It will be released on November 3rd with EA Sports WRC The first true next-gen rally game. The official WRC license follows last year's release. WRC Generations from Kylotonn to Codemasters. They are not only responsible for the Formula 1 games that have been successful for years, but also in 2019 Dirt Rally 2.0 They've done it. The British development studio is therefore very familiar with racing games and especially rally simulations.
Hopes and expectations are correspondingly high. We had the opportunity to try out an extensive preview build on PC and will reveal in this preview whether it's enough for a stage win or whether the new WRC game crosses the finish line with a flat tire. The version we were able to play was already quite complete. However, the developers emphasize that the technical state doesn't yet represent that of the release version. Nevertheless, it ran quite smoothly.
New engine, old strengths
With the switch from Dirt to WRC, Codemasters is also making a move from its in-house Ego Engine to the powerful Unreal Engine 4. This not only allows for more attractive graphics but also significantly longer stages. Some stages in the game are up to 35 kilometers long. Dirt Rally 2.0 There were only a few stages that were longer than 10 kilometers. The longer stages are closer to the real thing and demand even more from you.
The environments, of which there are a total of 17 in the game, all look fantastic. From the snow-covered mountain roads of Monaco to sun-drenched gravel tracks in Sardinia and narrow streets in Japan, there's truly something for everyone. The entire calendar of this year's WRC is represented, although the European Rally, which takes place at the end of October, will be added in a later update. In addition, there are fictional rallies that take you to places like Indonesia. While the stages aren't recreated exactly, many famous locations from rally history are included.
The engine change, by the way, has little effect on the driving behavior. Dirt Rally 2.0 was a real revelation in this respect and EA Sports WRC This feels like it takes things to another level. You really get a feel for the weight and speed of the vehicles and quickly develop a real flow as you tear through narrow forest tracks at over 100 km/h. One of the biggest weaknesses of its quasi-predecessor was the asphalt sections. Codemasters has significantly improved this, but we'll need to spend more time with the final version of the game before we can make a definitive judgment.
There is so much to do!
One strength that we were also able to identify during our initial playthrough is the scope of the game. EA Sports WRC It offers a whole range of exciting modes. You can dive into a classic career mode, where you'll have to manage your team, your car, and, most importantly, your budget. This should offer plenty of long-term motivation, as you can work your way up from the very bottom. Which class you start in is entirely up to you. So, if you want to start directly with the current Rally 1 cars, you can easily do so.
Those who aren't interested in the management aspect can simply start a "normal" championship. In addition, there are Time Trials and a Rally School that teaches you various maneuvers and basics. A real boon for beginners, as the title is just as unforgiving as its predecessors. The Rally Moments essentially replace the daily challenges from Dirt Rally. Here, you replay scenarios from rally history and, for example, have to complete a stage within a specific time.
Completely new, however, is the Builder Mode, which lets you easily assemble your own rally car. From technical details and the chassis to the interior, you can customize everything yourself. You can then use your car in career mode and other game modes. A great feature that fans are sure to enjoy.
Our impressions of EA Sports WRC
All in all, it leaves EA Sports WRC It truly makes a first-class impression. This title could very well be the rally game fans have been wishing for for years. With its vast array of vehicles, environments, and game modes, the scope is enormous. The handling is fun and challenging; anyone aiming for record times will really have to push themselves, and that's a good thing! Let's just hope the game is released without any technical issues and in a polished state. Then rally fans can look forward to a thrilling autumn and winter!
