In all annual sports video games, the first question many fans ask when the newest version is released is, “what’s the difference between the new one and the old one?”
Having played every WWE 2K game in existence, including WWE 2K19 and the newly released WWE 2K20, I can tell you the difference between the two most recent titles in the series.
Visually Better In Spots, Worse In Others
There are aspects of WWE 2K20 that show visual improvements over WWE 2K19, such as the entrances for certain Superstars. The colors pop a little more, especially as it pertains to details in tattoos.
However, there are other areas of the game that were actually more visibly attractive in2K19. In the ring, the lighting is better in most arenas, and some of the character models from 2K19 are better as well.
This is one of the more disappointing aspects of WWE 2K20.
The Gameplay Has Declined
If you read my full review, then you know I have an issue with the gameplay in WWE 2K20. It is a significant falloff in every way from WWE 2K19.
The targeting and flow of the combat system is off, and that is what hinders this year’s experience more than anything.
The button mapping has changed a bit with reversals now moved to the top face button. Signatures, finishers and OMG moments are now double-button presses. Neither of these changes is a big deal, but it will take some getting used to for returning fans.
Female MyCareer
One of the biggest additions to WWE 2K20 is the inclusion of the female MyCareer experience. This is the first release in the series’ history that allows fans to create and go through a MyCareer with a female.
When you start MyCareer in WWE 2K20, you have to create a male and female character. If nothing else, 2K checked this major item off its most-frequently requested lists from fans.
The 2K Showcase Focuses On The Women’s Evolution
In WWE 2K19, the Showcase mode was all about the Daniel Bryan story. It was told well and the challenges were fun to complete. In keeping with the inclusion theme, the 2K Showcase tells the story of the WWE Women’s Evolution.
There are so many important matches and moments that have led the WWE women to their current place, 2K couldn’t have included all of them.
That said, a good number of the most iconic moments are a part of your journey.
Better Structured Road to Glory and Archetypes
Like many sports video games, WWE 2K has adopted the archetype concept. It was a little too restrictive in WWE 2K19. There were a number of former and current Superstars in the industry that you couldn’t create. Vader was one of them.
In WWE 2K20, the restrictions on the larger archetypes aren’t as tight, but there could still be a little more leeway given in this area.
More Towers
The Towers concept worked will in 2K19, and it has been brought back even bigger in WWE 2K20. There are three different kinds of Towers and in general, there are more of them to choose from in this year’s game.
Roman Reigns’ rise and resurgence is the subject of one of the Towers and he narrates the journey. The Towers approach wasn’t as fleshed out in WWE 2K19.
More In-Depth Universe Mode
In WWE 2K20, Universe mode managers have more access with the number of matches they can assign to pay-per-views and weekly shows. There are also other similar improvements that serve as more of an incremental boost to the mode than a major upgrade.
The gap between Universe and GM mode has been closed.
Chyna is In
The 9th Wonder of the World has finally been added to a WWE video game. Her render isn’t spectacular, but she’s in. The WWE 2K20 roster is pretty large with more than 200 playable characters.
Chyna is the biggest addition to the roster from a legends standpoint while icons like Rob Van Dam, King Kong Bundy, Rick Rude and others still aren’t a part of the game. Perhaps the most notably missing current star is NXT UK standout Walter.
WWE 2K Originals
Besides the female MyCareer, the most notable new feature in WWE 2K20 are the 2K Originals. The Originals are this year’s downloadable content. Each content drop will bring new task-based challenges set in fantasy environments with alternative versions of popular WWE Superstars.
Completing these challenges will unlock new characters, arenas, weapons, and more.
Summary
Overall, I don’t see enough of a difference to recommend buying WWE 2K20 if you already have WWE 2K19. The gameplay is better on the latter, and if you’re looking for new members of the roster, or even updated likenesses, the WWE 2K creation community will likely fill those gaps for you.
