WWE 2K22s release date gives me hope that we might finally get a great wrestling game

Date:
Tue, 24 Aug 2021 09:06:06 +0000

Description:
WWE 2K22s later than expected release date can only be beneficial to the
games development.

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After months of speculation, WWE 2K22 finally has a release date or more specifically, a release window of March 2022.

Despite slipping to next year, Im delighted to see that developer Visual Concepts is taking the time it needs to deliver what will hopefully be a
great wrestling game.

After all, WWE 2K22 cant afford to be another flop thats panned by critics
and ridiculed by players alike. The bug-riddled WWE 2K20 and prompt cancellation of WWE 2K21 means that theres extra pressure to get this one right. Should Visual Concepts fail to do so, its hard to see any way back for a series that needs more than just hardcore wrestling fans to buy it, if its to be successful. PS5 vs Xbox Series X : the two consoles compared Best PS5 games : don't miss these Best Xbox Series X games : jump in

WWE 2K22 has to hit different, then, just like the games marketing slogan claims. And from the gameplay trailers weve been shown, its at least easy on the eye.

Thousands of new animations and the use of an all-new face-scanning
technology should make WWE 2K22s broad-shouldered superstars look like the real deal, but its the gameplay that will ultimately decide whether WWE 2K22 will be king of the ring or another botch job.

And wouldnt it be nice to have a great wrestling game again? There was a period of time, particularly on the Nintendo 64 , where wrestling games were some of the best titles available. From WCW vs nWo: Revenge to WWF: Wrestlemania 2000, wrestling games on the N64 provided a golden age for those who liked to knock the taste out of an opponents mouth and its something
that hasnt been replicated since.

Aside from the odd Smackdown! title on PS2 like Here Comes The Pain and the unexpectedly brilliant Def Jam Vendetta, wrestling video games have consistently struggled to evolve as the generations have passed, culminating in the abysmal WWE 2K20 that only typified the problem. Next big thing (Image credit: 2K Games)

Encouragingly, weve heard that WWE 2K22 features new controls that are much cleaner than previous titles, according to Forbes Brian Mazique , who also said that the game is looking fantastic.

But its Maziques quote that WWE 2K22 feels like a wrestling fans wrestling game that has me excited. Ive always felt that, despite nailing the core gameplay foundations that underpin every wrestling game many decades ago, nothing has come close to replicating the excellent rock-paper-scissors style setup of developer AKIs N64 games. The spirit meter, a mechanic that dictated the ebb and flow of a match, also hasnt been implemented in quite the same way.

Im quietly optimistic, then, that WWE 2K22s overhaul of the controls and
focus on pleasing core fans can only result in a positive outcome. The game needs to be accessible to those that are new to the series, of course, but deep enough to satisfy veteran players. Strained relationship (Image credit: 2k Games)

WWE 2K22s delay into 2022 should be seen as a positive, but its apparently
put a strain on 2K Sports and developer Visual Concepts relationship with WWE itself (thanks, Sports Gamers Online ). According to SGOs sources, WWE hasnt been too happy with the games slow development speed, and has reportedly gone as far as to threaten to cancel its contract with 2K Games and find another publisher.

This has caused some tension between the development studio, who are
desperate to get things right, and WWE who want to see a return on its investment sooner rather than later. Ultimately, though, the game was granted a delay, which should give Visual Concepts the time it needs to turn WWE 2K22 into a title contender.

It should also give the developer time to ensure the games roster is as up to date as it can be. WWE has released some notable superstars in recent months, including the likes of Braun Strowman, Bray Wyatt, Rick Flair and Lana, so it wouldnt be a surprise to hear that these superstars were previously scanned into the game but are now surplus to requirements.

Like fighting on top of the hell in a cell, WWE 2K22 has no room for error.
If the game fails to deliver, it's a long drop into obscurity. New games 2021 : what's out this year?



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/wwe-2k22s-release-date-gives-me-hope-that-we-mi ght-finally-get-a-great-wrestling-game/


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