WWE 2K20: A Wrestling Game Marred by Technical Issues

WWE 2K20, developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports, promised an exciting and immersive wrestling experience. Building upon previous iterations, the game boasted an expanded roster, updated graphics, and a revamped MyCareer mode. However, despite these advancements, the game is widely remembered not for its successes, but for its significant technical shortcomings that overshadowed any positive additions. This review delves into the game’s strengths and weaknesses, ultimately assessing whether it lives up to the expectations set by its predecessors and the long-standing WWE 2K franchise.

A Step Forward in MyCareer and Roster

One of the most significant improvements in WWE 2K20 was the inclusion of a fully voiced MyCareer mode. This feature offered a considerable leap from previous iterations, providing a more engaging and immersive single-player experience. The storyline allowed players to create and develop both male and female protagonists, enhancing replayability and offering a more inclusive experience. The narratives were more fleshed out than in previous games, bringing greater depth and personality to the career progression. The inclusion of a customizable female character further broadened the scope of the MyCareer mode, appealing to a wider player base.

The game also featured an expanded roster of wrestlers, incorporating both established superstars and rising talents. This diverse lineup gave players a wide range of choices when creating their custom characters and assembling their tag teams. The updated graphics, although not flawless (as discussed later), provided a more realistic portrayal of these wrestlers, enhancing the overall visual appeal. These enhancements were significant enough to create a genuinely unique wrestling environment. For players who enjoy creating their own characters and embarking on a long, detailed career, the improvements to the MyCareer mode were a welcomed addition.

The introduction of WWE 2K Originals, a series of downloadable content (DLC) packs, added further variety. These packs featured supernatural-themed content, including unique arenas and match types. While adding a different flavor to the game, these DLC packs often felt somewhat disconnected from the core gameplay, acting more as a side attraction rather than a substantial enhancement. They offered a fun, albeit brief, diversion but failed to address the fundamental problems that plagued the core game.

Technical Glitches and Frustrating Gameplay

Unfortunately, the positive aspects of WWE 2K20 were severely undermined by a significant number of technical issues. The most prominent complaints centered on the game’s sluggish controls and stiff animations. Even basic wrestling maneuvers felt cumbersome and unresponsive, often leading to frustrating gameplay experiences. The combination of unresponsive controls and poorly implemented animations resulted in a disconnect between player input and on-screen action.

The game was also plagued by a plethora of game-breaking bugs. Wrestlers were frequently observed floating in mid-air, teleporting through the ring, or exhibiting other unnatural movements. These glitches, coupled with broken hit detection and inconsistent AI behavior, rendered the in-ring action chaotic and unpredictable. The AI often acted irrationally, making matches feel less strategic and more like a frustrating exercise in navigating unpredictable glitches. The frequent occurrence of these issues significantly diminished the overall enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, the physics engine seemed significantly underdeveloped. The movement of wrestlers, the interaction with the environment, and even the simple act of grappling often appeared unnatural and unrealistic. This resulted in a lack of fluidity in the gameplay, making matches feel less dynamic and engaging. The poor physics often resulted in characters clipping through objects, another manifestation of the pervasive glitches.

Visual Downgrade and Uninspired Presentation

WWE 2K20 marked a surprising visual downturn compared to its predecessor. Character models, even for established wrestlers, looked significantly outdated and in many cases, unrecognizable. Poor facial scanning and low-quality textures contributed to a lackluster presentation. Hair physics were often erratic, and clothing behaved unrealistically, further detracting from the game’s visual fidelity.

The commentary, a staple of wrestling games, remained largely repetitive and uninspired. This lack of variety in commentary quickly became tiresome, failing to add to the immersion and excitement of the matches. The soundtrack, while featuring a decent selection of songs, did little to elevate the overall experience. The visuals and audio combined to create a game that felt dated and lacking in polish, further emphasizing the technical issues and detracting from the overall experience.

A Disappointing Entry in the Franchise

WWE 2K20 attempted to incorporate new features and content, such as the expanded MyCareer mode and the WWE 2K Originals DLC. However, these additions were severely undermined by the sheer number of technical flaws and glitches that permeated the game. The sluggish controls, stiff animations, and game-breaking bugs made the gameplay frustrating and often unplayable. While the developers attempted to enhance several aspects of the game, the technical issues overshadowed any attempts at innovation.

The disappointing visual presentation further compounded these issues. The dated graphics and repetitive commentary failed to provide the immersive and engaging experience expected from a WWE game. The combination of these factors made WWE 2K20 a step backwards for the franchise, a sentiment shared by many players and critics alike. While the updated MyCareer mode and the concept of WWE 2K Originals showed promise, they were ultimately insufficient to compensate for the widespread technical problems.

Ultimately, WWE 2K20 serves as a cautionary tale in game development. While striving for innovation is commendable, the failure to properly address and resolve significant technical issues can irrevocably damage a game’s reception. The game’s numerous flaws left a lasting negative impression on the franchise, highlighting the importance of prioritizing quality assurance and gameplay polish over ambitious features that ultimately fail to deliver. The game’s legacy remains firmly entrenched in its technical shortcomings, overshadowing any attempts to introduce new features or modernize the franchise.