WWE 2K22 review: King of the ring once more

After the shocking 2K20, you could be forgiven for dismissing the follow-up WWE title. However, you will be really missing out, as developer Visual Concepts has learned from just about every mistake. A new combat engine makes in-ring action smooth, fluid and fun, while the improved graphics (on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S especially) do the superstars justice. There are a few minor foibles here and there, but WWE 2K22 is easily the best in the series for many a year.

Great new gameplay engine; Excellent superstar models (on the whole); Plenty of modes to get your teeth into; Branching storyline in MyRise offers replayability;

Some graphical glitches remain; MyGM isn't as fleshed out as we'd hoped; A load of ex-employees on the roster still;

WWE 2K22 review: Don’t like the show? Book it yourself

For frustrated wrestling fans, WWE 2K22 provides the ultimate power fantasy — and no, it doesn’t really have anything to do with the fighting itself. For anyone who’s found themselves annoyed watching WWE over the past few years by such things as controversial creative decisions and a revolving door of promising talent, it gives players a chance to prove that they actually could book the show better than Vince McMahon. To make that possible, publisher 2K Sports did something that WWE itself would never dare to do: Take a break to try and fix the product. After the much-maligned WWE 2K20, the studio canceled the game’s 2021 entry and resolved to come back stronger with a cleaner 2022 edition. It wasn’t enough time to pull off a total reversal, but there’s a renewed sense of momentum this time around that could set the studio up for a big spot down the line. Think of it as a table carefully set up at ringside, ready for someone to crash through it eventually. For wrestling fans, WWE 2K22...

One-on-one combat is strong; Tons of modes; MyGM is a hit; Excellent customization;

Chaotic multi-man matches; Still janky; Lacking roster;

WWE 2K22 review