WWE 2K22 is a mixed bag. The game lands on Series X|S, PS4, PC and PS5, and it wants to be everything at once: a competitive fighting game, a showcase for the current roster, and a way to relive classic moments from WWE history. It mostly succeeds, but the execution is uneven across platforms, and some modes feel unfinished. This is a game built around nostalgia and spectacle, not necessarily the kind of deep simulation fans of the series have asked for in recent years.
Trailer, via WWE 2K.
The Look of WWE 2K22
The presentation is where WWE 2K22 shines brightest. Character models are detailed, with expressive faces that capture the personalities of current performers. The arenas are bright and colorful, and the commentary team delivers lines with energy. On Series X|S and PS5, the game runs at a smooth frame rate during matches, though load times can drag when switching between menus. On PS4, the drop in visual fidelity is noticeable, and the game stutters during busy segments. PC performance depends heavily on hardware, but a strong machine produces sharp results.
The MyCareer mode is the centerpiece of WWE 2K22. Players build a wrestler from scratch, choosing attributes, moves and gimmicks. The mode follows a standard rise-to-the-top structure, with matches against rising stars, mid-card talent and eventually top names. Progression is tied to performance, and winning matches grants experience that unlocks new moves and abilities. The storytelling leans on familiar WWE tropes, with rivalries, feuds and pay-per-view main events driving the plot forward. It is a solid mode, but it does not offer much that was not present in previous entries in the series.
Storyline Missions and Match Variety
WWE 2K22 includes a set of storyline missions tied to current WWE storylines. These missions play out as scripted matches with fixed outcomes, and they are presented as vignettes that show off the current roster. They are fun to watch, but they lack the interactivity that wrestling fans expect from a game. The storylines are drawn from the latest WWE programming, so players who keep up with the shows will recognize the characters and situations.
The match variety is decent, though it does not break new ground. Standard singles matches, tag team matches and hardcore matches are available, along with a few specialty rulesets like Last Man Standing and Royal Rumble. The controls are easy to learn, and the game rewards players who master timing and positioning. There is a strong focus on finishing moves, with each wrestler having a signature move that can seal a victory. The game also includes a submission system that lets players chain holds together for extra damage.
Road to Glory and Online Play
Road to Glory is a mode designed for competitive play. Players build a custom roster and create a tournament bracket, then invite friends to join. The mode supports local and online play, and it allows for ranked matches and ladders. It is a good way to test skills against other players, though the matchmaking can be slow at times. The mode is best enjoyed with a group of friends who share a love for the genre.
Online play is where WWE 2K22 falls short. The online infrastructure is not robust, and players report frequent disconnections and server issues. Matches can freeze or crash, and there is little recourse when a game ends abruptly. The community has rallied around private servers and third-party tools, but those solutions are not official and they require additional setup. For players who want to compete online, the experience is frustrating.
Performance Across Platforms
The performance differences across platforms are significant. Series X|S and PS5 offer the best experience, with smooth frame rates and quick loading. PS4 struggles with visual fidelity and occasional slowdown, while PC performance varies depending on hardware. The game is playable on all four platforms, but the quality of the experience differs dramatically.
| Platform | Visual Quality | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Series X | S / PS5 | High |
| PS4 | Medium | Slow |
| PC | High | Varies |
The platform differences are not just cosmetic. The control scheme can change depending on the device, and some features are locked behind paid upgrades on PC. Players moving between devices will need to adjust their expectations.
Classic Mode and Its Flaws
Classic Mode is the mode that separates WWE 2K22 from its competitors. It lets players recreate matches from WWE history, using scans of past performers and arena designs. The mode includes a wide range of eras, from the Attitude Era to modern-day WWE. Players can choose which wrestlers appear, which arena hosts the match, and which commentators call the action.
The mode is impressive in scope, but it has some flaws. Some scans are less accurate than others, and the animation for older wrestlers can look dated. The commentary is drawn from actual broadcast audio, which means it is not always synchronized with the action on screen. The mode is best enjoyed as a curiosity, not as a serious competitive tool.
Sound Design and Presentation
The sound design is strong. Commentary is energetic and matches the tone of the broadcast. The crowd audio is loud and reactive, and the announcer calls out key moments. The music is licensed and fits the era of the match being played. The presentation is clean, with clear menus and easy navigation. The game does not overwhelm players with options, which makes it accessible to newcomers.
Where WWE 2K22 Lands
WWE 2K22 is a competent, if unremarkable, entry in the wrestling game genre. It offers a solid MyCareer mode, a decent Road to Glory, and a compelling Classic Mode. The presentation is strong, and the controls are easy to pick up. However, the online play is weak, and the performance differences across platforms are notable. The game does not innovate, but it does not need to. It delivers what wrestling fans expect from a game in this series.
The score for WWE 2K22 is 7.7 out of 10.
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