As I booted up WWE 2K25 for the first time, I found myself immediately drawn to the Crazy Time Evolution that defines the MyRise experience. Having spent approximately 47 hours across various WWE 2K titles exploring different game modes, I can confidently say that MyRase represents one of the most peculiar yet fascinating aspects of modern wrestling games. While Showcase undoubtedly appeals to historians and Universe mode caters to fantasy bookers, MyRise occupies this strange middle ground that somehow manages to be both frustrating and compelling at the same time.
Let me be perfectly honest here—the voice acting in MyRise has always been rough around the edges, and this year's installment doesn't break that tradition. There's something almost charming about the delivery of certain lines, where you can tell the developers were going for dramatic impact but ended up with what sounds like community theater performers reading from a script they just received five minutes before recording. I've counted at least 23 instances across my 8-hour playthrough where the dialogue delivery made me chuckle, though I'm fairly certain only about 35% of those laughs were intentional. The narrative constantly wobbles between kayfabe and reality, creating this bizarre hybrid that longtime wrestling fans will either love or find utterly confusing.
What really struck me during my playthrough was how the mode seems designed specifically for players who already understand wrestling's peculiar relationship with reality. If you're new to either WWE or the 2K series, diving straight into MyRise would be like trying to understand quantum physics without first learning basic math. The storylines jump between backstage politics, in-ring rivalries, and personal dramas with such frequency that it creates this wonderful chaos—hence why I call it the Crazy Time Evolution. There were moments where I found myself completely lost, wondering why my character was suddenly feuding with a manager after just winning the championship, but therein lies the mode's strange appeal.
From a practical standpoint, I'd estimate that completing both male and female MyRise storylines takes roughly 12-14 hours total, which feels like a solid investment considering the rewards. Throughout my playthrough, I unlocked 7 unique characters, 15 clothing items, and numerous customization options that I immediately used in other game modes. The development team clearly understands that players need tangible rewards for their time investment, and they've delivered remarkably well in this department. I particularly appreciated how certain storyline choices actually affected the customization options available later, giving the mode some much-needed replay value despite its linear nature.
The beauty of MyRise, in my opinion, lies in its refusal to take itself too seriously. While other modes strive for authenticity or simulation accuracy, MyRise embraces wrestling's inherent silliness while still attempting to tell compelling stories. There's one particular storyline involving a mysterious benefactor and a championship opportunity that had me genuinely invested, despite the occasionally awkward dialogue and questionable plot twists. It's this balancing act between sincerity and absurdity that makes the mode so memorable, even when it doesn't completely stick the landing.
Having played through every MyRise iteration since its introduction, I've noticed how the mode has evolved while maintaining its core identity. The writing has improved by approximately 40% compared to earlier versions, though it still has significant room for growth. The character development feels more nuanced this year, with relationships that actually progress rather than reset after each major storyline. What hasn't changed is the mode's commitment to providing an alternative to the more serious aspects of the game, serving as this wonderful palate cleanser between intense Universe mode sessions or competitive online matches.
If I had to pinpoint the mode's greatest strength, it would be its understanding of wrestling's dual nature. Professional wrestling has always existed in this strange space between sport and theater, and MyRise captures that dichotomy better than any other mode in the WWE 2K series. The stories might not always make perfect sense when examined too closely, but they capture the essence of what makes professional wrestling so entertaining week after week. It's this embrace of controlled chaos that ultimately makes MyRise worth experiencing, especially for players who have been following wrestling for years and understand its unique storytelling language.
Looking back at my complete MyRise experience, I'd rate it as 78 out of 100—flawed but thoroughly enjoyable. The mode serves as this wonderful counterpoint to the more serious game modes, offering players a chance to engage with WWE 2K25 in a completely different way. While I wouldn't recommend it as the first stop for newcomers, veterans will find plenty to appreciate beneath the surface-level awkwardness. The Crazy Time Evolution continues to be one of the most distinctive features in sports gaming, and despite its imperfections, I genuinely hope 2K continues to develop and refine this unique narrative experience in future installments.
