WWE fans know that the company has been in turmoil since the end of the year. Dozens of roster cuts this year have not only left fans frustrated about the long-term fate of their favorite Superstars, but also raised questions about the state of WWE 2K22. This is the first wrestling simulation since 2K20 not to be received in 2019, and the game is skipping the series’ usual fall release window for a March 2022 launch. That extra time seems to be gives Visual Con Concept time to perfect some elements, so what can fans expect? While Visual Con Concept is still withholding most of the information until its previously announced January launch, it does provide a glimpse of the features and enhancements made so far. now on.
Unsuccessful fans can be glad to know that Visual Con Concept has rebuilt WWE 2K’s engine from the ground up. This means brand new animations and a redesigned move list that includes 30,000 return attacks and 5,000 new additions. The control scheme has also been overhauled with the aim of being easy enough for anyone to pick up on while packing depth for experienced operators. Furthermore, the Visual Con Concept promises improved control over actions while feeling smoother overall.
The graphics received a hit in the arm thanks to Visual Con Concepts applying the same scanning and character rendering technology used for the NBA 2K series. As a result, the Superstars come out better than ever. Visual Con Concept also consulted with WWE show organizers to make the presentation feel as immersive and authentic as possible with the TV, such as adding new camera angles. Hours worth of new comment lines have been logged, hopefully reducing the frequency with which lines repeat.
WWE games are also diverse in terms of modes as well as matches. Visual Concepts doesn’t discuss match types in 2K22 but has explored some other destinations players can explore:
MyGM: Popular mode returns and, like previous iterations, allows players to book shows, draft superstars, manage contracts, etc.
Space mode: A staple of the series, 2K22’s Universe Mode promises more control than ever before how players manage branding, PPV, competition, and more.
2K display mode: The WWE 2K playable documentary has been a highlight of the series. It allows players to follow the career of a legendary wrestler or a historical period, such as Stone Cold and Women’s Revolution, by playing important matches and watching video packages carefully crafted with Supported by WWE’s production team. 2K22’s rollout seemed to focus on Rey Mysterio’s career.
MyFaction: A new addition to the series that allows players to create and manage their own stables. Gather a team of opponents with the Four Horsemen, nWo, or Bullet Club by recruiting superstars of your choice, then increase their numbers by completing regular challenges and special events.
MyRise: This The new spin on MyCareer introduces a choice-driven adventure of guiding a WWE prospect from rookie to main event organizer to the Hall of Famer. Superstars can be male or female and the plot branches are based on your decisions.
Creative Department: While the 2K20’s creation options are lacking, the 2K22 promises to be bigger than ever. While Visual Concepts didn’t reveal many specifics, it did indicate that the game included more body types to be as representative as possible. Those who don’t have time to spend hours creating the perfect superstar can use the new personality builder, which essentially provides a pre-made template to speed up the creation process. There’s no word yet on whether popular features, such as the ability to create arenas, entrances, or championships, will return.
Finally, let’s discuss the lineup. The ongoing joke regarding WWE’s monthlong surprise release is that there will be no one left to play in 2K22. While we don’t have a complete list of wrestlers, we can confirm the following superstars based on today’s footage and previous videos:
- AJ style
- Apollo crew
- Austin’s Theory
- Bayley
- Bianca Belair
- Big E
- Bobby Lashley
- Cesaro
- Chad Gable
- Dolph Ziggler
- Dominik Mysterio
- Drew McIntyre
- Sharp blade
- Finn Bálor
- Goldberg (WCW)
- Jeff Hardy
- Joaquin Wilde
- Kane
- Kevin Owens
- Kofi Kingston
- The Miz
- Montez Ford
- Mustafa Ali
- MVP
- Raquel Gonzalez
- Rhea Ripley
- Ricochet
- Rey Mysterio
- Roman Dynasties
- Samoa Joe
- Seth Rollins
- Shayna Baszler
- Sheamus
- Shelton Benjamin
- Shinsuke Nakamura
- Tamina
- Tyler Bate
While it’s good to finally have some idea of what’s to come from WWE 2K22, we’ll have to wait until January for its exact release date and expected platforms.
What do you think of this latest look at WWE 2K22? Let us know in the comments section!
