WWE 2K25 Review (domjoe33)
Fingers crossed that 2k follows the current financial trajectory of Ubisoft and WB games. Here's the pitch: If you like previous WWE games and are looking to buy one with the worst feature metastasized from the NBA 2k series then this is the game for you. This review is referring to the franchise as a whole not just specific to the PC port.
I have not experienced any of the bugs some people are reporting (yet, which is why I did not refund it). I enjoy the gameplay which hasn't changed a ton from previous iterations. The new backstage altercations and re-introduction of intergender matches were enough to make me interested in this year's game.
Why am I not recommending it? Because of where 2k clearly wants to take this franchise (like so many other AAA developers). Carrot and stick approach. Re-introduce something people have asked for AND then add something nobody asked for. Most of the development went towards "The Island" as the overall game hasn't changed much since last year.
I don't understand the people that are upset that "The Island" is not available on PC. That's specifically why I went with the PC edition. 2k lumping PC in with previous gen and citing the wide variety of people's PC's possibly not being able to run "The Island," is a good PR reason to say you aren't bringing it to PC. Makes 2k sound like they care about the user experience. In reality, 2k has not figured out a way to stop some PC players from bypassing their monetization and getting cosmetics for free that console players will have to pay for (or play countless hours to earn). I'm sure once they figure it out it'll make it's way to PC.
By a lot of console player accounts "The Island" seems to be a laggy/buggy mess riddled with microtransactions. No body asked for 2k to create it. It does not make the game more fun. It is designed to either drain your patience or your wallet. Want an officially licensed pair of Nike sneakers for your superstar? Just complete some challenges like: win a match-which according to a screenshot of a youtuber that covers WWE games netted them only 150 VC. Or how about landing 1000/5000/10000/15000 light attacks? each of those milestones will net you some XP which will give you a little more VC to put toward the Nike shoes that cost 18,000 VC. Are you having fun yet????
Another reviewer mentioned how the creation suite is not as robust as in previous versions. Makes me wonder if down the road they will take away image uploading altogether or severely limit its abilities. Why would someone pay for licensed Nike shoes for their character when the creation suite allows people to upload the Nike symbol and put it on any clothing they want? In a couple year's they'll probably prevent uploading copyrighted logos saying it's a legal issue when really it is just them wanting more of your $$$. That was the rationale for removing the ability to add custom entrance music. Licensing issues supposedly has prevented them from reintroducing that feature.
Preventing cross platform sharing of creations is another drawback. Less creations for everyone since now it isn't all one big pool to pick from.
I'm sure 2k will tweak the payouts on "The Island," to find that corporate "sweet spot" between an acceptable amount of people complaining about it VS even the most die-hard fans can't defend 2k's greed.
Thanks 2k for reintroducing intergender matches, a feature that was in wrestling games a decade ago. Thank you for splitting the community. I pray that you will some day bestow "The Island" to the PC player base so that we too may be afforded the opportunity to buy virtual Jordans.