What to expect from the wrestling game “WWE 2K24”.

«Wrestling…does it still exist? I saw that once in the 1990s.” This or something similar is often the reaction when wrestling fans reveal their hobby to others. The boom and glamor of the 1990s are undoubtedly gone, but interest in show fighting is growing nonetheless. Just a few weeks ago, industry leader World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE for short) announced a multi-billion dollar media rights deal with streaming giant Netflix.

Wrestling is increasingly finding its way into the mainstream. The Wrestlemania mega show will take place at World Wrestling Entertainment in early April. The marquee event is celebrating its 40th anniversary and is expected to headline the match between Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and champion Roman Reigns. In the wake of these big headlines, with “WWE 2K24” on March 8, 2024 (on March 5, 2024 for those who pre-order the deluxe edition), there is also the new wrestling game in collaboration between 2K Games and developer Visual Concepts.

A tribute to Wrestlemania

For the big anniversary, “WWE 2K24” will of course also celebrate 40 years of Wrestlemania. Fans can recreate legendary moments and fights such as the “Body Slam Heard Around the World” between Hulk Hogan and André the Giant or more recent showdowns between Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair.

As in previous years, fans control the tasks in these types of games and thus drive the matches forward. At key points, the game graphics merge into real movie sequences. New: The appearance of the video game models increasingly resembles that of the real stars. For example, if the Ultimate Warrior or Rhea Ripley’s makeup appears in a cutscene, it will also be visible in the game graphics later.

Wrestling Showcase

In any case, ‘WWE 2K24’ relies on maximum authenticity and features more than 200 superstars from the past and present. This includes prominent names such as The Undertaker, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. If a name is missing, wrestling fans can create it directly using the editor functions. This time you can even recreate signs for the spectators and your own referees.

In addition to the showcase mode, there are two story campaigns in MyRise mode – each with a female and a male protagonist. There are also the Universe and MyGM management features, which allow you to finally take control of the fate of your own wrestling show. And of course the MyFaction playing card mode should not be missed, which also caused criticism last year due to its integrated microtransactions.

Detail work in the ring

The matches themselves are similar to their predecessors, but have been expanded: the punch duels that are popular in real practice fights also find their way into the game. In a mini-game, WWE supporters must press and hold the correct button to hit their counterpart.

In addition, the game is supplemented with new special payback actions – for example, it is possible to throw a fireball in the other person’s face. You can now also jump from the top ring rope onto entire groups of opponents and knock them all down. That guarantees a lot of chaos.

The so-called super finishers provide a special finish. These specially staged special actions allow you to skillfully eliminate opponents: Cody Rhodes then shows about three “Crossroads” actions in a row.

Curious capture chaos

2K Games and Visual Concepts are also expanding the range of game modes. This time, wrestling purists can stuff their opponents into a coffin in the Coffin Match or throw them into an ambulance in the Ambulance Match. In the so-called backstage brawl – a brawl behind the scenes – there are now new rooms, a functioning elevator and new objects with which you can interact.

Objects such as chairs or tables can also be thrown and the commentary desk outside the ring serves as a platform for further actions on which fights can also take place. The optionally adjustable blood after particularly violent blows now leaves permanent stains on the floor. Ultimately, it’s these little details that set the game apart and will provide aha moments for die-hard fans.

Confident follow-up

One thing must be said at this point: despite all the small and big innovations, “WWE 2K24” does not turn the series upside down. Anyone who knows the pastor will immediately feel at home. However, you will not experience a completely different gameplay. The mechanics and pace of the game are very similar.

Technically speaking, the quantum leap is missing here. This is also because the game will be released simultaneously for the current consoles – PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X – and PC, but also for the older PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Of course, ‘WWE 2K24’ looks better on the more powerful hardware and runs smoother, but unlike ‘NBA 2K24’ or ‘EA Sports FC 24’, these platforms do not enjoy exclusive technical features.

“WWE 2K24” probably won’t be a huge leap, but it’s still packed with so much recognition value and content that wrestling fans can easily kill hours, days and weeks with it, but most importantly replay Wrestlemania.