I want to like this game, I really do. The gameplay is the most fun I've had in ages, the ragdoll physics are a wonderful addition, Three Stages of Hell and Inferno are some of the best matchtypes I've ever seen.

Too bad the rest of the game is just completely horrendous.

Why do we have to unlock the DLC we paid for? Why can't we edit clothing we unlocked from the Island in offline modes? What exactly was the problem with the Eric Bischoff grinding method?

Oh, it's because then they wouldn't get as many tier skip purchases. This is probably the last 2K game I'll buy, and that's a damn shame, because I love 2K26.

I just can't support these decisions. Enshittification is real, and it's come for WWE.

crashes my game when i try to play with the characters

Other than a few laggy instances, this game has been fairly good to me. I still cannot recommend the game itself though, as around 45-50% of characters are locked behind one of three things:

1. Showcase, which is a slog to get through. Timed objectives, the MITB was a nightmare, tornado tag partners ending the match before you can even get a single objective done.
2. MyRise, and the new "WWE Live" mechanic. In order to unlock all of the WWE Live characters, you must play 56 5-star matches (or more if you get less than 5 stars). Another huge slog, and a time waster.
3. MyFaction. Just a Gacha mode in of itself. Spend 500 dollars for a skin of Roman Reigns that....should have been in the game already.

The new match types themselves are pretty good, though certain things break the game. It's Early Access though, so it's to be expected.

Will I play the hell out of this game? Of course. Can I, in good faith, recommend others buy it? Of course not. Buying this game would just tell Take Two "Hey, locking everything behind monetization works!", leading to even worse outcomes.

Update : A lot of issues were fixed, and it's still fun. Sometimes it crashes, but that's to be expected. The devs have been trying their best though, and I feel like they've earned this recommended.

Pretty good, not usually a fan of bullet hell, but loved the game.

No, I did not buy it to gain access to the Happy Tree Friends profile customization. Please add more though. I need it.