We've played WWE 2K25, and while it's got the potential to go beyond WWE 2K24 and be the Tribal Chief, we were most impressed by how showcase mode gives the Wise Man time to shineTech12:04, 06 Feb 2025Updated 12:30, 06 Feb 2025WWE 2K25 looks fantastic, and plays well too(Image: 2K)WWE 2K25 is just weeks away at this point, and there's naturally a big focus on the Bloodline. One of the most long-running stables and storylines in WWE history, pulling in heroes and villains from across the WWE universe, it's the focus of this year's Showcase mode.Still, as it turns out, the real star of the mode is none other than Paul Heyman. Last year's Hall of Fame inductee is always an absolute treat to watch on a live broadcast, but in giving him free rein to narrate the interstitial vignettes of showcase mode, we get the 'Wise Man' at his best.As only Paul Heyman can, he chews the scenery when setting the stakes for Nia Jax vs Lyra Valkyria or positing how The Wild Samoans vs The Dudley Boyz in a tables match would play out, but when it comes to Roman Reigns vs Seth Rollins at the 2022 Royal Rumble, his tone shifts from hype man to hushed tones.It's a tonal shift that adds the kind of gravitas some prior showcase modes have lacked. A small touch, but an important one, and that's the story of WWE 2K25.Character models are staggeringly detailed(Image: 2K)Whether you're in a single match or Showcase mode, 2K25 looks absolutely fantastic. Character models are so far beyond those of its rivals that it feels like 2K is flexing its proverbial muscles with each passing year, but there's even more chance to see every part of your chosen Superstar.That's thanks to a series of new entrance cameras which let you cycle between the traditional cinematic camera, or view the back of your grappler as they walk down to the ring. It's a nifty way to feel like you're contributing to the broadcast package in some way and showing off the lighting, and I'm curious to see how other arenas change the angles.Entrances now have adjustable camera angles(Image: 2K)There are limits Rollins' Royal Rumble 2022 entry with his Shield attire as he comes through the crowd means the camera remains fixed, while some stages look a little empty from some angles, but it's a great addition that almost feels like it's always been there.There's a return to chain wrestling in the early stages of a match, too, and I'm glad to see it back, allowing for quick pins and shows of strength that feed into the narrative side of the sport.In many ways, it can feel like WWE 2K24 with extra bells on, but given we dubbed that game one of our favourite wrestling games around, it's hard to feel shortchanged and that foundation could see WWE 2K25 take its place at the head of the table.Intergender matches are finally here(Image: 2K)That's to say nothing of The Island, an ambitious social area that wasn't in the build I played, but intergender matches were included. If you've ever wanted to see Nia Jax take on Roman Reigns, now's your chance, and it just helps lean into WWE 2K's nature as a sort of wrasslin' sandbox. We can see why it wasn't included for some time, but now it's here, it'll help set up some dream matches for sure.As if to underline that, WWE 2K25 ditches the 'Slingshot' tech from showcase mode. It was nifty a couple of years back but started to feel like each match was becoming half cinematic. While it won't be to everyone's tastes, it means the mode can have a little more fun, offering matches like the aforementioned Wild Samoans against the Dudley Boyz in a table match.We'll talk about the Underground match at a later date, but perhaps just as fun are new backstage areas including the WWE Archives. If you've ever wanted to wield Triple H's sledgehammer, hurl an opponent into one of Undertaker's tombstones, or see classic props, it's a fun scrap down memory lane.Add to that some nice quality-of-life features like knowing when your superstar will be able to get up or shake off a stun, and everything just feels slicker, more polished, and user-friendly than ever not unlike WWE's move to Netflix.Solo managed to choke me out almost instantly(Image: 2K)It's not quite perfect. Match pacing is a little askew, as Solo Sikoa forced me to tap out with his bearhug literally after the bell, while the aforementioned tag team tables match was a little anticlimactic as my partner threw one of the Dudley's through the wood with relative ease while I was scrapping outside.Still, none of that really matters when you counter Seth Rollins' curb stomp, and follow up with a Roman Reign's spear for the win.Based on the current trajectory of the WWE 2K games, it'll be tricky for 2K25 to eclipse last year's game, but early signs suggest that's exactly what could happen.Article continues belowWe'll need to spend time with The Island and MyFaction nearer to launch, but for now, it's a very exciting time to be a fan of the series.Previewed on Xbox Series X.