WWE 2K22: Release Date, Cover Art and Details for nWo Special Edition
WWE 2K22's launch on March 11 signals the return of a sports juggernaut to the video game landscape.
After more than two years out of the game and one skipped version of the series later, developer Visual Concepts is back for a release that bridges the gap between current and next-generation consoles.
This version also happens to bridge the gap between generations pretty well, with the legendary Rey Mysterio on the cover of the standard and deluxe editions of the game. He's still going strong in WWE and spans multiple generations in his own right, but the nWo 4-Life Edition also features the big names of that era.
The covers:
Throwing down a pre-order on 2K22 this year lets would-be players get three days of early access, unlocking the game on March 8.
And like the nWo itself at its peak, everything is bigger with that version of the game.
Exclusive to that version are the following unlockable Superstars:
- "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan
- Scott Hall
- Kevin Nash
- Syxx
- Eric Bischoff
That pack also includes two era-specific WCW pay-per-view arenas and the nWo Wolfpac Championship Belt, among others.
Standing as the premium version of the game, the nWo 4-Life Edition also nets players the big extras found in other versions of the game besides the season pass. That means getting access to the Undertaker Immortal Pack and its 'taker-specific extras, as well as the Starrcade '96 Rey Mysterio pack that includes him and other extras.
No matter which version players decide to roll with, the real selling point to 2K22 is not just nostalgia. There's a notable increase in quality across the board, and not just because this version has the backing of next-generational horsepower.
Graphics and presentation, for example, are clearly amplified in can't-miss ways this year. Add in a barrage of creative new camera angles to deepen immersion, and it's hard not to get excited that the video game more accurately matches the on-screen weekly broadcasts product.
Visual Concepts used the break between annual installments to redo the game engine as well, which has led to a new combo-based gameplay system that feels superb for even new players, according to IGN's Dale Driver:
"Gone is the lengthy and cumbersome grapple system, and in its place are dynamic combos. Don't worry, we're not talking complex, Street Fighter-style quarter circles here, but through combinations of your light, heavy and grab attacks you're now able to pull off striking and grapple sequences with ease that would feel at home on WWE Television."
Also drawing inspiration from fighting games are the presence of blocking, dodging and breakers. Those breakers are a huge new addition that could change the feel of the series forever—hitting the same button as an opponent at the same time produces a stalemate. Meaning, button-mashing the same moves over and over won't necessarily be a viable tactic and mixing things up will be encouraged.
As one could predict, the time off means a gamut of game modes players will want to explore, too. MyRISE is the new career mode that promises a fun ride for solo-minded players who want to create a Superstar and walk the path of a new talent. There's also a 2K Showcase focused on Mysterio and his Hall of Fame-worthy career.
Making a big return is MyGM, a staple of games like NBA 2K but missing in action on WWE video game properties since 2007. It's exactly what it sounds like—players take over a program like Raw or SmackDown and manage the roster via the draft, contracts and the weekly matches and feuds themselves.
While it will take time to see if a game mode that requires a long-term investment will ultimately be worth it and match some of its well-remembered predecessors, early returns suggest fan reaction and ratings as guiding feedback makes for a fun gameplay loop.
More details on all of the above will surely emerge as release day looms. But on paper, 2K22 has the feel of a well-booked show, making it a can't-miss for fans.
