Ever since its successful 2022 reinvention, 2K's popular WWE series has continually introduced iterative improvements to enhance its winning formula and justify its annual releases. WWE 2K25 promises a new batch of iterations, including a brand new online interactive world called The Island, a revamped story, general manager and Universe mode, a new hardcore match type called Bloodline Rules, and more. However, I can't confirm if these additions will elevate 2K25 above its predecessor, as I didn't get to experience them at a recent preview event.

Instead, my time with 2K25 focused on the core gameplay, which remains largely unchanged, and this year's adjusted Showcase Mode, centered around The Bloodline stable of wrestlers. While I was unable to explore most of the new features, I did appreciate some small but significant alterations that suggest WWE 2K25 will be another successful evolution of the series, likely worth any wrestling fan's time.

WWE 2K25's Showcase Mode delves into the history of the Anoa'i family, spotlighting recent stars like Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, while also celebrating past legends such as The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, and The Rock. This mode now offers three types of matches: recreating history, creating new history, and altering history. I experienced all three, from recreating Nia Jax's Queen of the Ring victory in 2024, to crafting a dream match between The Wild Samoans and The Dudley Boyz, to altering the outcome of the iconic Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins match at the 2022 Royal Rumble. Each type of match provides a unique and engaging experience for hardcore WWE fans, marking an improvement over last year's showcase. However, some minor issues persist.

Last year's WWE 2K24 Showcase Mode, like its predecessor WWE 2K23, suffered from an over-reliance on switching to real-life footage for extended periods, a feature Visual Concepts called "Slingshot." In my preview of WWE 2K23, I noted, "I found myself wanting to be back in the action and create these moments myself, not just watching clips of footage that are already burned into my brain." Two years on, I'm pleased to report that progress has been made, though the issue isn't completely resolved.

The cut to real-life footage is now absent, and the reliance on pulling players away from the action has been reduced (at least in my hands-on session). Key moments are now recreated in-engine through animation, offering a smoother transition and a satisfying experience as iconic moments are brought to life within the game's impressive graphics. These sequences are also shorter, allowing more time for player-controlled action.

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Despite these improvements, not all my concerns about control have been addressed. During the conclusion of my Nia Jax match, I was forced into a passive role, watching the 1,2,3 count instead of participating. I'd prefer more control during these crucial moments to relive them through my own gameplay decisions, rather than being a mere spectator.

WWE 2K25 also makes minor enhancements to other areas. Previous showcase modes relied heavily on a checklist system, which often felt more like a to-do list than dynamic gameplay. While this system returns, it has been refined with the addition of optional timed objectives. Completing these grants cosmetic rewards, but more importantly, there's no penalty for failing them, unlike in previous iterations. This represents a crucial step forward.

The most exciting addition to Showcase Mode is the ability to change the outcome of historic matches. For instance, where Roman Reigns once lost by disqualification to Seth Rollins, players can now explore alternative scenarios. This feature offers a fresh experience for hardcore WWE fans, and I'm eager to see how other unannounced matches will play out.

While there are significant changes to modes and match types, the core gameplay of WWE 2K25 remains largely unchanged, with only minor tweaks. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as I was already satisfied with the grappling mechanics in WWE 2K24. The decision to stick with a proven formula is wise. However, there are some notable additions and returns.

WWE 2K25 revives the long-requested chain wrestling mechanic, which was removed during the engine overhaul in WWE 2K22. At the start of a match, initiating a grapple now triggers a mini-game where players can gain the upper hand by driving, wrenching, attacking, and repositioning their opponent. Similar to last year's trading blows mechanic, chain wrestling adds another layer of authenticity, closely mirroring what fans see on TV.

The submission system also makes a comeback, featuring a mini-game where players must either avoid or match their opponent's color block on a wheel. Despite its initially overwhelming UI, it quickly becomes intuitive, and I'm glad to see it return. Both chain wrestling and the submission system can be disabled in the options, along with other quick-time event moments, catering to player preferences.

My favorite gameplay feature from WWE 2K24, weapon throwing, also returns. The roster of weapons has been expanded, and backstage brawls now feature new environments perfect for weapon tossing. The WWE archives were a highlight in the demo, offering not only items like apples, footballs, and megaphones to throw, but also a treasure trove of WWE history and easter eggs. Additionally, players can now fight on top of a giant Wrestlemania sign and the iconic giant fist from the Smackdown era.

As expected, the ring area is adorned with Prime sponsorships, allowing players to use the Prime Hydration Station's giant bottle as a weapon. Wrapping a bottle of Logan Paul's luminous juice around an opponent's head feels like the perfect use of these electrolytes.

Perhaps the most notable gameplay change this year is the introduction of intergender matches. For the first time in a 2K WWE game, players can pit men against women in any match type. Coupled with the largest roster ever, featuring over 300 wrestlers, this opens up a multitude of new matchups.

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Lastly, though the demo build offered limited new updates, I had the chance to try out the new match type called Underground. This rope-less variation of an exhibition match takes place in a Fight Club-like setting with lumberjacks around the ring. It's a fresh addition to the series, and I'll share more details later this month as part of our exclusive IGN First content. Be sure to check IGN later this week for a full match and a detailed explanation of this new match type from Visual Concepts developer, Derek Donahue.

WWE 2K25 continues the series' tradition of layering new features onto a robust foundation. While nothing feels revolutionary, the formula remains consistent with last year's successful offering, with smart tweaks. Time will tell if the major changes and new modes I didn't get to see will truly distinguish this edition, but from my brief experience, it seems like an incremental step forward for an already well-realized series.