WWE 2K BATTLEGROUNDS
- September 17, 2020
- Saber Interactive
- 8h median play time
WWE 2K Battlegrounds is an interesting distraction that wants to appeal to everyone, but will have trouble keeping a headlock on anyone for too long.
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Get on PS StoreWWE 2K Battlegrounds is an arcade-style wrestling game featuring overstuffed characters and exaggerated moves. It offers a variety of match types, arenas, and a character creator. The game features a roster of WWE superstars and legends, but some popular figures are missing. It's a fun and casual alternative to the more simulation-based WWE 2K games.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The game offers a fun and arcade-style wrestling experience, reminiscent of classic titles like WWE All-Stars.
- The character roster is extensive, featuring many popular wrestlers from both past and present.
- The comic book-style storytelling in the campaign mode adds a unique and entertaining element to the game.
- Gameplay can become repetitive quickly due to limited move sets and similar mechanics across different characters.
- Microtransactions are prevalent, with many characters and customization options locked behind a paywall, making it feel like a cash grab.
- The online multiplayer experience is lacking, with long wait times and limited matchmaking options.
- story79 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The story mode has received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing its linearity, lack of depth, and reliance on a comic book presentation that feels repetitive and bland. While some appreciate the vibrant themes and character unlocks, others find the storytelling weak and unengaging, often comparing it unfavorably to previous titles in the franchise. Overall, the story is seen as a grindy experience that fails to resonate with players, leaving them frustrated with its execution and pacing.
“At the time of writing this review, I am making my way through the main story, and even that is quite fun.”
“The story plays out like a comic book.”
“Although the story was cheesy at times, I felt that it was still pretty enjoyable.”
“To add insult to injury, the so-called story mode is a complete joke - it's painfully linear.”
“Terrible story mode, it's a massive step back.”
“The story mode is boring.”
- gameplay73 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players enjoying its accessible, arcade-style mechanics and character customization, while others criticize it for being repetitive, simplistic, and buggy. Many noted that the fun factor diminishes over time due to limited variety in match types and a lack of depth in mechanics, making it feel shallow compared to more complex wrestling games. Overall, while it offers enjoyable moments, the gameplay experience is marred by issues such as sluggish controls and a grindy unlock system.
“Gameplay is fun and animations are great, arenas have interactive parts and the roster is huge, every wrestler has at least 3 variations and there are no microtransactions, everything is unlockable in-game with virtual currency.”
“Fun arcade style gameplay, easy to learn controls, and cartoon graphics.”
“The game runs smooth, and the game mechanics are top notch.”
“This game was very annoying because of the controls, the graphics, and the horribly buggy gameplay.”
“Gameplay is monotonous; all characters in a class feel the same aside from finishers, story mode is meh, and PC controls are absolutely awful... I'm sorry, I can't say I enjoyed playing this, because I can't lie in an honest review.”
“The gameplay itself seems rather shallow.”
- graphics52 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are polarizing, with many reviewers noting a cartoonish art style that some find charming and fun, while others describe it as cheap or unappealing. While some appreciate the character models and visual effects, others criticize the overall aesthetic as outdated and reminiscent of mobile games. Overall, the graphics receive mixed feedback, with scores ranging from decent to disappointing, reflecting a divide in personal preferences.
“I actually like the graphics of this game; it's kind of cute and features fun-looking characters.”
“The graphics are cool, the characters are endless, and the button combinations are not too complicated!”
“The graphic style is awesome; moves are repetitive but still good for casual gameplay.”
“The graphics are too cartoony (personal preference) and the movesets for all wrestlers are too similar.”
“Looks like a cheap mobile game, I was expecting this to be a sequel to the WWE All-Stars game but it is so basic, the graphics are something you'd expect from 2012 and cheaply made and rushed.”
“I'm generally pretty forgiving when it comes to graphics and art design but it all looked very generic.”
- monetization43 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 35 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game has been widely criticized for being excessively reliant on microtransactions, with many players feeling that a significant portion of content, including characters and customization options, is locked behind paywalls or requires extensive grinding. Reviewers describe the system as a cash grab, likening it to predatory practices seen in other franchises, and express frustration over the lack of meaningful in-game rewards without additional purchases. While some acknowledge the game's fun aspects, the overwhelming presence of microtransactions detracts from the overall experience.
“Gameplay is fun and animations are great, arenas have interactive parts and the roster is huge, every wrestler has at least 3 variations and there are no microtransactions, everything is unlockable in-game with virtual currency.”
“Yes, but in its entirety despite microtransactions, the game is super fun with friends and it's just wacky enough that you don't really notice the basic movesets and other minor flaws regarding AI.”
“At least all stars doesn't have microtransactions (yes you can unlock everything without paying if you're willing to do an ungodly grind).”
“Almost all characters and customization options are locked behind microtransactions, even if you buy the deluxe version.”
“It feels like nothing more or less than a pathetic attempt at a cash grab.”
“This is a $40 game and it is riddled with microtransactions.”
- grinding23 mentions
- 4 % positive mentions
- 4 % neutral mentions
- 91 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and frustrating due to the extensive time required to unlock characters, costumes, and in-game currency. While some acknowledge that grinding can provide replay value, the overwhelming sentiment is that it detracts from the overall enjoyment, especially when much content is locked behind microtransactions or excessive grinding. Overall, players express a desire for a more balanced approach that allows for quicker access to content without the need for hours of repetitive gameplay.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Earning in-game currency is only achievable by grinding through endless challenges and an increasingly frustrating leveling system.”
“So many of the wrestlers are locked behind either heavy grinding or microtransactions.”
“Other than that, it seems like there's a lot of grinding to unlock all the characters if you're not willing to spend real currency on a game you've already paid 40-50 bucks for.”
- humor13 mentions
- 92 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its creative move-sets, amusing animations, and entertaining character interactions, making it a fun experience, especially when played with friends. While some players find the humor overwhelming or lacking in variety, many appreciate the comedic elements, such as the funny weapon mechanics and character entrances. Overall, the game is described as a lighthearted and enjoyable take on the wrestling genre, though opinions on its humor can vary significantly.
“The combination of punchy sound design (pun intended), super creative move sets, mesmerizing animations, and ever-hilarious stun-locks transitioning into suplex city is exactly what I need to truly have fun in a wrestling video game.”
“Kinda a funny version of an iconic genre.”
“Just pure simple fun and funny as heck.”
“Not funny at all.”
- music13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding the main menu track repetitive and bland, often describing it as obnoxious or cringe-inducing. While the soundtrack features some popular WWE theme songs, it lacks variety and can become annoying over time. Players appreciate the option to turn off the music, but the inability to customize entrance music for characters has been a notable drawback.
“Sound is phenomenal and the inclusion of many of our favorite WWE theme songs are in the game, even though the game does a terrible job with entrances.”
“Satisfying personal moveset and intro music for every wrestler is separate.”
“I like rock, but the music in this game is that type of music that we all associate with WWE but can’t really place the style.”
“The music is obnoxious.”
“Repetitive main menu music, omg it's driving me crazy!”
“Music is cringe-inducing, as it's mostly radio butt rock that is normally associated with the brand, which came as no surprise.”
- stability11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- -18 % neutral mentions
- 91 % negative mentions
The game's stability is frequently criticized due to a significant number of glitches and bugs, which can disrupt gameplay and lead to crashes, particularly during specific character moves. While some players find the game enjoyable despite these issues, others draw unfavorable comparisons to the notoriously buggy WWE 2K20, indicating that stability remains a major concern. Overall, the experience is marred by technical problems, affecting both single-player and online modes.
“As a WWE fan, I enjoy this game. It's very fun, has no glitches, and the multiplayer works amazingly. It's an improvement over 2K20 and a game that is worth $40.”
“The game runs smoothly without any crashes, making for a seamless gaming experience.”
“I appreciate how stable the online matches are; I haven't experienced any lag or disconnections.”
“This game was very annoying because of the controls, the graphics, and the horribly buggy gameplay.”
“The royal rumble and battleground glitches are horrible, feels like WWE 2K20 all over again.”
“It's buggy and has laggy online.”
- replayability5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the potential for replay value despite grindiness, others find the story mode lacking and the overall content insufficient, leading to a less compelling reason to return.
“The game provides plenty of replay value, so players will always have reasons to come back, even though it might be too grindy for most people.”
“The story mode is less than worthwhile and there is little replay value.”
“The game is responsive, more playable than 2K20, but it definitely lacks a lot of content and things that make it a WWE game.”
“It provides plenty of replay value, so players will always have reasons to come back, even though it might be too grindy for most people.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional response to the game is overwhelmingly negative, with users expressing strong disappointment and a desire to avoid it in the future.
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, users report a positive experience with optimization, noting that they did not encounter any performance issues while playing the game.
“I didn't experience any performance problems.”
“The optimization in this game is top-notch, allowing for smooth gameplay.”
“I was impressed by how well the game runs on lower-end hardware.”
Critic Reviews
WWE 2K Battlegrounds review
WWE 2K Battlgrounds is going to divide a lot of people with its pay to play mentality, but there are plenty of ways to earn it. With modes like the enjoyable King of the Battleground and its Campaign, you are never short of opportunities to experience the over-the-top gameplay.
70%WWE 2K Battlegrounds (Nintendo Switch)
WWE 2K Battlegrounds is a decent fighting game marred by multiple bad campaign and transactional decisions. Like the real WWE, it’s best enjoyed when you focus on what’s happening in the ring and ignore everything that surrounds it.
55%WWE 2K Battlegrounds review — Lots of yowies, not enough wowies
Over-the-top action, ridiculous animations and attacks, and a cartoony reimagining of your favorite superstars aside, WWE 2K Battlegrounds is hampered by its lackluster class-based movesets, as well as a system that requires you to grind for a vast majority of superstars that still need to be unlocked. With limited customization options and game modes, it's best played in short bursts, and you'll hardly feel engaged from a single-player standpoint.
60%
