REVIEW: ‘WWE 2k24’ Gets Lost Trying To Please Everyone (XSX)

Before WWE 2k24, it had been many years since I last touched a WWE game. I was a huge fan as a kid, starting with the likes of WWF Super WrestleMania for the SNES before becoming obsessed with each yearly iteration of the Smackdown vs. Raw series. My cousin and I spent countless nights making ridiculous custom characters and fighting our way through Elimination Chamber, Hell in a Cell, and Falls Count Anywhere matches. The memories hold a special place in my heart. I was quite interested to see where the world of professional wrestling games has gone in my absence.

I stopped picking up WWE games with the release of WWE ’12. To me it seemed like a signifier of the series’ shift toward a more realistic approach to its gameplay to be more similar to a UFC game. WWE 2k24  is developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Games. This year’s title continues to expand on the series as a serious fighting game while also trying to appeal to players like myself who prefer the ridiculous side of professional wrestling. The game’s duality does allow it to appeal to both sides of the aisle. However, it also comes off as a title that is unsure of what it wants to be.

2k24‘s troubles with a lack of focus are exemplified in its custom superstars. The system puts the power to fine-tune the minutiae of characters in the hands of players. You can grow and shrink various sections of characters’ faces and bodies, paint custom hair dyes, and even make your own signs to see in the crowd. 2k24 also expedites some of the more time-consuming parts of making a custom superstar by allowing players to import parts of move lists or entrances from templates and existing superstars.

However, making less serious characters is much more restricted here than it once was. The number of costume items is diminished. There are hardly, if any, comical moves. And entrance options are more grounded. I was still able to make a seven-foot-tall green-skinned monster named Broccoli, but there were multiple points in the process where I found the limited options disappointing or frustrating compared to the past.

Even more realistic options like tattoos, shoes, and everyday wear are severely limited. The customization options seem focused on matching the general aesthetic of current superstars. Player customization matching the modern roster makes complete sense, but it does limit players enough that I can see many realism-minded players being disappointed as well.

There are numerous game modes on offer in 2k24, but the lack of a primary focus on any one of them leaves them all feeling equally like a side attraction and not the main event. Recent WWE titles have included a Showcase mode that explores a real-world story of some kind. 2k23 explored the legendary career of John Cena. 2k24 celebrates the 40-year anniversary of WrestleMania.

Throughout it, players recreate some of the most legendary matches in the event’s storied history. Replaying the matches will undoubtedly be an attractive option for dedicated long-time fans. Players who don’t have the context of each match going in, or who don’t care about seeing fully realized recreations of the exact stadiums and venues for each match, however, likely won’t get as much out of it.

Players can also play through the MyRise stories called Undisputed and Unleashed. Each allows the player to explore a story with a custom character with each accommodating male and female superstars respectively. The MyRise stories have some fun elements, such as new voice acting from real wrestlers themselves. However, the stories they tell lack creativity or excitement.

The mode also doesn’t have some of the more detailed flair that previous iterations boasted. You only get to see one backstage location, have no customization options, and aren’t allowed to take an active role in the drama by selecting promos or meaningful dialogue options.

While those modes were focused primarily on the action in the ring, WWE 2k24 also sees the return of more top-level modes like MyGM and Universe. Both modes focus on players organizing matches, managing storylines, and building the best tickets possible to attract fans. MyGM puts players in control of a single brand, while Universe includes the entirety of the WWE.

Both modes have some charm for simulation fans, but they are too simple to hold one’s attention for long. When considering the modes compared to the lackluster MyRise, it continues the trend of WWE 2k24 feeling as though it would have benefited from focusing on just one mode. Then it could have offered a more polished and deep experience rather than multiple short-lived ones.

The return of the MyFaction mode seemingly tries to act as a bridge between the strategic and action-focused modes. It also tries to increase the longevity of 2k24 with the inclusion of purchasable card packs, seasonal content, and leveling up faction members.

In the mode, you collect superstars used to build a faction comprised of male and female teams of four. You can also customize and improve your teams by assigning them managers, contracts, and other modifiers. Then, you use them to play against other players. Or, compete against AI opponents to complete challenges to earn currency and purchase more card packs.

Modes like MyFaction have become prevalent as a method of increasing replayability and monetization in sports games. However, it feels like its own entire ecosystem, quarantined off from the rest of 2k24. It is a convoluted jumble of numerous currencies, lootboxes, metrics, and sub-modes. It feels like an entirely different experience. The edition of the game I reviewed came with a booster to alleviate the inherent grind of the mode. You’ll have a hefty investment of time or money ahead of you to start the mode if you don’t get the booster right away.

WWE 2k24‘s identity issues are also present during in-ring gameplay. Every character has a wide array of standard moves players can use depending on their inputs and opponent positioning. There are also new additions like super finishers that reward players who save up their momentum for one big move. New match types like Special Referee and Ambulance Match also help to mix things up a bit. Anyone who has played a WWE game before will find themselves right at home in 2k24’s gameplay. However, they may find themselves wishing that it had done more to mix things up.

However, there are some strange new additions to the paybacks system. In particular are abilities that allow players to shoot fireballs or freeze opponents. Players use payback abilities to turn the tides of matches and increase the drama. Most are more grounded, like getting out of a pin instantly or striking your opponent in the groin.

I could hardly contain my laughter at seeing John Cena teleport like an anime character. They are a lot of fun in a ridiculous way, but I can’t see more serious WWE fans being happy to see my gorilla wizard superstar throwing a fireball at Roman Reigns.

Overall, WWE 2k24‘s attempt to appeal to all of its possible audiences is an admirable goal. It is disappointing though how that effort leaves its various elements feeling either disconnected from one another or generally under-baked. It still has plenty of fun to offer dedicated fans, but most fans will only want to interact with a portion of its content.

WWE 2k24 releases on March 8 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.