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EA Sports WRC

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of EA Sports WRC
Item: EA Sports WRC
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresSimulation, Sports, Single Player, Multiplayer, Racing

AvailableNov 3, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X

DeveloperCodemasters

Overview

EA Sports WRC boasts 10 current WRC, WRC2, and Junior WRC vehicles and 68 of the most iconic rally cars spanning 60 years of the sport. Working together with official WRC teams and manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota, and Hyundai, each vehicle is built to tackle every challenge they'll face throughout the season. The hybrid-powered 4WD Rally1 cars are some of the fastest in the sport's history, capable of incredible speeds while tackling gravity-defying jumps, deteriorating surfaces, and adverse weather.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics rave about EA Sports WRC's gameplay, praising its deep career mode, finely-tuned racing mechanics, and impressive handling. Some critics noted minor flaws like superficial customization and technical issues, but overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game offers an immersive and engaging rally experience with realistic handling, a wide variety of vehicles, and detailed stages, making it a must-play for all skill levels.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of EA Sports WRC for its positive aspects. Critics like GameCritics and GameOver.gr highlighted the deep career mode with management simulation elements and finely-tuned racing gameplay that caters to different skill levels. GameSpew mentioned the improved physics from DiRT Rally 2.0, making driving feel better, especially on tarmac, and offering a comprehensive rally experience with a large number of locations. IGN Spain commended the impressive handling and controls, stating that it offers the best rally driving experience among its competitors, with a wide range of tracks and vehicles available. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain negatives in the gameplay of EA Sports WRC. Games.cz praised the exhilarating driving mechanics and realistic handling but criticized the customization feature for being superficial. MeuPlayStation mentioned technical issues like frame drops and stutters affecting the overall experience, while noting that the car control, especially in turns, may not feel balanced. Gamepressure highlighted that the handling, while fairly realistic, had some inconsistencies and that the cars had too much grip, making the handling less enjoyable than in DiRT Rally 2.0. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of EA Sports WRC. The game was lauded for its immersive and engaging driving experience, with realistic handling, a wide variety of vehicles, and detailed rally stages. Critics appreciated the improvements in physics, the accessibility to players of all skill levels, and the depth of gameplay elements such as career modes, customization options, and various driving techniques for different terrains. Despite some minor criticisms regarding technical issues and handling inconsistencies, the general sentiment is that EA Sports WRC delivers a highly enjoyable and satisfying rally gaming experience, as noted by critics like Vandal, who described the gameplay as enjoyable with a focus on concentration and skill.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics praise visuals of EA Sports WRC for immersive driving experience and authenticity, but note issues like outdated graphics, lack of interactivity, and technical glitches. Mixed opinions on graphics and visual design with room for improvement, especially in addressing frame rate drops, visual glitches, and enhancing environmental interactivity. Overall, consensus leans towards the need for enhancement in graphics to elevate the visual quality and immersion of EA Sports WRC.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

26%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The critics generally praise the visuals of EA Sports WRC for various positive aspects. GameCritics commends the immersive driving experience enhanced by the PS5's Dualsense controller, while Screen Rant highlights the precision and authenticity of the visuals, featuring real-world cars and over 200 rally stages across different countries and continents. SpazioGames appreciates the new graphics engine, Unreal Engine, which enhances the visual experience, especially with weather conditions affecting both the terrain and vehicle performance. Eurogamer also compliments the visual design and textures of the stages, as well as the weather effects, on the Xbox Series X. On the negative side, several critics point out issues with the graphics and visual design of EA Sports WRC. Games.cz, GamesHub, and MeuPlayStation criticize the outdated graphics, lack of environmental interactivity, visual glitches, and room for improvement, which detract from the overall immersion and realism of the game. IGN Adria and Eurogamer Germany mention screen tearing, frame rate drops, and graphical errors impacting the visual experience. Worth Playing highlights significant and pervasive stuttering issues affecting gameplay, especially during precise driving moments. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of EA Sports WRC is mixed. While some reviewers appreciate the attention to detail in car models, environments, and tracks, others point out shortcomings such as outdated graphics, lack of innovation, technical issues like frame rate drops and visual glitches, and room for improvement in terms of environmental interactivity and overall visual quality. Despite some positive remarks on the visuals, the general sentiment leans towards a need for improvement and a lack of significant advancement in graphics compared to other racing games or previous titles in the genre. Critics like GameOver.gr and Gamepressure highlight the visual inconsistencies and poor performance to visual quality ratio, indicating that there is still room for enhancement in the graphics department for EA Sports WRC.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about the immersive sound design of EA Sports WRC, praising realistic engine noises, crash sounds, and overall audio quality. While some mention a lack of content richness, the majority applaud the game for its detailed car sounds and engaging feedback features. Overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers highlighting the game's strong points in creating a realistic and captivating audio experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of EA Sports WRC have garnered significant praise from multiple critics. GameOver.gr commends the impressive sound design and realistic crash sounds, while Hobby Consolas highlights the Dualsense controller adding to the experience through realistic engine sounds. Everyeye.it also praises the top-notch sound design, including engine noises, exhaust pops, tire screeches, and voice acting, creating an immersive experience. Additionally, Screen Rant mentions the authenticity of the sound design, blending engine sounds and co-driver instructions seamlessly with the game's atmosphere. The critics' positive feedback on the detailed car sounds, distinct engine noises, and immersive feedback features showcase the game's strong points in creating a realistic and engaging audio experience. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out areas for improvement in the Sound Design and Music of EA Sports WRC. GameOver.gr criticizes the game for lacking content richness, which could potentially impact the overall audio experience. IGN Adria's review does not mention any negatives specifically related to the sound design or music, indicating a general satisfaction with these aspects. However, Gamepressure's review lacks mention of the overall sound design or music, leaving room for speculation on potential shortcomings in these areas. While the majority of critics have praised the sound design, the absence of detailed feedback on the music aspect from some reviewers raises questions about its impact on the overall audio experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of EA Sports WRC. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming, Everyeye.it, and Hardcore Gamer praise the strong sound design, realistic car engine effects, and high-quality recordings of rally cars, contributing to an immersive gameplay experience. The variety of engine noises, exhaust pops, and voice acting have been highlighted as standout features by multiple reviewers. While some critics did not delve into the music aspect, the general sentiment leans towards a well-crafted audio experience that enhances the overall rally racing immersion. The detailed and realistic audio elements have been widely appreciated, showcasing the developers' efforts in creating an authentic and engaging sound design for players to enjoy.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics praise stable multiplayer and fast loading times on PS5, but note occasional frame rate drops. Xbox Series X performance flawless. However, widespread technical issues like frame drops and screen tearing plague gameplay on PS5 and PC. Critics call for major improvements to address flaws for a better gaming experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

35%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS5, several critics highlighted positive aspects such as stable multiplayer mode, short loading times, and solid 60 FPS with occasional minor drops that do not affect gameplay experience, as mentioned by GamesHub and Vandal. These aspects contribute to an enjoyable gaming experience on the platform. Additionally, Eurogamer Germany noted no performance issues on the Xbox Series X, emphasizing a smooth gameplay experience on this console. However, negative aspects of technical performance were also prevalent across platforms. Critics like GameSpew, Games.cz, and IGN Spain pointed out issues such as frame rate drops, screen tearing, stuttering, outdated graphics, control loss during races, and various technical flaws. These issues can be distracting and impact the overall quality of the game. Furthermore, MeuPlayStation and Worth Playing highlighted frequent technical issues like freezes, frame drops, and stuttering, which significantly diminish the enjoyment and immersion for players on the PS5 and PC platforms, respectively. Overall, there is a consensus among critics that EA Sports WRC faces technical challenges across multiple gaming platforms. While some platforms like Xbox Series X were praised for technical impeccability, others like PS5 and PC struggled with performance issues such as frame rate drops, screen tearing, stuttering, and outdated graphics. Critics like IGN Spain and Gamepressure underscored the need for improvements in upcoming releases to address these technical flaws and enhance the overall gaming experience for players. Despite some positive aspects like stable multiplayer modes and solid frame rates, the prevalent technical issues mentioned by various critics indicate a need for significant optimization and bug fixes to elevate the game's performance across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics praise EA Sports WRC for its diverse gameplay modes, customization options, and content richness, providing hours of enjoyable challenges for rally fans. However, some highlight limitations like Career mode restrictions and technical issues that may impact replay value. Despite this, reviewers see potential for growth through updates, with the majority appreciating the game's entertainment value and replayability. In conclusion, EA Sports WRC offers a solid foundation with room for improvement, appealing to racing enthusiasts and rally fans seeking a comprehensive experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

59%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of EA Sports WRC are generally positive, with many praising the variety of gameplay modes and customization options that the game offers. GameCritics mentions that the game provides replay value for rally fans through a variety of tasks and challenges. GameSpew highlights the different modes available, such as Career, Championship, Quick Play, Clubs, Time Trial, and Moments, which contribute to the game's replayability. Vandal also commends the game for its wide range of content, including numerous stages, cars, and a comprehensive editor for creating custom cars. These aspects contribute to providing players with hours of enjoyable gameplay and challenges to keep coming back for more. On the downside, some critics point out certain limitations and issues that may affect the overall replay value of EA Sports WRC. LevelUp mentions that the Career mode's restriction of one action per week and potential negative consequences of decisions could hinder the overall experience. Worth Playing advises avoiding the game in its current form due to stuttering issues affecting replayability and long-term enjoyment. SpazioGames notes that the career mode can be monotonous at times, potentially impacting the game's overall appeal to players seeking varied experiences. Overall, the consensus among critics is that EA Sports WRC offers a solid foundation with potential for growth and enhancement through updates and future releases. The game provides a diverse range of modes, challenges, and customization options that cater to racing enthusiasts and rally fans alike. While there are some criticisms regarding certain limitations and technical issues, the majority of reviewers appreciate the content-rich experience and the variety of gameplay modes that contribute to the game's replay value. Critics like GameOver.gr and Generación Xbox commend the game for its entertainment value, replayability, and potential for future content updates, indicating a positive outlook for the game's longevity and appeal to players looking for a comprehensive rally racing experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

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OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding EA Sports WRC, it is evident that the game has received praise for several positive aspects. Critics such as GameCritics and Vandal commend the game for its engaging gameplay, realistic car behavior, and innovative features. GameGrin even goes as far as calling it the best modern rally game to date, highlighting its big stages, variety of cars, and potential for online leagues. Additionally, Eurogamer Germany and Generación Xbox appreciate the immersive and fun rally racing experience the game delivers, catering to both beginners and professionals. On the negative side, several critics point out areas where EA Sports WRC falls short. GameOver.gr and Worth Playing mention technical issues that hinder the overall experience, with Worth Playing specifically highlighting the stuttering problem as a significant drawback. GamesHub and IGN Adria criticize the game for its lackluster visuals and technical issues, which detract from the overall enjoyment. Gamepressure even suggests looking elsewhere for a rally game due to severe technical issues and inferior gameplay compared to other titles in the genre. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed but generally leans towards a positive reception of EA Sports WRC. While the game has its flaws, such as technical issues and visual shortcomings, it is widely recognized for delivering an engaging and realistic rally racing experience. Critics like GameSpew and LevelUp acknowledge the game's solid foundation and potential for improvements in future iterations. Despite some criticisms, the game is appreciated for its attention to detail, immersive gameplay, and potential to appeal to both newcomers and long-time fans of the genre. VG247 even expresses addiction to the game's recreation of rallying, indicating a strong pull towards the overall experience provided by EA Sports WRC.

TL;DR

Critics praise EA Sports WRC for engaging gameplay, realistic car behavior, and innovative features, calling it the best modern rally game. However, technical issues and lackluster visuals are pointed out as drawbacks. Overall, the game receives a mixed but generally positive reception for its immersive rally racing experience and potential for improvements in future versions.

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Reviews

70 reviews found

GameGrin

Oct 31, 2023