WWE 2K24 Hands-on Impressions

Right off the bat (or should that be steel chair?) it seems like, on a surface level, little has changed from WWE 2K23. And whilst, yes, this is a yearly sports title, there are certainly enough changes and additions to make 2K24 a worthy contender for G.O.A.T status.

Starting off, Showcase mode is focused around the 40-year history of WrestleMania, and players will relive iconic matches such as Bret Hart vs Stone Cold at WrestleMania 13 and the Firefly Fun House match from WrestleMania 36.

However, if you prefer original storylines, then MyRise has you covered, with two brand-new stories centred around your created characters. Unleashed puts you in the shoes of one of the hottest indie talents getting their big break in WWE, whilst Undisputed has you starting out as an already established WWE Superstar who finds themselves at the head of the table after Roman Reigns relinquishes his title! It plays the same as previous years, but the writing and overall plot is much more engaging in both stories.

As for the other game modes, they all make a welcome return in 2K24. Universe still offers complete freedom for creating your own shows and rivalries, and MyGM gives players the chance to create dream matches in the quest to become the greatest General Manager (with some nice new additions added into the mode for good measure!). Then we have MyFaction. A divisive mode, for sure, but one we’ve always rather enjoyed. This year sees a whole host of improvements to make it feel less of a slog, and with the inclusion of Persona cards, you can unlock classic versions of wrestlers to be used in other game modes. Finally!

When it comes to stepping into the squared circle, the moment-to-moment gameplay is more refined than ever, giving players the freedom to play as their favourite Superstars and try to recreate what they see on television. Animations are great, character models — for the most part — look just like their real-life counterparts, and the whole game just recreates the grandeur of a WWE event perfectly.

You could, however, also go the complete opposite way and turn this rather accurate simulator into complete mayhem! Thanks in part to the robust creation suite that allows everything from creating your very own wrestler to designing an original MITB briefcase (or download others’ creations online), new match types and mechanics certainly help when it comes to fun factor.

The game is perhaps most fun when experimenting with these new inclusions, in particular the Special Guest Referee match, which — especially when played with friends — can become absolute carnage! One relatively minor new addition comes in the form of many weapons now being throwable. Nothing says “ouch, that’s gotta hurt!” like a flying steel chair to the face.