WWE 2K20 (Deluxe Edition)

WWE 2K20 is a simulation-style wrestling game from Visual Concepts, covering the full breadth of the WWE universe across several modes: MyCareer, the Four Horsewomen-focused 2K Showcase, Universe Mode, Towers, and standard exhibition matches ranging from one-on-one bouts to chaotic multi-person match types like Hell in a Cell, TLC, Extreme Rules, Backstage Brawl, and Fall Count Anywhere. On paper, that is a serious content package. In practice, the launch version became one of the most talked-about disasters in modern sports game history, with a #FixWWE2K20 hashtag trending at release and PlayStation reportedly offering refunds. The Deluxe Edition adds the full season pass, which includes the 2K Originals packs, most notably "Bump in the Night" - a horror-themed story mode starring Finn Balor at the Wyatt Compound, fighting monster-ified versions of Braun Strowman, Randy Orton, and Bray Wyatt's Fiend persona. That DLC concept was genuinely creative and is probably the most interesting content in the package. So what went wrong? This was the first entry built entirely by Visual Concepts after Yuke's, the longtime series co-developer, departed. The transition showed badly. Hit detection whiffs on moves that should connect, the AI counters at a near-relentless pace that drags matches out, and the control scheme was overhauled without an option to revert, moving the reversal from the right trigger to a face button - a change that muscle-memory regulars will feel every single match. Character models are a visible step back from WWE 2K19, with glassy expressions and animations that veer from robotic to outright physics-breaking. The PC version specifically drew criticism for crashes within the first couple of hours of play. Online servers have since been shut down entirely (Road to Glory and MyPlayer Towers closed in 2021, full multiplayer and Community Creations in 2022), so the Deluxe Edition you are buying today is a pure offline product. For couch play, the split-screen multiplayer is still there, and throwing four people into a wild tornado tag or a ladder match can absolutely generate a fun evening. The reversal system, when you get used to the new layout, does reward reading your opponent rather than just button-mashing, since reversals are rationed per match. The roster sits at a massive 238 characters including variations, so dream-match booking across Universe Mode has genuine legs. The creation suite lets you customize wrestlers, entrances, move-sets, and arenas in deep detail. If casual "who wins in a dream match" sessions are your goal, there is enough here to keep a group entertained. The honest read: this is a patched-up version of a game that was originally unshippable. Some bugs were squashed post-launch, targeting was improved, and it plays better than its day-one state. But with servers offline, the control quirks still present, and newer entries in the series available, WWE 2K20 Deluxe is really for committed WWE fans who want the 2K Originals DLC story content, or groups looking for couch split-screen brawling on a tight budget. Newcomers to wrestling games will find the reworked controls confusing, and solo players chasing a polished career mode will run into too many rough edges to fully enjoy it. Go in knowing what it is, and you might actually have a decent Saturday night with it.

Riley · Scout Team

Sports & racing

Be the first to comment on WWE 2K20 (Deluxe Edition).