The video game-playing rallying scene is about to experience a new shift, with the arrival of EA Sports WRC. Taking the license that Nacon was working on for years, and developed by the team behind the DiRT Rally series at Codemasters, this one promises an immersive and authentic rallying experience. We had the chance to get hands-on with a preview build of the game on PC, and it’s safe to say that the rally faithfuls are in for a treat.
What We Know
EA Sports WRC is an ambitious title that allows players to craft their dream rally car from a comprehensive array of components, thanks to the introduction of the Builder mode. Not stopping there, the game also introduces Moments mode, enabling players to relive legendary moments from the World Rally Championship across multiple seasons. With a revamped multi-surface handling model and a dynamic degradation system, the gameplay experience promises to be a bit of a reboot for WRC fans.
The switch to the Unreal Engine has enabled Codemasters to create expansive stages, doubling the size of maps compared to previous iterations. This means players will navigate over 200 stages across 17 globally renowned locations, from the winding roads of Monte Carlo to the challenging terrains of Kenya and Japan. The car roster is equally impressive, offering over 70 authentic vehicles, including Rally1, Rally2, Junior WRC, and a collection of meticulously recreated historic cars.
For those with an eye for customization, the game offers a detailed livery editor, allowing players to add a personal touch to their racing machines. Additionally, a Rally School feature provides essential lessons for mastering the diverse surfaces encountered in rallying, ensuring players are well-equipped to tackle the challenges that will come their way.
What We Saw
We were given access to a preview build of EA Sports WRC, experiencing the game on the PC platform through Steam. Our hands-on build allowed us to delve into the heart of the rallying action, giving us a taste of what the game has to offer.
What We Thought
EA Sports WRC breathes new life into a genre that’s been needing that for a while now. The transition to the Unreal Engine allows for a bit boost in both scale and visual fidelity, with stages that mirror the challenges faced by real-world rally drivers more than ever before. The handling model strikes a delicate balance, offering an accessible experience for newcomers while demanding precision and finesse from seasoned players – Dirt Rally players will feel quite at home here.
One of the standout features in EA Sports WRC is the introduction of the Builder mode, where players have the opportunity to assemble and/or customize their own rally car. This level of customization adds a layer of personalization that will resonate with enthusiasts, allowing them to fine-tune their vehicle to suit their individual style and preferences. The inclusion of the Moments mode is also great for fans of the sport, offering a nostalgic journey through iconic moments in WRC history.
However, there are areas that warrant attention. The transition to Unreal Engine, while enabling grander stages, gave us some performance challenges with frame rate drops and some stuttering. Some optimization is going to be needed pre-launch, but with a few weeks left these things are addressable, and improvements are to be expected as the game nears its release in a few weeks.
In conclusion, EA Sports WRC is poised to boost the rallying genre forward. With its excellent handling, extensive content, and innovative features like the Builder mode, it’s evident that Codemasters has poured their passion and expertise into this project. If the final product irons out the performance kinks, we’re looking at a rallying experience that should appeal to both seasoned sim racers and casual enthusiasts – bridging a gap that’s long been there in rally racing.
Press Play Media 