Game review: WWE 2K25 (Xbox Series X)
Sometimes it can be hard to review games that come out annually because little to no new features is usually added to make them stand out. For example, NBA 2K25 was slightly boring to me because it didn't add anything new from the previous games. Not to mention NBA 2K25 didn't have the Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant career showcase modes either.
Thankfully, WWE 2K25 has made an effort to make sure that it features several new modes that make it stand out over last year's WWE 2K24. WWE 2K25 adds some new modes and even some new match types to make this year's offering more interesting than ever before.
In terms of in-ring gameplay, there are some new features that have been added such as chain-wrestling, barricade interactions, and even improvements to how you grab items in ladder matches. NXT/Raw Underground matches are included for the first time and these matches have no ropes, and winners must win via KO or submission only.
Another new match type is the famous 'Bloodline Rules' match, which is ultimately a no disqualification contest, but many allies can come and interfere on your behalf. Developer Visual Concepts has also added different backstage environments to fight in such as the WWE Archives room. This room features many of the company's old props like the Smackdown stage fist, WrestleMania logos and other interesting items.
One of the biggest changes to WWE 2K25 is that you can now play intergender matches for the first time in many years. There's no gender segregation in this game because women can fight men in the same matches. I can finally play as Rhea Ripley and beat the crap out of the annoying Dominik Mysterio.
Much like every year, WWE 2K25 has its own Showcase mode where you can relive some of the more memorable matches in WWE history. This year is called the 'Bloodline Dynasty' showcase featuring matches from the famous Anoaʻi family. Essentially, you can play as matches including the likes of Roman Reigns, The Rock, The Usos, and more!
To put an extra spin on Showcase mode, you can even alter history by changing the results of some of the matches giving you alternate outcomes and endings. Altering match outcomes adds to the mode's replayability and it's fun to play through as well.
The only thing I did not like about Showcase mode is the new timed quests where you have to complete a mission in a specific time. This can be annoying because the AI can reverse your moves and waste your opportunity to complete the quest!
2K25's MyRise mode is very entertaining this year mainly because it has an exciting storyline for your created wrestler(s). In this game, several current and past NXT wrestlers have created a faction, and they want to invade and destroy the WWE main roster. It's kind of like the WCW/ECW invasion storyline from the year 2001 but set in modern times.
Both your male and female-created wrestlers are involved in this war, and you have to defend the WWE and its wrestlers. One of my favourite parts of MyRise is that CM Punk plays a huge part in the storyline. It's great to see him back in WWE after he left the company back in 2014.
One other major mode that is exclusive to the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of the game is 'The Island'. This is a new free-roaming environment where you can create another new wrestler, and your goal is to win matches to impress Roman Reigns.
Similar to NBA 2K's city, you can play against other online players, or just stick to single-player quests to earn virtual currency (VC). The Island itself is cool because there are tons of WWE-themed shops to look at, and you get to wrestle in lots of custom-created arenas.
One thing I didn't like about 'The Island' mode is that everything is so expensive if you want to customise the look of your character. Things like clothes and even hairstyles cost a lot of VC, so you will have to grind or pay real money to afford all of the things you want.
Another flaw about 'The Island' is that you need to be connected online at all times to access this mode. If the servers are down for some reason, you are locked out completely. Not to mention PC, PS4, and Xbox One owners don't have this mode either.
Speaking of mandatory online connections, MyFaction is another mode where the internet is needed. This is the mode where you collect random cards, and you can attain better wrestlers/cards by playing through the game or spending currency. There's a lot of incentive to play this mode because you can unlock exclusive content.
However, MyFaction can be boring because you may be forced to play as useless wrestlers. My first card pack was horrible because the main wrestlers I had were Dominik Mysterio and Grayson Waller of all people! It will probably take me a long time to earn wrestlers like CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Cora Jade.
Other returning modes in WWE 2K25 are 'Universe' and 'MyGM'. Both of these modes essentially allow players to book their own shows and matches. The only difference is that in MyGM, you have a budget, and you have to make sure matches are exciting or else the ratings will drop.
'MyGM' also has an online mode this year, so you can test your booking skills with other players online. Personally, I was never good at MyGM because I would always overspend money on hiring legends, and my main-event wrestlers would always get injured all the time!
Speaking of wrestlers, WWE 2K25 arguably has one of the best rosters in WWE video game history. CM Punk is in the launch roster, and new stars like Jacob Fatu and Sol Ruca are added too. Not to mention future DLC also includes NXT favourites such as Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer as well!
The only major wrestlers that are missing in WWE 2K25 are Goldberg and Brock Lesnar. Older stars such as Edge and Christian aren't in the game either because they're in the other wrestling company now called AEW. Fans can still create the aforementioned legends, and share them with other players though.
In terms of graphics, WWE 2K25 looks identical to WWE 2K24, but Visual Concepts has added more camera angles for players to look at during entrances. These new camera options look cool because you get to see more of the arenas that the wrestlers get to visit when they perform around the world.
The only thing I miss about this year's presentation is that there aren't that many WrestleMania arenas in WWE 2K25. This is because WWE 2K24 included the WrestleMania Showcase so lots of WrestleMania arenas were in last year's game instead.
All in all, WWE 2K25 features a ton of content and has one of the best rosters in years. There aren't too many game-breaking flaws like in WWE 2K20, so wrestling fans should be more than happy with this year's iteration.
Verdict: 8.5/10
