It actually does hit different, in a good way. 2K22 throws out the simulation experience and adopts a refined, streamlined control scheme for faster-paced, arcade-style gameplay. There's a lot to like here from the detailed creation suite that allows for unlimited user created content, to a variety of match types, all the way to a new Career mode and the return of GM Mode.
Controls are basically identical to WWE '13 and though 2K22 is of course a wrestling game, it adds in some fighting game elements. You can press a combination of punch, kick and grapple buttons to throw out quick combos. Breakers have been added, which are rock-paper-scissors guessing style counters that allow you to counter your opponents' attack.
As fun as 2K22 is, several bugs have been present throughout the game which have caused crashes and annoyances. The game modes even feel largely undeveloped. The new MyFaction mode (a WWE card-collecting mode similar to NBA 2K's MyTeam and EA's Ultimate Team) comes off as frustrating and grindy, relying more on cheap tactics rather than skill. The new MyRise Career mode provides fun, but gets repetitive due to the fact that the mode consists of short stories lasting anywhere from 3-5 or so matches, with cutscenes being few and far in-between. GM Mode is severely lacking compared to it's SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 counterpart. NBA Live 19, a game known for it's weak Franchise mode, is more fleshed out than WWE 2K22's take on Franchise. Lastly, while Showcase mode is fun, the mode plays more like an extended tutorial with a checklist of objectives. It's definitely a mode most people will play once to unlock everything and never look back.
WWE 2K22 is a fun wrestling game that feels more like the later THQ WWE titles (SvR 2010 through '13). More time ironing out the issues and developing the modes would have made this one of the greatest of all time.
Controls are basically identical to WWE '13 and though 2K22 is of course a wrestling game, it adds in some fighting game elements. You can press a combination of punch, kick and grapple buttons to throw out quick combos. Breakers have been added, which are rock-paper-scissors guessing style counters that allow you to counter your opponents' attack.
As fun as 2K22 is, several bugs have been present throughout the game which have caused crashes and annoyances. The game modes even feel largely undeveloped. The new MyFaction mode (a WWE card-collecting mode similar to NBA 2K's MyTeam and EA's Ultimate Team) comes off as frustrating and grindy, relying more on cheap tactics rather than skill. The new MyRise Career mode provides fun, but gets repetitive due to the fact that the mode consists of short stories lasting anywhere from 3-5 or so matches, with cutscenes being few and far in-between. GM Mode is severely lacking compared to it's SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 counterpart. NBA Live 19, a game known for it's weak Franchise mode, is more fleshed out than WWE 2K22's take on Franchise. Lastly, while Showcase mode is fun, the mode plays more like an extended tutorial with a checklist of objectives. It's definitely a mode most people will play once to unlock everything and never look back.
WWE 2K22 is a fun wrestling game that feels more like the later THQ WWE titles (SvR 2010 through '13). More time ironing out the issues and developing the modes would have made this one of the greatest of all time.