Developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports, WWE 2K22 is the 22nd overall installment of the video game series based on WWE. WWE 2K22 is the ninth game under the WWE 2K banner and the sequel to WWE 2K20, which was released in 2019. On January 20, 2022, an official trailer of the game was released alongside the official release date. The game was finally released in March 2022 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox series X/S.

The game has three official editions: the “nWo 4-life” edition, the “Deluxe” edition, and the “Standard” edition. The nWo 4-Life and Deluxe editions, which are special and more expensive editions, were released on March 8, 2022, while the Standard edition was released three days later, on March 11, 2022.

MyRise Mode – Formally Known as MyCareer Mode

If you are familiar with the game series, you will notice that the story mode, MyCareer, has been changed and is now called MyRise. The name change is not the only change; the mode now focuses on separate stories for male and female superstars. Players can make alliances using created superstars.

And not only that, but they can also make enemies and branch into subplots based on their preferences. It sometimes makes me feel like I’m dealing with a bunch of real-life celebrities. Fun, but exasperating nonetheless.

The Showcase Mode – Mysterio: Let’s Live the Dream! 

I have always been a fan of WWE since I was a kid, but I must confess that I love the entertainment more than the action — who doesn’t, right? — but that’s only because the entertainment makes me eager for the action. The new updates in the showcase mode helped me to enjoy the game even more and recreated the same excitement I had when I was a kid, daydreaming of being John Cena one day. Oh well, I guess that one just won’t come true.

The showcase mode in WWE 2K22 features the legendary Rey Mysterio. Players can go through the most significant moments of their wrestling career and be in the superstar’s shoes. The new updates and changes include being able to unlock new characters, new attires, and awesome arenas as you progress. Bringing back the showcase mode was a huge highlight for me in WWE 2K22.

The MyFaction Mode – New and Exciting 

WWE 2K22 also features a new mode called “MyFaction.” In this new mode, players can build a wrestling stable by collecting, managing, and upgrading past and present WWE Superstars with regular updates and weekly events. This new mode also features player cards from all through WWE’s history. This game mode is for you if you’re more interested in managing wrestlers than bouncing around in the ring.

Adding the new MyFaction Mode is just so amazing. Being able to build a pro-wrestling dream team with stars and legends is an activity I totally enjoyed. I also love how your team can compete with renowned WWE factions like nWo, D-Generation, and Evolution, which encourages you to carefully select members of your team. Although they can do more to improve this mode, WWE 2K did a fantastic job with what they have here already. 

Unfortunately, the MyFaction mode is only available offline. I think it should have been made available online. Understandably, WWE 2K may be trying to take things slow since this is the first appearance of the mode in the game. However, having it online would have made the experience better.

Universe Mode – Play As Any Character of Your Choice

WWE 2K made some updates in the Universe mode in WWE 2K22. Some of the updates include the ability to change camera angles while separating matches. They also added the ability to play as any wrestler in this mode. Other new features include playing exclusively as a single superstar, focusing on their storyline and matches only.

Manage Brands and Have Fun Doing It

You can now be a boss in the upgraded MyGM mode. This game mode was formerly known as GM mode and has not been in the series since the 2007 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008.

In this mode, players call the shots and manage different brands as WWE General Managers. They can choose from available superstars like Sasha Banks, The Rock, Brock Lesnar, and more, or create a custom character to take control of one of the WWE brands: Raw, Smackdown, NXT, or NXT UK. This mode gets super interesting, and players can manage contracts, draft superstars, control costs, and book wrestling matches.

More Beautiful Than Ever

Another fantastic addition to the WWE 2K22 is the vibrant designs. WWE 2K22 did take its time to make the game look stunning with clean and beautiful graphics. The vibrant colors made the game much more fun to play for me. WWE 2K deserves a thumb up for the incredible work in this aspect.

More Could Be Done About the Game Modes

Though the additions in the MyGM Mode were great, it was too limited and felt watered down. Being able to manage contracts and draft superstars is awesome and all that but the limitation in the number of matches and seasons is a heartbreaker. We want more!

Conclusion

Agreed, WWE 2K20 broke some of our hearts, despite the efforts made by WWE 2K, but this year’s WWE 2K22 sure wipes the tears from our eyes. The gameplay isn’t as messy as the former. It is a fun and enjoyable game, and we look forward to a better release in the coming years. I love the historical mode and am looking forward to a better and upgraded MyFaction Mode.

Also, the MyGM mode this year did it for me; it can do better, but I still enjoyed it. It is a game I’ll recommend to hardcore wrestling game lovers.