Wreckfest

87%
Game Brain Score Based on 17,258 reviews
  • graphics
  • gameplay
  • music
Wreckfest Game Cover
If, like me, you’re old enough to remember having a massive amount of fun playing Destruction Derby on the original PlayStation, you’re going to love Wreckfest.
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"Wreckfest" is a destruction-focused racing game that features intense demolition derby-style action and a variety of vehicles to choose from. The game emphasizes physics-based destruction and offers a range of tracks and environments to race in. Players can upgrade and customize their cars to improve performance and appearance, while a career mode provides hours of gameplay with progressively challenging events.

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  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Android
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  • Mobile Platform
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
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Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

87%
Audience ScoreBased on 17,258 reviews
graphics755 positive mentions
story30 negative mentions
  • graphics1,224 mentions

    The graphics in Wreckfest are widely praised for their impressive detail and realism, particularly in vehicle damage and environmental effects. Many players note that the game runs well even on lower-end systems, though some experience performance issues at higher settings. Overall, the visuals are considered a standout feature, enhancing the chaotic and fun gameplay experience.

    • “The graphics are stunning, especially in 4k, and the online is a blast.”
    • “The graphics and physics are top notch and there is plenty to do for many skill levels.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful and the fully destructible world really is my kind of game!”
    • “The graphics are above average, the handling is a mix between sim and arcade, but closer to simulator in terms of handling.”
    • “I have to run the game at 720p on the very most minimal graphics settings and still get 20 fps and below.”
    • “The graphics are not great.”
  • gameplay779 mentions

    The gameplay of "Wreckfest" is characterized by a blend of chaotic racing and detailed vehicle destruction, offering a variety of events and modes that keep the experience engaging. While many players appreciate the solid driving mechanics and realistic physics, some criticize the AI behavior and repetitive nature of certain gameplay elements. Overall, the game successfully captures the spirit of demolition derby racing, appealing to both casual gamers and fans of the genre, despite some concerns about balance and content variety.

    • “Gameplay – the perfect marriage of strategy and chaos.”
    • “"Wreckfest" excels by offering a wide variety of events and gameplay modes, making sure that the fun never gets stale.”
    • “The career mode is a well-crafted journey, offering a diverse range of events and challenges that keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.”
    • “I honestly had high hopes for this, but sadly it falls short. Destruction Derby 2 on the PlayStation has better mechanics. D2 feels like you are going faster; it feels like it has better mechanics than a game that came out in 2018. It's just shocking that a game that came out in 1996 felt like it had the mechanics down compared to this game. This feels sluggish at best, feels like I'm going 5 miles an hour and the impacts are meh.”
    • “The crashing mechanics are implemented poorly. This can make the gameplay feel repetitive over time, especially for players who have been playing for a while.”
    • “The game itself would be really great (graphics, physics, sound, etc.), but it's ruined by the gameplay with its big flaws and some dull choices.”
  • music528 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding the soundtrack repetitive and lacking variety, often leading them to mute it and play their own music instead. While some appreciate the heavy rock and metal tracks that fit the game's chaotic vibe, others criticize the limited selection and feel that it doesn't match the gameplay's energy. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a significant area for improvement, with calls for more diverse and engaging music options.

    • “The soundtrack is absolutely incredible but after 70+ hours of gameplay can become very repetitive and I found myself muting it and playing SoundCloud in the background.”
    • “The destruction, adrenaline rush, and music are 10/10.”
    • “The soundtrack is awesome and really gets you pumped to smash some cars.”
    • “The music is dreadful after hearing the same few songs so many times.”
    • “The soundtrack is a bit limited and mediocre, and I noticed some minor things that need to be patched, but great game overall.”
    • “The music is terrible.”
  • humor370 mentions

    The humor in this game is a standout feature, with players frequently laughing out loud at the chaotic and absurd scenarios that unfold during races, such as driving unconventional vehicles like lawn mowers and school buses. The game's physics contribute to the hilarity, as crashes and vehicle deformations create comical moments, especially in multiplayer settings where the unpredictability of other players adds to the fun. Overall, the game is described as a riotous blend of racing and demolition derby, making it a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy lighthearted, chaotic gameplay with friends.

    • “Wreckfest is a hilariously chaotic racing experience that’s perfect for anyone who believes that if you’re not out of control, you’re not in control.”
    • “The wrecks you witness are glorious and funny when it's not happening to you... obviously.”
    • “I can't remember the last time I cried laughing at a game, this has been consistent fun each time I've loaded it up.”
    • “Guys, that's not funny - did someone in your office get bitten by an EA employee and the infection has spread to the rest?”
    • “Updates add some weird stuff that is not fun: no, the mawnlawer is not funny.”
  • optimization352 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its performance and smooth gameplay on various hardware setups, while others report significant issues, particularly on AMD systems, leading to stuttering and low frame rates. Many users noted that while the game has improved over time, it still requires careful adjustment of graphics settings to achieve optimal performance, especially in multiplayer modes. Overall, the game is considered well-optimized by some, but persistent optimization problems remain a concern for others, particularly for those with lower-end PCs.

    • “Players can modify their vehicles not only for aesthetic purposes but also for performance.”
    • “The graphics are really good and it is well optimized.”
    • “Great gameplay, physics, awesome community, graphics are superb and it seems pretty well optimized.”
    • “The most unoptimized game I have seen in a long time.”
    • “Absolute terrible optimization making the game very difficult to play.”
    • “This game is totally incomplete and not optimized, full of mediocre failures.”
  • story160 mentions

    The consensus among users is that the game lacks a meaningful story, with many reviews stating there is no traditional narrative or campaign mode. While some players enjoy the racing mechanics and multiplayer aspects, they note that the missions feel repetitive and the absence of a compelling plot detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the game is seen as fun for its gameplay but is criticized for its lack of storytelling elements.

    • “As Henry's health gradually declined, Alex made it his mission to bring joy to his grandfather's final days.”
    • “The best story comes from the friends and competitors you can make in the multiplayer servers!”
    • “It actually has a story and there is a real reason to race.”
    • “The absence of human characters and a meaningful story only underscores the game's troubling message that violence and destruction are acceptable forms of entertainment.”
    • “No story mode: unlike some racing games, Wreckfest does not have a story mode or campaign.”
    • “No voice acting, no dialogues, no story, no characters; the music is mostly bad.”
  • stability135 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent freezes, crashes, and various bugs that hinder gameplay. While some users have noted that the game runs well on certain platforms like Steam Deck and Linux, others have expressed frustration over persistent issues, particularly in multiplayer modes and during map loading. Overall, while the game shows potential and can be enjoyable, its stability remains a significant concern for many players.

    • “Wreckfest is optimized extremely well, looks and runs great.”
    • “The game looks very good and runs great and gives just a little carnage when you need it most.”
    • “It runs great, handling is amazingly fun, damages are cool and good, graphics are beautiful.”
    • “Constantly freezes, loaded with bugs.”
    • “The game crashes/freezes almost every race.”
    • “It had gone from somewhat unplayable with the camera glitches to literally unplayable.”
  • grinding105 mentions

    The reviews overwhelmingly highlight that grinding is a significant and often tedious aspect of the game, with many players feeling it requires an excessive time commitment to unlock vehicles and upgrades. While some find enjoyment in the multiplayer and racing mechanics, the single-player career mode is frequently criticized for its repetitive and grind-heavy nature, leading to frustration and a lack of meaningful progression. Overall, players suggest that the grinding experience detracts from the game's potential enjoyment.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The career mode can feel grindy at times, and the AI can be occasionally erratic.”
    • “Game requires grinding and playing boring races to level up.”
    • “Even if the game is good, the main career mode is way too grindy and forces you to replay and win all events to unlock just the minimal amount of cars to keep going onward... not cool.”
  • replayability72 mentions

    Overall, the game boasts high replayability, with features such as a robust career mode, online multiplayer, and customizable events that keep players engaged. The active modding community and frequent updates further enhance the replay value, making it appealing for both casual and competitive play. However, some players note limitations in single-player content and express a desire for more variety in game modes to sustain long-term interest.

    • “This adds so much replayability and value.”
    • “Replayability is high, with a career mode to 100%, online multiplayer, and now the daily solo tournament that you can play to unlock special cars and decals that weren't in the main game.”
    • “The custom event mode is exactly like the name states; you create a custom event on any track in the game that you want with the ability to change almost all of the settings like the lap count, AI vehicles, game mode, difficulty, etc. There is tons of offline replay value here since there are loads of event combinations that can be created in this mode alone.”
    • “But for me, there's limited replayability, and personally, I can't sink as many hours into racing games as I can something like GTA or Far Cry.”
    • “With only three basic game modes, this game is sorely lacking in single player replayability.”
    • “Bought it three years ago on sale and I must say that it entertained me for a bit, but now it seems there's no updates at all coming in and the game is lacking replayability, and to charge nearly £40 for it is ludicrous.”
  • monetization27 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players criticizing it as a cash grab due to frequent DLC releases and high prices for minimal content. However, others appreciate the absence of microtransactions, noting that the game offers fair gameplay without pay-to-win mechanics. Overall, while some players feel exploited, others find value in the reasonably priced DLC and the lack of aggressive monetization tactics.

    • “A racing and demolition derby game with cheap-but-worth-it DLC and no microtransactions.”
    • “Fair priced DLC if you're interested, and zero microtransactions.”
    • “No microtransactions here.”
    • “Lots of monetization stuff that makes it feel like money milking mobile rubbish.”
    • “Bought this and for the money it was terrible... this is a DLC cash grab with a new one out every few weeks. I don't mind DLC, but this game milks it.”
    • “The flatout games were so nuts they were censored in some countries, but don't worry, this one won't rattle your butt plug, only your wallet - with an absurd $45 price tag given the minuscule content, and then they double down with DLC, season passes, microtransactions... #need for shekels.”
  • emotional26 mentions

    Players express a wide range of emotions while engaging with the game, from heartfelt moments of connection to laughter and frustration during chaotic races. The blend of humor and intense competition fosters a unique emotional experience, allowing players to form attachments to their vehicles and enjoy the camaraderie of the online community. Despite some gameplay frustrations, the overall sentiment highlights the game's ability to evoke joy and laughter, making it a memorable emotional journey.

    • “Tears welled up in Henry's eyes as he realized the depth of his grandson's love and thoughtfulness.”
    • “This is a game which has brought me to both ends of the emotional spectrum – laughter, cursing, screaming, and cheering all in a few minutes.”
    • “I was worried about some of the negative reviews, but I played, I laughed, I cried.”
  • atmosphere18 mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is generally praised for its authenticity and immersive qualities, enhanced by a strong soundtrack and sound effects that complement the racing experience. However, some players feel that certain elements, such as the racing courses and user interface, detract from the overall atmosphere, making it less engaging. Overall, the game successfully creates a unique and dynamic environment, particularly in modes that emphasize destruction and varied racing experiences.

    • “It also has a good soundtrack (leaning towards the heavier end of rock music), and good sound effects to produce a good atmosphere.”
    • “They actually used proper music instead of generic tracks, which is a night and day difference when it comes to building a nice pumped-up racing atmosphere.”
    • “All the destruction that goes on throughout either the race or derby; the only two modes in the game, do stay throughout the entire thing, which is a very nice touch that adds to the atmosphere since you can look back at the end and see all the carnage that has unfolded.”
    • “It does not have that atmosphere and experience at all.”
    • “The lighting and atmosphere is worse; the racing courses are worse and more boring, the sense of speed is gone, the nitro is gone, everything is more tame.”
    • “Seriously, the music selection in this game does not energize the mood or atmosphere or aesthetic of 'smash n bash derby race culture'.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

76% average critic score

Buy Wreckfest

Play time

13hMedian play time
68hAverage play time
18hMain story
32hCompletionist
5-50hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 62 analyzed playthroughs

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