PLATFORM: PC, PS4/5, XBOX ONE/SERIES (REVIEWED) | RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
Another year, another instalment in the WWE 2K series. 2K24 was considered by many to be one of the high points in wrestling game history, so the big question this year is whether 2K25 can surpass – or at least match – the success of its predecessor…
As always, each new iteration of the game features a couple of big new ideas while adding a few bells and whistles to existing modes. 2K25’s big new idea is The Island, a combination of online hub and outlandish single-player story campaign where up to 50 players are dropped into a small Disney-style WWE theme park. The idea is that your specially-created character completes missions for NPCs across the island by exploring the surrounding area and taking part in matches against AI-controlled opponents, while the option is also there to compete in online matches against human players. Each match and mission helps your character to level up, with the ultimate aim being to gain the approval of Roman Reigns and join him at the head of the table on his Island of Relevancy. The five unique districts – decorated to represent specific wrestlers – contain their own wacky arenas to fight in, and victory will often reward you with items, clothing and weapons that can be used both on the Island and in other game modes. For those with deep wallets, plenty of additional bits and pieces can be purchased using virtual currency, but earning enough to unlock something as simple as a face mask just by playing the game takes a long time so it might be worth hiding the credit card from any youngsters who might be tempted to pour a year’s worth of your hard-earned wages into the game’s vast catalogue of cosmetic trinkets…
2K25’s Showcase mode focuses on The Bloodline and their lengthy history in the wrestling business. Hosted by “The Wiseman” Paul Heyman, you’ll take control of most of the most well-known Anoa’i family members and play through many of their most memorable matches to unlock playable characters, arenas and alternate attires. Some matches will ask you to relive history by performing actions from the actual match that you’re taking part in, others will ask you to change history by achieving a different result to the match’s real-life counterpart, while a third category allows you to create history by taking part in matches between wrestlers from different eras. The inclusion of the Wrestlemania IX bout between the Headshrinkers and the Steiner Brothers is particularly pleasing, and there are plenty of surprises throughout the mode that wrestling fans should probably experience for themselves rather than having them spoiled by a review.
The standard “Play” mode of course returns, allowing you to take part in pretty much any match you’d care to imagine, using any of the gigantic roster’s 300-plus wrestlers, including – for the first time in many years – intergender matches in all match-types. The “Backstage Brawl” area has been expanded, and there are new additions in the form of “Underground” (no ropes, win by KO or submission) and “Bloodline Rules” matches. There maybe isn’t a colossal amount of new stuff here, but when you consider that there isn’t much missing from the insane amount of match types that already exist in the series, any extras are very welcome indeed. Punjabi Prison for 2K26 please!
Elsewhere, all of 2K24‘s other modes make an appearance, again with a handful of minor changes. Instead of splitting its campaign across two distinct stories, MyRise now asks you to create a male and female character that you control at different points through its NXT invasion storyline. Relatively short, it’s designed to be played multiple times to explore the different outcomes that can be achieved by making different decisions each time you play. There are a few laughs to be had, and a fair few characters and arenas to unlock within the mode, making it entertaining and rewarding to play through.
MyGM once again allows you to act as the General Manager for your chosen WWE show, creating your roster and booking the most exciting and appealing matches for weekly TV shows and big monthly events. Rivalries, finances, wrestler morale, injuries and interference from other GMs all come into play, and the whole thing can be played either against AI-controlled opponents or online against other human GMs. Those who want to create their own shows without the competition element are well-served by Universe mode, which allows you to either take a single wrestler through their own career where you call all of the shots, or manage an entire roster to shape the WWE landscape in whichever way you desire. MyFaction also returns with its card-based gameplay, asking you to take part in a never-ending list of matches to win cards that represent wrestlers who can be added to your team. Much like on The Island, you can choose to spend actual cash on purchasing packs of cards, but MyFaction gives you enough ways to earn the in-game currency needed to buy cards that you should be able to get something every couple of days without spending a single penny.
All in all, WWE 2K25 builds on 2K24‘s gameplay in some fairly minor but still welcome ways, updates the game’s roster, and includes players a couple of fun new modes to play through. Maybe not a huge leap forward, but it certainly doesn’t take any steps backwards either. If you’re a fan of the series, it’s absolutely worth picking this one up.
