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| EA SPORTS WRC review: Go full throttle or go home |
In a major overhaul of its flagship rally game, EA SPORTS WRC 2023 has embraced Unreal Engine technology, promising gamers a visually stunning and exhilarating racing experience. With stages extending over 30 kilometers and an impressive roster of 78 cars and 200+ stages encompassing the entire 2023 WRC season, this game is a rallying enthusiast's dream.
Shakedown
EA SPORTS WRC 2023 offers various online modes, including the unique "Clubs," where players can organize and participate in online rallies using EA's Racenet app. "Moments" presents players with curated rally scenarios, challenging them to claim the fastest time on the leaderboard. One such scenario recreates Colin McRae's iconic 1992 1000 Lakes rally attempt, paying homage to the franchise's history.
Create Your Rally Legacy
A notable addition to the game is the ability to customize your driving avatar and select your favorite rally car from a wide range spanning the '60s to the present day. Moreover, the "Builder mode" empowers players to craft their Rally1, Rally2, or Rally3 cars from scratch, gradually unlocking better components during the game's career mode. The result might resemble an OEM parts warehouse explosion, but it adds a unique personal touch to the experience.
Stage Mode
EA SPORTS WRC 2023's career mode is where players will spend most of their time. They can choose from three different classes, participate in numerous events, hire engineers, teammates, and buy new cars – all while adhering to budget constraints imposed by their enigmatic benefactor, Max Lucre. Wise decisions are crucial, as you can only perform one task per calendar week.
Exquisite Sound Design
The game's sound design is remarkable, capturing the distinctive anti-lag effects of Rally1 cars with precision. While most cars sound authentic, there are minor misses, such as the Mitsubishi Galant VR4. A new addition, the photo mode, enhances the gaming experience, allowing players to capture dynamic images reminiscent of EA and Codemasters' F1 series.
A Different Rally Experience
The introduction of regularity rallies, focusing on precise arrival times rather than a race against the clock, adds a unique twist to the traditional rally format. Although it may lack the immediate excitement of standard rallies, it offers a different dimension for players to explore.
Rallying at Its Best
EA SPORTS WRC 2023 provides a driving experience akin to Codemasters' previous rally game, DiRT Rally 2.0. The gravel stages feel particularly engaging, urging players to master the art of handling their cars through twists and turns. However, the transition to asphalt can be challenging, as cars sometimes feel floaty, requiring constant corrections.
Support for All
The game caters to both steering wheel and gamepad users, making it accessible to a wide audience. However, occasional visual stutters can disrupt gameplay in critical moments. When the game runs smoothly, it boasts diverse landscapes, adding authenticity to WRC locations.
WRC Enthusiasts Rejoice
Despite some performance and stability issues, EA SPORTS WRC 2023 promises an authentic rally experience, complete with realistic cars, exhaust notes, and a rich career mode. It's a rally buff's dream come true. The game aims to address stability concerns shortly after launch and is planning to introduce VR support for the PC version post-release.
In conclusion, EA SPORTS WRC 2023 is a worthy successor to the DiRT Rally series, making it a must-have for rally fans. Mark your calendars as it releases on November 3 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with early access for pre-order customers starting on October 31.
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