Rey Mysterio Takes On Damien Priest In WWE 2K22 Gameplay Breakdown

On the road to WWE 2K22’s March release, 2K released the first of its Ringside Report series. These developer commentary videos are designed to showcase in-game footage while providing developer commentary on the game’s systems. The first part focuses on in-ring action, describing the new combat system and simplified philosophy. 

We saw footage from an in-game match between Rey Mysterio, the cover artist, and Damien Priest, the current United States Champion. This was our first opportunity to view it. The 2K team spends much of the video emphasizing the game’s increased accessibility thanks to a more simplified control scheme that makes 2K22 easier for newcomers to grasp. Though the game is more of a pick-up-and-play experience, there’s still plenty of depth for veterans in learning how to execute strike/grapple combos (which can be customized) and time reversals. 

While standard reversals can negate most actions, combos and grapples can only be stopped by executing a new counter called the Breaker. This manever can only be triggered by hitting the same strike or grapple input being used against you. That means predicting your opponent’s attack works to your advantage. 

Another new feature is blocking. The reversal button can be held to put you into a blocking stance. This allows you to better resist light/heavy/running strike. It also allows you to counterattack faster than your opponent. A dodge button mapped to the right bumper lets you evade attacks by hitting it at the right time. However, 2K warns that this poses a greater risk than using a block. 

Players must repeatedly push a button to fill the meter with enough water to kick out a pin, or get up off the mat. This is similar to the WWE games in the mid-2000s. No more mini-pinfalls. To spend immediate resources, hit the bumper. 

It has also been cut down from the busier versions of its superstar HUD. The HUD now features three meters, including vitality, an extra meter that can perform signature, defensive, or payback moves and the finishermeter, which stores up to three finished players. The body damage indicator remains, but the reversal stock has been axed; players now have unlimited reversals, but they’re tougher to pull off. Though it doesn’t appear on the HUD, characters now have a stun meter as well. You can fill the stunmeter quicker by using weaker attacks. The stun meter is filled up and makes it vulnerable for you big move. 

2K22’s graphics are impressive, thanks to the new VFX engines and new graphics. However, special care has been given to lighting. 2K stressed that the presentation of the lighting for classic matches should be the same as the broadcasts. In-game footage of Rey Mysterio vs Eddie Guerrero at WrestleMania 21, for example, provides a great example of how the game matches the lighting of 2005, further selling the idea that you’re playing a match from yesteryear. 2K22 has the Havok’s physics engine fully integrated. This means 2K22 includes breakable weapons, props and such things as the corner barsricade that can degrade more realistically. 

WWE fans have waited impatiently for a real look at the game in action, making today’s presentation a welcomed update. Everything we’ve seen looks promising, so we only hope that it all comes together when WWE 2K22 launches March 11 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, And PC. To learn more about the game’s special editions, including an nWo-themed package, click here.