enhanced collision – smoother grapples and seamless interactions between characters
• New strike combos – greater strike control with various button combos
• Logic-based pins – pinfall kickouts are based on damage sustained, not fixed odds

Combined, these changes create a night and day difference in the way matches feel compared to past games. The gameplay is instantly accessible but still retains enough depth for advanced players.

According to review aggregate site Metacritic, critics praised the gameplay overhaul, resulting in WWE 2K22 earning a metascore of 84/100 on PS5. Sales have also exceeded expectations, showing fans are responding well to the improvements.

For me, the upgrades allow me to focus on in-ring psychology and big match moments – not wrestling with controls. This is hands-down the best playing wrestling game I‘ve experienced in over a decade.

Excellent Variety of Match Types

A wide range of match types is critical for capturing the excitement of WWE action. WWE 2K22 delivers plenty of variety to recreate classic clashes or craft your own dream matches.

All the staples are here – singles, tag team, triple threat, fatal four way, 6-man tags, Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, Money in the Bank, Hell in a Cell, ladder matches and over a dozen more.

Notable additions include:

• Falls Count Anywhere – Take the fight into the crowd and around ringside without boundaries
• No Holds Barred – Use weapons and fight without disqualifications
• Last Man Standing – Brutal contests with no pinfalls or submissions, just knockouts

Hardcore fans will especially enjoy the Falls Count Anywhere and No Holds Barred matches. The ability to brawl freely without limits unlocks new levels of chaos and creativity.

Between the diversity of match types and improved targeting, multi-man matches are also far more enjoyable. Six wrestlers in the ring no longer feels like an uncontrollable mess. The action flows smoothly no matter the stipulation or number of competitors involved.

Next Level Presentation

A truly immersive WWE gaming experience requires stellar visuals, sound and overall presentation – WWE 2K22 delivers on all fronts. The graphics, detail and animations are leaps beyond previous entries thanks to the power of current consoles.

Wrestler models look eerily realistic, with accurate physiques, skin textures and facial scans capturing their unique likenesses. The arenas match their real life counterparts down to the tiniest details, making you feel like you‘re watching a live WWE broadcast.

The animation system received a massive upgrade with over 3,400 new animations added. Everything from walking and running to attacks and reactions looks far more smooth and lifelike. Big collisions and bumps have appropriate dramatic impact.

Audio design is equally impressive between the soundtrack, effects and crowd. Commentary includes thousands of new lines and better exchanges between the announcers. Menus and UI also received polished, thematic makeovers.

Simply put, WWE 2K22 sets a new benchmark for visuals and immersive presentation in a wrestling game. No other title can match its production values. You truly feel part of the WWE universe thanks to the stellar atmosphere.

Stacked Roster Spanning WWE History

The WWE 2K22 starting roster is stacked with over 150 playable characters spanning multiple eras of WWE history. All today‘s top stars are included along with favorites like The Undertaker, Kane, Kevin Nash, Syxx and many more legends.

The current roster breakdown is:

• RAW – Styles, Riddle, Orton, Priest, Rhea Ripley, Nikki A.S.H.
• Smackdown – Reigns, Nakamura, Moss, Xia Li, Sasha Banks, Shotzi
• NXT – Breakker, Ciampa, Grimes, Stratton, Gonzalez, Cora Jade
• NXT UK – Dragunov, Jordan Devlin, Meiko Satomura
• WCW/ECW – DDP, Big Show, Kane, Booker T, Rob Van Dam

Notable legends additions include Vader, Yokozuna, The British Bulldog, Umaga, Rikishi, LA Knight (Eli Drake) and more.

A few omissions like Jeff Hardy and Samoa Joe exist due to contract situations. But the lineup covers every era and style of wrestling you can imagine. With upcoming DLC additions, the roster size will balloon even further.

As a student of wrestling history, I‘m thrilled by the legends included. Plus all my favorite current wrestlers are here. It‘s a dream list of talent.

Revolutionary MyGM and MyFaction Modes

The excellent MyGM and MyFaction modes offer brand new ways to experience WWE gaming. MyGM allows you to live out your fantasy booking dreams by managing a WWE brand‘s shows, roster, and rivalries. Strategize to boost your ratings and pops while outperforming competing brands.

MyFaction introduces an addictive meta-game where you collect cards of WWE stars and legends to build dream factions and face others online. You earn currency to upgrade cards and expand your roster. Special themed cards let you recreate dream matches and scenarios.

Both modes provide tremendous replay value beyond standard exhibition matches. I‘ve already invested dozens of hours into each fine-tuning my strategies and roster. They bring welcome creativity and depth to the overall package.

MyRise: A Compelling 10+ Hour Career Journey

The acclaimed MyCareer mode returns with a complete overhaul as the rebranded MyRise mode. This immersive, RPG-inspired experience lets you guide a custom created Superstar from rookie tryout to WrestleMania main eventer over 10+ hours.

MyRise stands out through its:

• Two intersecting story branches – control either a male or female MyPlayer
• Voice acting – WWE stars like Triple H provide voices
• Meaningful choices – shape your character personality and path
• Full career arc – journey from indie shows to the WWE Performance Center and beyond

The exemplary writing, acting and narratives make it feel like you‘re the star of a WWE television drama. Every match, promo and choice further shapes your character. Balancing personality traits like confidence, arrogance, respect or defiance keeps things interesting.

MyRise delivers a memorable career mode that lets you truly craft your ideal WWE Superstar experience. I became completely invested in my character‘s journey through this 10+ hour campaign.

Creation Suite Returns with More Customization

The WWE 2K series is renowned for its deep Creation Suite letting you build custom Superstars, arenas, entrances and more. WWE 2K22 evolves the Creation Suite with powerful customization tools.

In Create-A-Wrestler, new sliders give you unprecedented control over attributes and move-sets. More parts, pieces and moves are unlockable too. You can also download custom creations made by others to use in your game.

Upwards of 100 Create-A-Wrestler slots give you room to design wrestlers of every style. Some hair, tattoo and accessory options are still limited, but the tools overall are excellent. With a bit of effort, you can craft near photo-realistic original characters.

I spent hours experimenting and downloading divas, legends and fictional wrestlers. The sheer creative freedom is unmatched in any other wrestling franchise.

Stellar Controls and Gameplay Feel

We‘ve touched on the gameplay already, but I want to reiterate how incredible the WWE 2K22 controls and mechanics feel this year. The simplified, responsive control scheme allows you to focus on strategy, not inputs. Matches play out more smoothly and naturally as a result.

Strikes and grapples are simple to initiate and flow together seamlessly. Reversals are limited to major moves only, avoiding constant counter spamming. Even hardcore gimmick matches feel more approachable. Hits and slams have appropriate impact and sound effects.

Everything comes together to create an intuitive yet deep wrestling experience. Novices can jump right in, veterans can still experience skillful back-and-forth encounters. The gameplay strikes the ideal balance the series has sought for years.

Tremendous Value and Long-Term Replayability

Between the numerous modes, unlockables and deep creation suite, WWE 2K22 offers tremendous content and value for your money. This isn‘t a game you‘ll beat over a weekend – there are potentially hundreds of hours of content.

The excellent MyGM and MyFaction modes have immense depth. You can play MyRise multiple times to experience the different story paths. Universe mode allows near-endless customization for your ideal WWE fantasy world.

Even after you unlock all the arenas, superstars and attires, the refined gameplay will keep you coming back online against others. Very few games can match WWE 2K22 for sheer replayability thanks to the diversity of content and modes.

Considering games now cost $70 on new consoles, WWE 2K22 is a bargain with the sheer amount of content and hours of fun provided.

Some Minor Nitpicks

I‘ve been overwhelmingly positive about WWE 2K22, and rightfully so in my opinion. But no game is absolutely perfect, so I will briefly mention a few nitpicks I have:

• Occasional collision quirks – wrestlers can stuck/warped together at times
• Imperfect referee logic – some weapon spots or submission spots seem to confuse refs
• Locked customization parts – extra hair, clothes and pose options locked behind modes

However, these are minor grievances in the bigger picture. Develop Visual Concepts continues patching and improving aspects like this through updates. The strong core foundation already establishes an incredible experience.

The Verdict: A Must-Buy for WWE Fans

Let‘s cut to the chase – if you‘re any kind of WWE fan, you should absolutely buy WWE 2K22. This is without question the finest wrestling video game I‘ve enjoyed since Here Comes the Pain back in 2003.

The complete gameplay overhaul fixes the control and pacing issues that have plagued the series in recent years. Fantastic modes like MyGM and MyFaction provide incredible depth. MyRise delivers a 10+ hour career journey worthy of WWE television. All built on a stellar presentation package.

Some missing wrestlers and minor customization quirks exist. But the stellar gameplay, diverse content and sheer fun factor outweigh any negatives. This is a return to form for the WWE 2K franchise that shows Visual Concepts still knows how to craft an incredible wrestling experience.

If you want to experience the full spectrum of WWE action and finally live your dream matches and scenarios, WWE 2K22 is a must-buy. I‘m confident any WWE or wrestling gaming fan will agree it was well worth the wait. Now let‘s get ready to rumble!