WWE 2K22 is on the horizon! And it’s gotten me thinking about the wrestling games of old. If, like me, you grew up playing the WWE video games, you’ll have some incredibly fond memories.
From Create-A-Superstar to GM Mode, WWE games have delivered unforgettable and genre defining content many times over. Past games have gone above and beyond in terms of re-playability and downright fun. Who will ever forget plugging in that multitap and battling their friends in a Royal Rumble again and again?
So, why did 2K and WWE choose not to release last year’s previously scheduled instalment? To put it simply – WWE 2K20 was awful.
Bug ridden and glitchy, the game had been severely stripped of features and content. Things that had been fine in the past were now inexplicably broken. Popular modes and options were either gone or changed for the worse. The graphics were like playing on a PS2. The beloved creation suite was a shell of its former self – when it even worked. The list goes on and on.
It was inevitable. While the series has certainly flown high in the past, it has arguably been on a downward trend since Smackdown vs Raw 2011. Initially, it was simply a case of a lack of innovation – like with many annual sports games. Before long, though, it was clear things were barely progressing at all and were beginning to go backwards. And then things came to a head with WWE 2K20.
With developers 2K now openly reaching out to the community for feedback, let’s look at the top 3 things we think need to return in WWE2K22:
WWE 2K22 GM Mode
Will GM Mode be in WWE 2K22? If fans get their way – it definitely should be. And being as 2K were openly polling fans on the features they’d like to see the most, there’s a great chance it will.
Why GM Mode was removed in the first place we’ll never know or understand. But, out of everything, we want to see GM Mode in WWE2K22 more than anything else.
Introduced in Smackdown vs Raw 2006 before making its final appearance in 2008, GM Mode remains a firm fan favorite, even 12 years after its removal. While Universe mode came along in 2011 and helped to fill some of the hole, the ask for GM Mode to return has never gone away.
Putting you in control of your own WWE show, allowing you to make matches, draft superstars, balance a budget, battle for ratings, and more – GM Mode was every fantasy booker’s dream. Being able to step into Mr. McMahon’s shoes and control each brand, as well as play the matches and feuds you made, was a true innovation. For the first time, the stories you made up had purpose, you no longer had to pretend in Exhibition mode.
Let’s hope that 2K finally listen to the community and bring back this beloved feature. The first ever public acknowledgement of the community’s longstanding ask gives us hope.
WWE 2K22 Weapon Physics
Yet another feature that was removed without explanation. We’d love to see real, advanced weapon physics return in WWE 2K22.
Introduced in SvR 2011, improved weapon physics helped to create that feeling that anything can happen – just as WWE like to claim in real life. Before, weapons in WWE games were a frustrating affair. They required specific situations to use and were dominated by pre-selected animations. Nothing about their use was dynamic and, when you tried, they were incredibly easy to counter.
After, though, almost any move could be used in tandem with an object. Want to piledrive your opponent onto a chair? You can. Want to stack two tables on the outside of the ring and push your opponent off a ladder through them? It can be done. Want to prop a ladder up against the ropes and slam your opponent onto it causing it to buckle in half? Go right ahead. The possibilities were endless, especially when coupled with the newly introduced “d-throws” which enabled you to fully control and aim many moves for the first time.
Unfortunately, what felt like a natural evolution in the technical capability of the game was soon phased out instead of built upon. Every year, it felt like the physics were less and less flexible before they were practically none-existent. When I picked up WWE 2K18 after mostly skipping 2K16 and 17, I was astounded that this feature was gone. How could the tech go backwards?
It sounds odd – but I hope by bringing back this feature from 2011 and perfecting it for the 2020’s, the series can finally move into the future. Lets hope it makes a return in WWE2K22.
WWE 2K22 Real-time Updates
It might sound daft – but a much needed WWE 2K22 update is, well, updates!
Ever since I was a kid, it stuck out to me that WWE games were constantly out of date. Due to the nature of the pro-wrestling business, things are always changing. Wrestlers come and go, gimmicks and characters change, new events and matches are invented.
Back in the PS2 days, most people weren’t playing online, DLC came on a disc, and updates were non-existent. However, with rumors of the online capabilities of the seventh console generation, it was always a hot topic amongst the community that this would provide a way to keep the annual WWE games up to date. And to an extent, it did. Semi-regular paid DLC provided new wrestlers. Some existing wrestlers even got new gear. But it wasn’t enough.
WWE games need to be supported throughout their life cycle with continuous free updates for all aspects of the product. If Raw and Smackdown have a new arena, it should be put in the game. When a new superstar debuts, get them in there. If a superstar has new music and a new look, get it updated. I understand there will always be slight delays with these things, but in doing so interest in the game will only be extended. It’ll keep the game exciting and fresh throughout the year.
Honorary Mentions
Improved Universe Mode
A vastly improved Universe Mode in WWE 2K22 – perhaps even merged with GM Mode – could be something really special. It’s time 2K committed to this hugely popular mode and gave fans the update they deserve.
Upgraded AI
Let’s face it – the AI has never been great in WWE games. WWE2K22 has a real opportunity to present a hugely upgraded system compared to 2K20.
Revised Gameplay
It’s been done a few times, but never perfected. There’s a reason fans clamour for WWF No Mercy and Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain. And its because they were truly fun to play. WWE 2K22 needs to put the fun factor at the forefront.
Custom Music
Please 2K, let us have custom music again in WWE 2K22. There’s nothing more disappointing than making an awesome CAW and having to give them generic default theme music. It’s time this one made a return.
What features to you want to see make a return in WWE2K22? Have we missed any of your favourites? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…
