WWE 2K22

Pros

• It's a graphically superior game
• Includes single-player Showcase mode
• Realistic crowd and commentary audio
• Fans will enjoy seeing the strong fighter roster

Cons

• The online multiplayer mode is unreliable

A professional wrestling game for Windows machines is available in the form of WWE-2k22. It features fast and frenetic action, lots of game modes, and many familiar pro stars. The result is a grappling smash hitter that delivers the goods on all fronts. That's an important point to highlight, for there's a previous version of this wrestling series that didn't fare so well when it was first released.

Keeping the focus firmly on this release, however, let's get down to business. WWE-2k22 showcases a comprehensive roster of Vince McMahon's finest wrestling superstars. They face off in ring matches while surrounded by thousands of screaming fans. Expect to experience classic beatdowns as the updated game engine graphics send herculean wrestlers toe-to-toe against each other. The ring ropes reverberate as a sharply presented game animation follows through on a familiar combo. Blocks and grappling moves are exchanged, then a beatdown is delivered as an explosive strike hits home. The action-packed blows really suck gamers into the ring, with responsive gamepad button mashes directing every dodge and hit in quick succession.

For career-oriented types, there's plenty to choose. There's the newly updated MyCareer mode. If it can't be found in the game menu, that's because it has been renamed MyRise. Use this mode to climb the World Wrestling Entertainment, Incs, rankings as a male or female wrasslin' superstar. If more of a story-based approach is on the cards, then switch to the Showcase mode, where a gamepad wielding player can become a struggling young wrestler who's bent on reaching the top. This single-player campaign drops gamers in the pro wrestling boots of Rey Mysterio, a real Lucho Libre grappler. Fighting under his name, the face of the fighter is disguised by a fearsome mask. A classic battle between Rey and Eddie Guerrero is a highlight of this mode. Of course, should any of these modes become stale, which seems unlikely, then try challenging a real online opponent on the multiplayer matchmaking screen, or really switch things up by booking a tag team show.

WWE-2k22 doesn't lack for gameplay modes or in-ring grappling animations. It has the star power and the fighting mechanics to provide a convincing matchplay experience, for sure. More immersion is provided by dynamic camera angles, crowd shouts, bare-naked wrestler tats, and those signature fighter poses that all wrestling fans love to cheer. Other nice touches include a satisfying amount of ambient audience anticipation, so there'll be plenty of "oohs and ahs" when a big grappling animation comes off as a match ending beatdown. Admittedly, perhaps the online multiplayer servers do give off an occasional streaming hiccup, but this is still a fine entry in an otherwise very popular gaming franchise.

Pros

• It's a graphically superior game
• Includes single-player Showcase mode
• Realistic crowd and commentary audio
• Fans will enjoy seeing the strong fighter roster

Cons

• The online multiplayer mode is unreliable