Often times in the world of professional wrestling, less is more. Whether it be in regards to match theatrics, promos, or even in this case wrestling video games. After last year’s release of WWE 2K20 which was riddled with all kinds of issues, 2k took a step back in order to take a MAJOR step forward with WWE 2k Battlegrounds.
WWE 2k Battlegrounds isn’t the annual 2k wrestling game we are used to. Rather it’s a much more fast-paced, arcade style game. No longer are players waiting for move animations and mini games to pull off maneuvers. The game is definitely a straight up button masher that I honestly could envision being played with just a joystick and four buttons.
What I really like about the game is that it never tries to be anything like the 2k games of old. It stays in its lane, embracing the arcade-style gameplay, graphics, and zaniness. Superstars have a limited number of moves each including their signatures. Just with a lot more flair. (Obligatory WOOOO) It’s almost as if each superstar has a bit of superpower within them. This makes for a very new experience that I think will appeal more to a younger audience. (Think Fortnite)
Even the match styles have a little bit more of that supernatural element as well. For example, the Steel Cage is now electrified for some pretty crazy spots. The new “King of The Battleground” is also a very interesting new take on a Battle Royale, King of the Mountain type match.
The roster is fairly deep, but is somehow still lacking. The major red flag in WWE 2k Battlegrounds is the very obvious lack of any NXT talent in the game. Names like Keith Lee (now on RAW), Johnny Gargano, Tomasso Ciampa, Io Shirai, and arguably the number one wrestler of this year, Adam Cole (Bay Bay!!) are nowhere to be found. There are create-a-wrestler modes where fans can make these superstars, but hopefully there will be some sort of significant DLC in the near future.
Create-a-wrestler is always fun, as the character models have that cartoon-like action figure look to them. You can get as creative as your imagine will let you, but you will need to also unlock and buy certain accessories, taunts and more along the way.
Additionally, the game plays similar to a mobile game in the fact that there are A LOT of characters to unlock. This is something I typically enjoy in games and the unlock menu is something very unique that I very much enjoy. Many people are skeptical of this being micro-transaction heavy, but so far everything I’ve unlocked has been pretty easily accessible without spending any additional real money.
One thing I absolutely love is that each superstar has up to three attires, which was something I very much missed. For example you can play with Jeff Hardy with or without face paint. You can play as Rey Mysterio in all different colored attire. You can even play as different incarnations of the Dead Man himself. Many other legends are playable as well to somewhat fill that void of no NXT talent.
One NXT talent that I am however thrilled to see featured is Mauro Ranallo, who recently departed from WWE. His call along with Jerry “The King” Lawler really add to the up tempo feel of this game. They never mention superstars by name and have a lot of repeated generic dialogue, but again less is more for this arcade style game.
The campaign mode is good fun as the story is told through a comic strip featuring the likes of Paul Heyman and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin recruiting new talent to start this new Battleground series. (Raw Underground?) The new fictional characters are actually pretty fun to play with and have some pretty crazy finishing moves.
All in all for what it is and the price tag ($40) WWE 2k Battlegrounds is a really FUN game with great multiplayer value. This is a good time for the whole family. I’ve honestly really enjoyed playing the game and unlocking everything along the way. This is a unique take on a classic series, that I truly believe needed a major tweak. That being said I very much look forward to the traditional WWE 2k22 with in depth entrances, move-sets, and story modes. But for now, WWE 2k Battlegrounds is a safe bet and fresh take on a classic series.
WWE 2k Battlegrounds is now available for purchase.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh5BZR-Y6cA&feature=youtu.be
