WWE 2K25 Hands-On Preview

WWE 2K25: A Refined Wrestling Experience

2K's WWE series, revitalized in 2022, continues its iterative improvements with WWE 2K25. Promising additions like "The Island," a revamped story mode, and a new "Bloodline Rules" match type were unfortunately unavailable for preview. However, my hands-on time focused on core gameplay and the updated Showcase Mode revealed some significant, albeit incremental, advancements.

The Showcase Mode, centered around The Bloodline, offers three match types: recreating history, creating history, and altering history. Experiencing these variations—from Nia Jax's 2024 Queen of the Ring victory to a hypothetical Wild Samoans vs. Dudley Boyz match—provided unique and engaging scenarios for WWE enthusiasts. A key improvement over previous iterations is the reduced reliance on lengthy real-life footage. While not entirely eliminated, the "Slingshot" system (cutting to real-life footage) is significantly less intrusive, with key moments recreated in-engine, resulting in a smoother, more immersive experience. However, the complete removal of player control during the final pin of the Nia Jax match remains a minor concern.

Another area of improvement is the refined checklist system. While still present, optional timed objectives now reward players with cosmetics without penalizing failure, making the gameplay less restrictive. The most exciting addition is the ability to alter historical match outcomes, offering a fresh perspective on iconic moments.

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Core gameplay largely retains the successful formula of WWE 2K24, with minor but welcome additions. The return of chain wrestling adds strategic depth to the beginning of matches, while the submission mini-game, though initially overwhelming, becomes intuitive and remains optional. Weapon throwing returns with expanded environments and an impressive roster of weapons, including, hilariously, Logan Paul's Prime Hydration bottle. The inclusion of intergender matches, along with a roster exceeding 300 wrestlers, significantly expands gameplay possibilities.

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A brief look at the new "Underground" match type, a rope-less exhibition match in a Fight Club-esque setting, hints at further exciting innovations. While the core gameplay remains largely unchanged, the smart refinements and additions in WWE 2K25 suggest another solid entry in the series, though whether the unpreviewed features will truly elevate it remains to be seen.