WWE 2K24 Review: Grabbing the Championship in Style

WWE 2K24 brings the atmosphere, excitement, and showmanship of real WWE matches as the franchise continues to improve.

WWE 2K24 entices both older and newer fans of the WWE with a roster of current superstars and past legends, Showcase Mode (which features a rich history of Wrestlemania matches), and the ability to create the most exciting matches.

Not only does WWE 2K24 impress me, but it also challenges the stagnant annual sports title experience. WWE 2K24 introduces new features, improvements to existing game modes, and truly impressive graphics this year.

Gameplay

While gameplay may feel pretty familiar to the past WWE 2K titles, there are a few improvements and additions that make it feel fresh. One thing I immediately noticed upon entering a match is how fluid the strikes, grappling, and movement are. Gameplay features including the Trading Blows mini-game, the new Casket and Ambulance match interactions, and new moves make gameplay unique. The introduction of new Payback moves and Super Finishers heighten the explosive gameplay throughout matches.

The gameplay feels very smooth for the most part; there are a few minor bugs that hurt it, but none that are game-breaking. Some of the object interactions can get a little wonky, and there were a few moments when characters have trouble with movement interactions such as entering and exiting the ring and climbing turnbuckles.

Score: 4.0/5.0 Stars

Related: All Unlockable Wrestlers in WWE 2K24

Game Modes

WWE 2K24's game modes really shine as there are many different ways to play. WWE 2K24 includes MyRise mode, MyGM mode, Showcase Mode, MyFaction, Universe Mode, Online play, and Play Now matches.

MyRise Mode returns in WWE 2K24 with two brand-new storylines for created characters to take on. The male storyline follows your superstar's rise to the top as the entire WWE is shaken up by Roman Reigns vacating his titles, creating a mad dash to the Undisputed WWE title. While progressing through the MyRise male story, I felt more connected to my character as he overcomes odds in interesting matches including the new Casket Match and Special Referee matches.

Universe Mode also returns with some improvements and new ways to play. One of the most in-depth ways to play WWE 2K24, with it you hold the power to create the shows you want. One of my favorite ways to play is to use the Creation mode to create my own show, arena, and titles, then control that show alongside Smackdown and Raw. Universe Mode provides all the tools to have an amazing sandbox WWE experience.

MyGM Mode is largely the same as last year's title, but there are more GMs and Power Cards to use. The game mode can be a lot of fun in multiplayer, and with up to four slots for GMs, you can have a lot of competitive shows.

Although I have not played a ton of MyFaction, the game mode feels more polished and more fun to play with friends. The MyFaction card collecting can be a very fun way to discover new personas and versions of superstars and take on new weekly challenges.

Showcase Mode is one of the best ways to relive the greatest moments in Wrestlemania history. Each match has a unique intensity and the atmosphere of the time. I found that as I progressed through the 21 different Wrestlemania matches, I was enamored with the changes in arenas, superstar attire, and storylines. The background music during matches adds to the struggle to recreate iconic moments and triumph in victory. The only downside I found while playing is some matches have less interactive endings, which takes away from the match itself. Overall, the nostalgia of past Wrestlemanias and stepping into the boots of the most decorated wrestlers in history makes Showcase Mode an entertaining play.

Score: 4.5/5.0 Stars

Sound & Music Design

One of the best aspects of the WWE 2K24 atmosphere during matches is the sound. Starting at entrances, the explosive pops of the crowd can be felt as superstars enter the ring. The cheers or boos echo throughout the arena as the wrestler's theme song plays. Crowds are more dynamic than ever as they react to every move and start superstar-specific chants. The sounds of the match do not stop at the crowds, as every strike and slam sounds like I am sitting ring-side. There are many small sound details as well, from LA Knight's unique "YEAH!" taunt, to the crowd singing along with Shinsuke Nakaumura's and Cody Rhode's theme songs.

Where WWE 2K24 comes up short in the sound department is the soundtrack. While it boasts good music from artists such as Post Malone, Grimes, and more, there are only 12 songs (not including Superstar theme songs, which can be added manually to the soundtrack).

Related: WWE 2K24 Locker Codes

Score: 3.5/5.0 Stars

Graphics

The graphics in WWE 2K24 are very impressive, especially given the added camera features like the Ramp Camera and the ability to use a free camera in Spectate Mode. Every look at the match is high-quality and new animations can be seen throughout matches. Small details such as facial animations have been improved, as well as paint smearing off faces, blood splatter and dynamic bleed effects; all add to the look of the game.

WWE 2K24 reuses many animations from previous titles, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but some entrances, basic movements, and wrestling moves could stand to implement more fresh animations. The added small details can make a big difference so the game still feels innovative and new.

Score: 4.0/5.0 Stars

Verdict - An Invigorating Step in the Ring

As I continue to play WWE 2K24, I find that the possibilities are endless as I can control the action in multiple different game modes. Whether I take on the greatest matches in Wrestlemania, carve my path through MyRise, or take control of shows in Universe Mode, every match feels like it has meaning. With so many added features like new matches, different animations, and game mode changes, stepping into the ring is more exciting than ever.

A free copy of the game was provided to PGG by the publisher for review purposes.

For more on WWE 2K24, check out All Unlockable Wrestlers in WWE 2K24 here on Pro Game Guides.