Has the developer/studio justified the supposedly extended break? If not, then why the yearly absence previous? In a genre, niche it may be, that has found itself dominated by the likes of UK-based Codemasters - and their consistent, quality output of racing titles covering a breadth of departments of the sport - over on the other side of the English channel, French-based developer Kylotonn have been happily supplying a healthy alternative to Codemasters’ dominance, via the World Rally Championship license, or WRC for short. Having taken a year off following the commendable WRC 7, WRC 8 aims to be more than just an alternative for fans of rally sport - seeking to be the true competitor to Codemasters’ crown as the go-to name for authentic simulation-orientated racing. WRC 8 may well look like the same respectable outing on the outside, but it doesn’t take long for that impression to change. It’s not perfect, but the twelve-or-so month break for the series has nonetheless been worth it. Just as it was in 2017, to those coming to the WRC license for the first time, it should be noted that WRC 8 is as unforgiving as it is demanding.

Those who approach things with an arcade-like mind-set - or at the very least think that focus should only be invested in steering and acceleration - will quickly and easily find themselves slamming head-first into surrounding hazards or skirting off into nearby ditches. WRC 8 is a game all about quick, mindful decision-making. Of finding the perfect balance between many a component: speed, acceleration, breaking (and the type of breaking to pull off), even the very gear you should be in.

How to approach a corner, how to approach incoming jumps so as to land at the right angle and not incur unwanted damage to your suspension. Whether it’s a perilous series of hair-pin turns at the edge of a cliff or something as deceptive as long stretches with uneven ground, WRC 8 makes sure to impose as accurate (and maybe unruly) a take on car management as it can be. Something of which is expanded upon this year with the game’s more modular-like approach to damage representation, both in its UI as well as the very appearance of the car you’re handling.Ĭar parts, as well as individual tyres, all have their own separate quality rating - tyres specifically valued on a score of 100 and naturally wear as races progress. While managing your car is still a paramount importance, it’s one’s long-term strategy that too will be tested.

Pixplant photoshop cc 2015