WRC 8

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.

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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.

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

77%

Audience ScoreBased on 329 reviews

graphics22 positive mentions

optimization6 negative mentions

Significant improvements in vehicle handling and physics compared to previous titles.
Great graphics and immersive environments with dynamic weather effects.
Engaging career mode with team management and a variety of rally stages.

Poor force feedback and wheel support, making it frustrating for sim racing enthusiasts.
UI is complicated and feels like a console port, leading to a less enjoyable experience.
Frequent crashes and technical issues, including problems with game settings resetting.

graphics
50 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with some players praising the realistic visuals and detailed environments, while others criticize them for appearing outdated, reminiscent of earlier console generations.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 that the graphics can be impressive when settings are maximized, but issues such as microstuttering and crashes on certain hardware configurations detract from the overall experience. Overall, while there are commendable aspects, the graphics are seen as inconsistent and in need of further improvement.
- “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.”
- “Can't change my refresh rate; on max graphics, the game looks like WRC 5 or even 4.”
- “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.”
- “The game is infested with microstuttering across all graphics settings.”
optimization
20 mentions
15 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
30 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its overall performance and physics, while others report significant issues such as microstuttering and sudden FPS drops across various graphics settings. Despite the game's engaging features and visual quality, many users express frustration over the inconsistent performance, often needing to lower settings to achieve playable frame rates. Overall, while there are elements of good optimization, the frequent stuttering and performance drops detract from the experience for many players.
- “You can organize your crew, upgrade your car's 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.”
- “Honestly, the performance of WRC 8 is stellar.”
- “The visual quality is awesome and the game is fairly well optimized.”
- “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.”
gameplay
19 mentions
42 % positive mentions
42 % neutral mentions
16 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising its significant enhancements, smooth vehicle handling, and overall fun experience, especially for those seeking a realistic rally game without the bulk of larger titles. However, criticisms include laughable physics, poor sound quality, and a lack of authentic gameplay footage, leading some players to feel disappointed and even 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.”
- “The graphics, the gameplay, and the tracks are good and it's very cheap, so if you don't want a 100GB game and all you want is a basic yet realistic rally game, this game is for you.”
- “Gameplay feels much smoother, and even though I'm playing on a PS4 joystick, it actually feels like controlling a car.”
- “Gameplay-wise, it is 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 offer in real phases. But it is clear there are no chaser cams or real gameplay records, just misleading propaganda recordings without any footage of actual 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, such as mechanic and agent. The names of the staff seem a little strange since they do not correspond to their nationalities. For example, I hired a mechanic named Patricia when Fatima would have been more suitable.”
stability
5 mentions
60 % positive mentions
-40 % neutral mentions
80 % negative mentions
Overall, the stability of the game is mixed; while gameplay runs smoothly without major issues, players report frequent glitches, including collision problems and minor bugs. Loading times are longer than ideal, and while some visual aspects are minimal, the car physics can be inconsistent, leading to occasional frustrating experiences.
- “Loading still takes a little longer, but during gameplay, it runs great with no issues.”
- “The game maintains a steady frame rate, providing a smooth experience throughout.”
- “I haven't encountered any crashes or bugs, which makes for a very stable gaming experience.”
- “The surrounding roads aren't as rigid as in WRC 7, though glitches still happen from time to time.”
- “Minimum visual damage, ridiculous car physics, and sometimes bugs where your wheels will experience 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.”
music
3 mentions
67 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The music in the series is highlighted as one of its standout features, with a diverse selection that enhances the gameplay experience. While some users feel the soundtrack could be improved, they appreciate the overall audio accompaniment and the improved physics.
- “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!”
humor
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is noted to be enjoyable, particularly when players are actively engaged, such as when using a controller. However, some users have encountered connectivity issues that detract from their overall experience.
- “The game reaches 30GB, which is impressive in 2024, and it's 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.”
story
2 mentions
0 % positive mentions
100 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is generally well-received, with users appreciating its engaging narrative and character development. However, some players feel that certain plot points could be more fleshed out or resolved. Overall, the storytelling is considered a strong element that enhances the gaming experience.
atmosphere
1 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is appreciated for its attempt to replicate the experience of a rally team's schedule, but some users find it overly complicated and suggest that the developers should prioritize other elements of the game instead.
grinding
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
Players express that the grinding in the game is excessively time-consuming, suggesting that it requires an unrealistic amount of effort, akin to needing a second life to fully engage with it.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The grinding feels endless and tedious.”
- “Grinding takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”
emotional
1 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Users express that the emotional experience of the game is largely positive, with a sense of enjoyment when gameplay feels grounded, despite an overall floaty sensation. This balance contributes to a unique emotional engagement throughout the experience.