WWE 2K who opted to skip the WWE 2K9 Woooo Edition can now play this year’s iteration of 2K’s yearly WWE 2K game as WWE 2K19 is now available to everyone for PC, PS4 and Xbox One. This year’s version of the game features a massive roster of over 200 characters from Raw, Smackdown, NXT, WWE Legends and Hall of Famers.

Here’s what Greg Thomas, President at Visual Concepts, had to say:

“With a ‘Never Say Never’ campaign tagline, we wanted to push the boundaries of game development for WWE 2K19 but also bring innovative storytelling and genuine fun back to the forefront of everything we offer our passionate fans. We’re thrilled to offer our largest roster to date; the return of 2K Showcase featuring WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan; the debut of WWE Towers and fun match settings like Big Head and Block Body; a wide variety of gameplay additions and improvements; as well as best-in-class creation tools and a brand new MyCAREER narrative. There’s truly something for everyone in WWE 2K19.”

Considering this game is a yearly release, Yuke’s and Visual Concepts need to improve their formula in order to avoid it becoming stale year after year so what’s new this year?

  • Revamped striking system
  • Improved A.I.
  • Introduction of the Payback System, a multi-tiered and defensive-based mechanic used to help turn match momentum
  • Framerate
  • Overall responsiveness and animations have greatly been improved

WWE 2K19 also introduce five-person match types along with a re-envisioned Hell in a Cell and major changes to the Steel Cage and Money in the Bank match types. And thanks to Showcase mode, players can live the journey of Daniel Bryan from his career-defining moment in the Wrestlemania 30 main event of WrestleMania 30 to his retirement to his triumphant return in 2018. Daniel Bryan himself retells his path through personal vignettes.

Those who pre-ordered the game or purchased the Deluxe Edition can also get “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey (WrestleMania 34/Roddy Piper-inspired skin) and Rey Mysterio (Royal Rumble 2018 skin).

Along with the game’s release, the Million Dollar Challenge begins today. This contest requires players to submit a video as to why they would beat AJ Styles at WWE 2K19. Selected contestants will then participate in a tournament where the winner will face AJ Styles in WWE 2K19 and were they to win, they’ll get their hands on $1 000 000.

The developers also added an interesting twist to MyCAREER mode by having players start on the independent wrestling scene as they try to make their way and earn a spot in the WWE. There’s also a Mortal Kombat-like tower mode aptly named WWE Towers where players can choose amidst 20 different towers each with a unique gauntlet of matches with different stipulation, challenges and player modifications.

And finally, as usual, the game has a season pass that players can purchase separately and here’s what’s included:

  • Accelerator
  • MyPlayer KickStart
  • New Moves Pack
  • Rising Stars Pack
  • Titans Pack