WWE 2K25 Review: Early Scores and Gameplay Videos on Early Release Date

Gamers had their first opportunity to check out all that WWE 2K25 has to offer longtime fans of the franchise.

So did reviewers, whose official scores for this year's release hit the internet Friday morning.

What hit and what did not and, most importantly, what did those reviewers have to say about the annual fan-favorite release?

Find out with this collection of takes from early release day.

Forbes Praises Over The Top Action

Joshua Lamb of Forbes titled his review, "A Pumped Up And Wonderfully Silly Wrestling Game," touting some of the enormity and rather unconventional challenges in some of the more prominent modes. He wrote that the game, "channels over the top action and creativity from past games like SmackDown: Here Comes the Pain and, dare I say it, AEW Fight Forever."

Fans concerned that the game may threaten the realism that was such a significant aspect of their enjoyment of last year's release need not be worried. 

Lamb continued:

""None of this compromises the dedication to realism that last year’s game was so praised for. There’s visual enhancements; welts and bruises look painfully realistic now, the sweat looks sweatier and we can roam around using a third-person camera during a superstar’s entrance which really highlights the graphical detail on offer. Chain wrestling makes a welcome comeback and NXT Underground matches, where the ring is ropeless and enthusiastic fans bang on the apron around you, adds an authentic alternative for those wanting to focus on the art of technical combat.""

The over the top action should appeal the game to fans beyond the die-hards, making for a more immersive experience for fans of all ages and eras.

Lamb gave the game an overwhelmingly positive score, stating, "Aspects of WWE 2K25, like The Island, won’t be for everyone, but with professional wrestling going through something of a renaissance spearheaded by WWE’s jump to Netflix, this game at least has something for every type of wrestling fan."

He awarded the game a score of 4/5.

MyGM, Depth of Modes Gain Positive Reviews

Dalton Cooper of Game Rant echoed some of Lamb's sentiments, applauding the game's deep roster and assortment of modes for everyone.

In particular, he applauded the MyGM mode, calling it the "best since SmackDown vs. Raw 2008." He wrote:

"WWE 2K25 is far and away the best MyGM has been since its comeback. It addresses many of the shortcomings found in previous iterations, with mostly-accurate title belt lineups for the various shows instead of generic belts, online multiplayer for up to four players, and cross-brand PLEs. Cross-brand pay-per-views were some of the most exciting events in SmackDown vs. Raw 2008's General Manager mode, so it's awesome to see 2K25 bring them back."

This year's release also allows fans to play with friends across the world, taking their quest for pro wrestling supremacy as its top general manager worldwide via multiplayer setup.

Cooper did take aim at the new Island mode that allows players on Playstation 5 and XBox Series X/S to take their experience out of the ring and to the new setting, where they can compete in challenges, mini games, and live events.

He opined, "Things are too expensive, and the obvious goal here is to push players to spend real money on VC to get what they want. And when you consider the fact that 2K routinely shuts WWE video games down after only a couple of years, it doesn't make any sense at all to invest in this game's microtransactions."

Still, it was another overly positive review that stopped just shy of giving the game the best grade possible by awarding it a 9/10 score.

Daily Star Raves, But The Island Is A Miss

Lloyd Coombes of The Daily Star awarded the game a near-perfect rating but also took aim at its attempt to replicate NBA 2K's City and Neighborhood modes, writing:

"There are areas themed after iconic moments, sure, but just like any trip to a theme park, there’s a hint of cynicism to every step. It all feels hollow, an excuse to get you to drop money on customisation options or stats, with the latter being the literal definition of a pay-to-win mechanic."

He continued, "It all feels at odds with the fantastically flexible creation suite and WWE Universe modes that allow for endless user-generated roster updates and dream matches. Why spend money building a custom wrestler when you can do the exact same thing in the CAW suite or download someone else’s creations?"

Still, despite "the Island pulling a heel-turn to make John Cena proud," Coombes raved about the other elements of this year's game.

"It’s the most fun you can have with a wrestling video game right now, and while it’s not a massive change from what’s come before, it marks the series' most refined entry yet."

His final score was 4.5 out of 5.