WWE 2K24 Review – GREATEST WRESTLING SIM YET?
The WWE 2K series has been well established as the gaming industry’s leading wrestling sim. WWE 2K24 continues this trend, but not perfectly. There are many new features to enjoy here, but some areas are still underserved. But the question is, which ones are they?
WWE 2K24 MyRise Mode
MyRise has returned once again with its dual storyline format. Unleashed puts you in the boots of a Superstar who goes from headlining in their own promotion to joining the WWE. Rivalries quickly become apparent because some wrestlers don’t see your promotion as legitimate. Through hard hitting matches and title races, you get the opportunity to prove that you belong in the WWE as much as anyone else on the roster.
On the other hand, Undisputed casts a shadow over your new wrestler in the form of Roman Reigns’ long title reign. After winning it in a surprising fashion, you make enemies everywhere and have to fight for your own survival.
Both of these storylines are done really well, with some references being made to last year’s MyRise stories as well. They keep up the intrigue and choices made feel more meaningful and impactful than before. 2K24’s MyRise mode does look very similar in presentation to the previous entries. This isn’t a big problem, but it could have used a slight improvement as occasionally it can make the experience feel a little stagnant.
Choices made feel more meaningful and impactful than before.
WWE 2K24 Showcase
Showcase mode returns once again to take you on a journey through some of the most memorable Wrestlemania moments over its 40 year history. There are so many great moments to enjoy, but there are also some… less than exciting moments as well. But showcase mode as a whole is a great experience. From reliving Hulk Hogan’s iconic body slam on Andre the Giant to Razor Ramon pulling down the Intercontinental Championship from atop the ladder, the blend between gameplay and actual match footage makes you feel like you’re playing through these moments. I know that not everyone is a fan of this gamemode, however I urge you to give it a go! I mean, you will even get rewarded with more Superstars and arenas to use in other game modes for doing so!
MyGM & Universe modes
MyGM mode is back once again, this time with a slight facelift from 2K23. There have been improvements made to how you can book matches and other logistics, and now you can trade Superstars between brands. You now also have a talent scout feature which makes it easier to find the ideal Superstar for your brand. The biggest new feature here is the extra stat known as ring level. Each Superstar now has a specific ring level which determines how well they can draw crowds and fans. Admittedly this does make it a bit easier to keep your fans when you book a bad match, but that is mostly the extent of it. It is clear that there has been an effort to bring in new depth to MyGM, however this mode still doesn’t quite hit the heights that it did in its early days.
[MyGM] still doesn’t quite hit the heights that it did in its early days.
Universe mode seems to also be missing out on the love from 2K once again! There are some new additions this time round, but it seems largely unchanged from last year’s iteration. There are some new rivalry actions available, as well as new cutscenes and double title matches! But the rest of the mode still feels a little disjointed at times. It feels as though we are still missing out on getting a true feeling of being in our own created WWE Universe. Don’t get me wrong, it is still a decent enough gamemode to enjoy. But it’s not quite where it could be.
MyFaction is still getting pushed…
MyFaction mode also seems to be sticking around for the long haul. Especially given that it is the 2K Series’ prime Microtransaction mode, and to be honest, that is all that it is! Yes, there are challenges and weekly towers to play, but it all just feels a little tedious. It seems that this year, 2K is trying extremely hard to push players to play MyFaction. This time round you won’t have a completely unlocked roster without venturing into it. Yes, you read that correctly, some Superstars are locked for all modes until you earn their card in MyFaction mode! This will frustrate all the non-MyFaction players, myself included, as the choice will be to either have an incomplete roster or trudge through this game mode.
Some Superstars are locked for all modes until you earn their card in MyFaction mode!
New Additions in WWE 2K24
WWE 2K24’s best new additions come through its inclusion of fan favourite match types! The Special Guest Referee mode in particular has seen a new interpretation to help keep things fresh. Introducing the Referee Meter, the “WWE Officials” will now be actively judging your performance to ensure that you are being fair and impartial. Attacking Superstars, slow counts and ignoring rope breaks could lead to you being ejected from the match and a replacement referee being brought in.
Now I know what you’re thinking so don’t worry! You can turn off the Referee Meter if you want to be a completely biased referee! This way you can enjoy beating the daylights out of one Superstar as long as you like. You can call rope breaks when they aren’t even near the ropes and can even perform your own version of the Montreal Screwjob. 2K have done really well with integrating this mode into the 2K formula. It is honestly the game’s best match type!
The Casket Match has also returned, along with the Ambulance Match. These “new” match types are a great way to vary up your 2K play session! But, to be honest, they are in a sense just reskins of each other. Whilst I am not complaining about having both match types, there is no denying that these two matches feel way too similar. In both instances you have to open the object in which you will be throwing your opponent, then throw them in, and then attempt to close it with the exact same minigame. Maybe I am just getting too critical, because they are still both really fun match types!
So what is WWE 2K24 missing?
This biggest feature I believe WWE 2K24 is missing is the Create-A-Finisher. I know this might not seem like the most necessary inclusion, however, when this was around in the Smackdown vs. Raw days, it definitely helped to make each Created Superstar feel more unique. There is something to be said about coming up with and naming your own finisher and then using it to knock the likes of John Cena and Roman Reigns down a peg. I feel like 2K have just begun to scratch the surface of all the features that have made past wrestling games such a success. So hopefully, in games to come, we will see more inclusions from older titles as well as brand new ideas.
Decision
Overall, WWE 2K24 is a fantastic wrestling sim. It ticks all the boxes for a typical 2K experience, and has added some really great features to make this game feel more similar to wrestling titles of old. Many of the game modes have expanded upon their formulas and have gone deeper for a more enriching experience. 2K24 is not perfect, but it is pretty damn great!
By Samuel Incze – Reviewed on PlayStation 5
Great
WWE 2K24 continues to improve on the 2K series wrestling formula whilst offering a host of new features for players to enjoy. This year’s MyRise storylines are the best ones yet, and the showcase mode is great fun! Unfortunately, Universe mode and GM Mode still seem to be underserved with 2K focusing on MyFaction instead.
This game was reviewed using a download code provided by 2K Games. The Beta Network uses affiliate partnerships, however, this does not influence reviews or any other content published. The Beta Network may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links that are on the website.
