**Review of WWE 2K20 (Xbox One)**
**Gameplay & Mechanics:**
WWE 2K20 was meant to usher in a new era for the long-running wrestling series, but the final product turned out to be one of the most disappointing entries in the franchise. The core gameplay still centers around the simulation-style wrestling that 2K is known forgrappling, reversals, strikes, and signature movesbut the execution is riddled with issues.
The control scheme was reworked, which might have been fine in theory, but in practice it feels unintuitive and clunky. Hit detection is inconsistent, movement is stiff, and characters often glitch through the ring or into one another during matches. Reversal timing is unpredictable, making combat frustrating rather than skill-based. The AI tends to behave erratically, alternating between completely passive and unrealistically aggressive.
Despite these flaws, theres still some fun to be found when the gameplay works as intended. Pulling off finishers and chaining combos can feel satisfying, but those moments are too often overshadowed by technical problems.
**Career & Progression:**
WWE 2K20 includes both the MyCareer mode and the 2K Showcase. MyCareer allows players to create and follow two custom superstarsa male and a femalethrough their journey to WWE stardom. The inclusion of both genders is a welcome addition, and the story offers some entertaining moments and cutscenes featuring real wrestlers. However, the writing is often corny, and performance glitches undercut many key moments.
The Showcase mode focuses on the Womens Evolution, highlighting the rise of female superstars like Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bayley, and Sasha Banks. Its a meaningful concept that celebrates an important shift in WWE history, but again, the poor presentation and unreliable gameplay frequently ruin the experience.
**Modes & Features:**
The game features a variety of standard modesUniverse Mode, Exhibition, Online, and Towersbut all are plagued by bugs and long load times. Universe Mode still allows players to customize shows and storylines, yet the interface feels dated and lacks innovation. Online matches suffer from connection issues and lag, often making them unplayable.
The character creation suite remains one of the highlights. Players can design detailed wrestlers, arenas, and championships, and the creative freedom is as deep as ever. Unfortunately, glitches and crashes can cause loss of progress, which dampens the excitement.
**Graphics & Presentation:**
Visually, WWE 2K20 is a major step backward from its predecessors. Character models often look awkward or poorly animated, with some wrestlers barely resembling their real-life counterparts. Lighting and textures lack polish, and the overall presentation feels unfinished.
The most glaring issue is the sheer number of graphical bugsfloating hair, missing limbs, and warped animations are common. Even basic visual elements, like ropes or crowd reactions, can behave erratically. The entrances, once a series hallmark, lack the flair and realism seen in earlier installments.
**Sound & Commentary:**
The commentary team includes familiar voices, but their dialogue is repetitive and frequently out of sync with the on-screen action. Sound effects for strikes and slams are decent, but crowd reactions often feel off, either too quiet or awkwardly timed. The soundtrack includes a mix of rock and pop tracks that fit the WWE atmosphere, but its not particularly memorable.
