WWE 2K20: 5 Worst Character Models

As someone that has spent up to £100 on WWE games each year for the past decade and a half, I can honestly say that I’ve never been as disappointed as I have been with a wrestling game until I played WWE 2K20. As we’ve covered extensively, the game is just awful.

After losing Yuke’s during the production process, previous co-developers Visual Concepts were put under the strain of the October release schedule, so it’s not hard to see why all of these bugs and issues have made it through to the base game. Where I can empathise to a certain degree, a lot of what we’re seeing is downright unforgivable and a lot of that starts with the horrific character models.

I’ve seen plenty of people coming out and saying that, to them, graphics aren’t everything. I beg to differ. When you’ve come from WWE 2K19, a game which, for the best part, has some pretty incredible life-like character models, and then having to see what’s included in 2K20, it’s hard to claim that the sudden drop in presentation isn’t hurting the player’s experience.

WWE games have always prided themselves on at least presenting the superstars to their best. If the gameplay ever let us down, we could always turn to the impeccable graphics to find some positives. However, this year, all we can see is some poorly rendered, glitchy attempts at creating the modern day combatants.

In this piece, we’re going to run down the 5 worst character models from WWE 2K20. Make sure you drop your own personal lowlights in the comments below.

 

1. Matt Riddle

‘The Original Bro’ makes his video-game debut as part of WWE 2K20. As one of the most exciting newcomers to the franchise, many fans have been let down by the horrific in-game model put together for the former UFC fighter. Riddle’s charm and eccentric mannerisms have been totally lost on a very rough representation of the up and coming superstar.

A running theme throughout these entries will be the downgrade in hair physics. 2K have seemingly forgotten, or never been taught, how to generate realistic physics for longer hairstyles. Riddle’s luscious mane has been replaced with a shorter, stagnant hairpiece that would bring ‘The Stallion’ to shame.

Here’s hoping that 2K manage to patch in some better hair styles/physics later on in the game’s lifetime. For now though, I can’t bring myself to even sit through his entrance.

 

2. Pete Dunne

A few months back, I made the case for Pete Dunne getting a makeover as part of WWE 2K20. His model wasn’t exactly terrible in his first appearance as part of the franchise, but it could certainly use a few tweaks to keep him as updated as possible. Where 2K20’s model has been improved in certain regards, overall what we’ve been given is a massive step backwards.

The instant reaction to ‘The Bruiserweight’ is that the beard looks terrible, and totally ruins his facial scan. Obviously Pete has embraced the face-fuzz, but seeing it painted on to his model in such a way is just laughable.

Again, 2K couldn’t seem to get the hair physics down with this model either. His longer locks have very little motion to them, which is a shame considering how Pete Dunne’s look is such a defining factor in his career. He’s a unique superstar that deserved to be captured in a much better way than what we’ve been given.

 

 

3. Molly Holly

I think we’ve all seen the collection of terrible facial scans from 2K20 that’s circulating the meme pages. Amongst those awful in-game models is Molly Holly, a returning superstar who hasn’t been included in a WWE game since SmackDown vs Raw on the PS2. She’s definitely a welcome sight, but having now seen her scan, I’m pretty certain she was lifted straight from the SVR files.

There was no effort whatsoever put into making Molly Holly’s character an accurate representation of her real-life self. She stands out like a sore thumb when put in the ring with some of the more detailed models like Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair.

It’s a shame that a legend of the Women’s division hasn’t been given more attention, especially seeing as this game puts focus on WWE’s female talent.

 

4. Trent Seven

Another member of British Strong Style that 2K have done the dirty on this year, Trent Seven has been made to look like a bit of a chump. ‘The Don’ prides himself on being one of the most groomed gents in all of pro-wrestling, but in 2K20, they’ve completely brushed over the point and turned him into a typical burly hoss. Even the moustache is understated, and that’s his whole gimmick.

Trent’s slicked, silver hair has been darkened and again, the beard has been painted on. I’m not sure what it is with 2K, but they can’t seem to produce any NXT UK stars without them being criticised. Tyler Bate became widely regarded as one of the worst models in 2K19, and this year I’m putting that on his partner, Trent.

Hopefully, like last year, 2K will throw some patches and updates Trent Seven’s way a few weeks after release. Meanwhile, CAW aficionados have been working on alternate attires that gives Trent a much-needed makeover, so if you’re in need of a quick fix, then best get on those community creations.

 

5. The Rock

You’d think that 2K would have at least wanted to nail the model of ‘The Great One’. Dwayne Johnson has become globally recognised for his many blockbuster roles, so naturally most non-wrestling fans who happen to pick up and play WWE 2K20 would instantly jump on the chance to play as The Rock. Unfortunately, those same fans would be met with a very poor recreation of one of the most iconic faces of the modern era.

Considering how incredible The Rock has looked in previous instalments, it’s a real shame to see WWE’s most successful talent be so poorly rendered. It’s not even like there’s any shortage on reference material, 2K could easily look up how Dwayne looks in his latest film and build a scan from there.

Regardless, those looking to start producing any dream matches or re-creations of historic rivalries will have to deal with a rather silly looking version of The Rock.