WWE 2K24 fans can rejoice as the series has released the ECW Punk Pack from their Season Pass. The latest downloadable content features ECW legends The Sandman, Terry Funk, and The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley). It also spotlights WWE fan favorite CM Punk, who returns to the video game series after his last appearance in WWE 2K15.
When WWE 2K24 was revealed on January 22, fans wanted Punk to be playable at launch. Unfortunately, the game’s roster was already set, and the developers decided to make him a part of their DLC.
The beloved wrestling game offers fans the option to buy Season Pass for $39.99 or the ECW Punk Pack as a standalone for $9.99. I’ve played with the new characters from the DLC enough to share my review, which I’ll rate from 1 to 10.
WWE 2K24 Delivers On The Realism
As the case for the base game, WWE 2K developers did an incredible job making each wrestler from the DLC look stunning. The game captures each character model to look as realistic as their counterparts.
For example, Punk looks like he is currently on TV, with great detail, from his tattoo to the greys in his beard. I was also pleasantly surprised by how much care the developers put into each character’s entrance. It’s very noticeable when Punk comes out on the stage and does his signature pose; the fans chant his name loudly as they do each week on TV.
Another fun detail is when The Sandman makes his entrance and smashes a beer can on his head; he starts to bleed like he did during his career. Unfortunately, he doesn’t make his signature walk from the crowd but instead comes from the stage. It’s unclear why the developers could not add this feature to his entrance. However, I appreciate that they try to make The Sandman entrance unique.
WWE 2K24 may have its issues, but it undeniably does a great job of capturing the performers realistically. Each ECW Punk Pack character model makes me appreciate how far wrestling games have come over the years.
Move Set For Each Character Is Great
One of my concerns was if WWE 2K24’s latest DLC would include the signature move set of each character. For the most part, I can say that the WWE 2K developers did a great job of getting the in-ring moves with a few omissions.
The noticeable move missing from my playthrough with The Dudley Boyz was not having their popular assisted Diving Headbutt to the groin. It would’ve been nice if fans would’ve been able to recreate a move that is signature to their style. However, the 3-D is in the game and could be done from the corner. Another excellent inclusion for longtime Punk fans is that the Pepsi Plunge(Avalanche Pedigree) is his super finisher in the game.
I wish certain moves were included with each wrestler. However, it’s not enough to bring my enjoyment down from playing with them. The WWE 2K developers captured most of their signature and think fans will appreciate what they put into the game.
Conclusion
I think WWE 2K24 ECW Punk Pack is an excellent start for Season Pass. Fans may complain about specific decisions, like The Sandman’s entrance, that don’t capture each character to their fullest potential. That said, I enjoyed playing with the addition to the already-loaded roster and can’t wait to play against other gamers online or local with them.
This DLC sets the tone for what fans should expect for the following four packs later this year. Hopefully, they can also deliver as well as the ECW Punk Pack for character detail and signature moves.
I give WWE 2K24’s latest DLC ECW Punk Pack a 9 out of 10.