Maybe that’s just the way sports sims are now but it’s still a huge shame.
The first for gameplay: after all, in the olden days, this was all that mattered.
WWE 2K25demonstrates this more pertinently than any of its rivals.
Honestly, its wrestling engine is spectacular.
But the majority of the hype surrounding the game centres on a new experience called The Island.
Here’s where the big dollar drop comes in.
To buy, for instance, a pair of orange Nike sneakers, you’re looking at 18,000 VC.
Yes, you’re able to grind for that but many will want them instantly.
15,000 VC costs 4.49.
So you’re looking at upwards of 5 just for some trainers to put on a CAW.
Now consider that most in-game stores have at least a dozen items and it just feels demoralizing.
Get ready to grind, grind, grind or spend real money on VC to expedite your progress.
It isn’t subtle.
Indeed, it’s shameless.
It also does the entire series a disservice because, good lord, the wrestling here is top-tier.
The best we’ve seen in the series going back to its Smackdown vs Raw heyday.
The return of chain wrestling is a success, and intergender bouts are fun too.
Interference-packed Bloodline Rules matches are carnage.
There are so many neat touches to enjoy.
New Netflix arenas for Raw and Smackdown are here, despite only being introduced in January.
Five-person entrances for The Final Testament, Judgment Day, and Wyatt Sicks are spot on.
Poison Mist and Powder paybacks leave your foes' faces coated in those substances.
There’s much cool stuff completely at odds with the design decisions underpinning The Island and MyFaction.
Bloodline injection
“They’re better than most content on official WWE Blu-rays.”
The game’s best mode is Showcase, and mercifully it remains completely free.
As in previous editions it has you replaying bouts from WWE past, but with intriguing new elements.
They’re better than most content on official WWE Blu-rays.
Where in-ring action is concerned, this is right on the cusp of being a five-star wrestling sim.
In which you’re the recipient, rather than the mega-rich Youtuber.
WWE 2K25 was reviewed on PS5, with code provided by the publisher.
