With WRC Generations being the last officially licensed WRC game from KT Racing, it’s a shame that there isn’t more to it.
Gone is the fun Anniversary mode, and while there are some worthwhile changes and additions, they’re few and far between. Ultimately, for casual rally fans, there perhaps won’t be enough new stuff in WRC Generations to warrant a purchase. But for devout followers of the sport, this is yet again an authentic representation, and that alone might be enough of a draw.
Of course, you get the updated 2022 roster of teams, cars, rallies and drivers. You get a pleasant selection of legendary cars, too. And let’s not forget that WRC cars this year are of the hybrid variety. In gameplay terms it doesn’t make a massive amount of difference, but you do now have to consider one of three power mapping presets before a stage. Do you want a powerful burst of speed, or one that’s weaker but more prolonged? Choose well, and you might get an edge over your competition.
Over 20 rally environments are featured, including a freshly prepared Sweden in all its snowy glory. They’re varied, and have honestly never looked so good. Playing on PS5 for review, we haven’t noticed any screen-tearing issues when drifting around them via the 60fps performance mode, either. And as ever, there are a wealth of modes provided to enjoy the content on offer.
Jump into career, and you’ll find you can start at WRC 3 Junior, or WRC 2 levels. When it comes to WRC 2, you can also choose whether you want to race for a team or create your own, the latter putting a little more emphasis on management. Needless to say, it’s nice to have the offer straight off the bat this time. Other than that though, you’ll struggle to find any meaningful changes elsewhere in career mode.
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Stalwart modes such as quick play, season and clubs remain pretty much the same as well, though there is a new mode to get to grips with in the form of Leagues. We haven’t been able to test it extensively before launch, but this mode is set to allow players to challenge others near their skill level. Perform well and you’ll move up the ladder, giving you a sense of achievement. But will you be able to hold or maintain your position? Offline players won’t get anything out of it, obviously. But those who like to play online might appreciate it.
Those who like to customise their cars might get more of a kick out of WRC Generations, too. Your created liveries and stickers can now be shared with the WRC community, with the best ones even being featured. It’s another string to the game’s bow, albeit one that won’t be used by everyone.
What’s disappointing is that some of the issues that have plagued the last few WRC releases from KT Racing still haven’t been addressed. For example, playing with a controller isn’t fun in the slightest until you’ve fiddled with steering sensitivity and dead zone settings: the handling’s just too twitchy by default. And the AI of your competitors can be all over the place. These are things that might put some players off, particularly newcomers.
WRC Generations is a good rally game. A great one, even. But a lack of innovation and genuinely new content makes it the least essential entry in the series for some time. If you’re an ardent rally fan, by all means pick it up; you won’t be disappointed. At least not too much, anyway. But those with only a casual interest in the sport might want to stick with WRC 10 until this last official WRC effort from KT Racing goes on sale.
WRC Generations Review – GameSpew’s Score
