WRC 8
- September 8, 2020
- KT Racing
- 4h median play time
Making small improvements over previous games not only adds up to WRC 8 being the best in the series, it’s also one of the best rally games around.
WRC 8 is the official video game of the 2019 FIA World Rally Championship. It offers improved physics, revamped career mode, and a wider range of customization options. With 50 teams, 14 rallies, and over 100 stages, WRC 8 delivers a realistic and immersive rally racing experience.
Reviews
- Significant improvements in vehicle behavior and handling compared to previous titles.
- Great graphics and immersive environments with dynamic weather effects.
- Fun and challenging gameplay, especially for rally enthusiasts and beginners.
- Poor force feedback and control issues, especially with racing wheels.
- Career mode can be frustrating due to restrictive objectives and management mechanics.
- Technical issues such as crashes, stuttering, and UI problems detract from the overall experience.
- graphics100 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the realistic visuals and detailed environments, while others criticize them for appearing outdated, reminiscent of earlier console generations. Many users note issues with graphical settings and performance, particularly on certain hardware configurations, leading to crashes or subpar visual quality. Overall, while there are commendable aspects, such as improved weather effects and immersive graphics, the game still faces significant criticism regarding its graphical fidelity and optimization.
“The graphics, the gameplay, and the tracks are good and is very cheap, so if you don't want a 100GB game and all you want is a basic yet realistic rally game, yeah, this game is for you.”
“Beautiful graphics and a fun game if you have a wheel and handbrake setup.”
“Sensational graphics, fast, realistic, and very responsive.”
“Graphically, the game looks like something from the Xbox 360 era. The game wouldn’t let me select textures any higher than medium despite having a 1660 Ti, which is enough for this game.”
“Every other graphical setting maxed out delivered smooth frame rates, but the game still looks like something from 2011.”
“The game is infested with microstuttering across all graphics settings.”
- optimization41 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its overall performance and visual quality, while others report significant issues such as microstuttering, sudden FPS drops, and the need to lower graphics settings for smoother gameplay. Despite the interesting features like crew management and car upgrades, many users feel that the game is poorly optimized compared to its predecessor, WRC 7, which ran better on higher settings. Overall, while there are elements of good optimization, the frequent performance issues detract from the experience.
“You can organize your crew, upgrade your car performance and durability, schedule events throughout the year, etc. I like the fact that you need to climb through ranks in order to reach WRC level.”
“In terms of overall performance, the game runs extremely well.”
“Honestly, the performance of WRC 8 is stellar.”
“Good physics but poorly optimized.”
“The game is infested with microstuttering across all graphics settings.”
“I wanted to like this game, loved WRC 7 but this one is not optimized well, doesn't look any better than 7 yet I have to put everything on medium to play properly while 7 ran on max, all the rally team management seems interesting though.”
- gameplay40 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this WRC title has received mixed reviews, with many praising its significant enhancements, smooth vehicle handling, and overall fun experience, especially for those seeking a more realistic rally game. However, criticisms include laughable physics, poor sound design, and occasional control issues, leading some players to feel disappointed and request refunds. Overall, while the game offers enjoyable moments, it may not meet the expectations of all players, particularly those looking for depth and realism.
“Top-notch WRC game, significant enhancements compared to previous titles, exceptional gameplay and vehicle handling.”
“Gameplay feels much smoother and even though I'm playing on a PS4 joystick, it actually feels like controlling a car.”
“It's not something that is appreciable at all; just check if you can get a second of real gameplay experience like a chaser cam, which would show what the game could give you in the real phase. But it is clear... no chaser cams or real gameplay records, just misleading propaganda recordings all over the game, without any footage of real gameplay moments.”
“At first, gameplay feels arcade-like, but after a few races, it gets better.”
“You also have to recruit staff for various roles, e.g., mechanic, agent, etc. The names of the staff seem a little strange since the names and surnames do not seem to correspond to the nationality. For example, I hired a mechanic named Patricia, where Fatima would, in my opinion, have been more suitable.”
- stability10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
Overall, the stability of the game is mixed, with users reporting occasional glitches and bugs, particularly related to car physics and collision detection. While loading times are longer, gameplay itself is generally smooth and enjoyable, with minor issues not detracting significantly from the overall experience.
“Loading still takes a little longer, but during gameplay, it runs great with no issues.”
“The surrounding roads aren't as rigid as in WRC 7, though glitches still happen from time to time.”
“Minimum visual damages, ridiculous car physics, and sometimes bugs where your wheels will get collision glitches, causing your car to hover above or below the ground, along with other crazy issues.”
“WRC 5: awesome WRC experience, but the game is a bit buggy.”
- music6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the series is highlighted as one of its strongest features, with a diverse selection that enhances the overall experience. However, some users feel that the soundtrack could be improved, even as they appreciate the better physics in the game.
“One of the best parts of the series is the large number of cars from the teams, and it also has the best musical accompaniment!”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game to be quite humorous, particularly when using a steering wheel, adding to the overall enjoyment. However, some users have encountered connectivity issues with the WRC server, which they describe as a "funny problem."
“The game reaches 30GB, which is good in 2024 and is pretty funny, especially with a wheel in hand.”
“Hello - I have a small but probably funny problem for you: I cannot connect to the WRC server and enjoy the challenges.”
- story4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that the story is engaging and well-crafted, capturing players' attention and enhancing the overall gaming experience. However, some users feel that it may lack depth or originality in certain areas. Overall, the narrative is generally well-received, contributing positively to the game's appeal.
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the career mode is appreciated for its attempt to authentically recreate a rally team's schedule, adding depth to the experience. However, some users find it overly complicated and suggest that the developers should prioritize other gameplay elements over this intricate atmosphere.
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Players express that the grinding in the game is excessively time-consuming, suggesting that it requires an unrealistic commitment akin to having a second life to fully engage with it.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment when players feel grounded, despite an overall floaty sensation. This duality creates a unique emotional experience that enhances gameplay.
Critic Reviews
WRC 8 Switch Review | Switch Re:port
While not unplayable, it is a shame that WRC 8’s fantastic gameplay has been tarnished somewhat by the control issues of Nintendo’s console
60%WRC 8 FIA World Rally Championship review
Making small improvements over previous games not only adds up to WRC 8 being the best in the series, it’s also one of the best rally games around.
85%WRC 8 FIA World Rally Championship Review – More Highs Than Lows
Despite a few disappointing presentation issues. WRC 8 is an otherwise solid outing for the franchise. Improvements to car handling and physics set WRC 8 well above its predecessor, and the new career mode is a hugely appreciated addition for anyone looking to get the most out of a simulation racer.
80%