WRC 8 FIA World Rally Championship

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
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  1. Cubed3
    Dec 16, 2019
    80
    While this still retains the 'arcade' feel of racing, this is as fun as they come in terms of pure enjoyment from the thrill of tearing across dirt tracks, without track faults or graphical inconsistencies that hurt the previous titles. However, this does suffer from an "all eggs all in one basket" approach, in that there's not much in store here aside from career mode. If WRC 8 is the foundation of the franchise moving forwards, then it's safe to be anxious to see what Kylotonn has in store for the next title.
  2. Everyeye.it
    Sep 3, 2019
    70
    On balance WRC 8 is an old title, only partially saved by the new features so much publicized in the development phase (new Career, partially revised driving model, dynamic weather) and incapable, so uncertain between pure arcade and simulative ambitions only partially explained , to offer an all-round driving experience.
  3. Game Revolution
    Sep 3, 2019
    80
    WRC 8 is the best game yet in the series and has a major edge on its chief competitor due to its far more accessible racing.
  5. Gameblog.fr
    Sep 9, 2019
    80
    This episode has been carefully developed and deserves the attention of simracing fans. It does not compete with the best titles on PC, but you will not have much to reproach it on console. WRC 8, it is a solid title with an official licence and the confidence is now totally restored in Kylotonn. Simply, Bravo.
  6. GameOver.gr
    Sep 23, 2019
    80
    Even though it lacks the technology and the graphics that other modern racing games have, WRC 8 makes it up with a deep and engaging career mode along with superb driving mechanics that really shine when playing with a racing wheel.
  7. Gaming Nexus
    Sep 25, 2019
    85
    WRC 8 is surprisingly accessible to rally newcomers, but after explaining how everything works, the game delights in throwing buckets of cold water in the player’s face. This is a tough game, but a fair one, and fans of rally racers and other “difficult” genres will likely equally enjoy skidding through WRC 8’s wicked twists and turns. A variety of modes flesh the experience out, but prepare to feast on the Career Mode, which is comprehensive and comprehendible. Recommended.
  8. God is a Geek
    Sep 3, 2019
    85
    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.
  9. IGN
    Sep 17, 2019
    84
    WRC 8 is a rock-solid rally racer that’s now looming very large in the rearview mirror of current off-road kingpin Dirt Rally 2.0. It’s still not quite as beautiful or broad as the latter but the additions made on top of WRC 7 – particularly the dynamic weather and the vastly improved career mode – are real gamechangers.
  10. Impulsegamer
    Sep 11, 2019
    76
    A nice upgrade from WRC 7, there’s finally a legitimate competitor for the Dirt series. Still, WRC 8 is best suited for those with a wheel setup and/or already fans of the rally race concept.
  11. InsideGamer.nl
    Sep 24, 2019
    82
    WRC 8 is without a doubt the best game in the world championship rally in years. Thanks to a huge load of content and cool features this game is awesome, but it is a bit rough around the edges.
  12. JeuxActu
    Sep 13, 2019
    75
    WRC 8 is a good rally game, especially if you like to have loads of official content, and an approach that's not as sim-oriented as DiRT Rally. We only regret that most of the new stuff is geared towards the management aspect of the game, and not the pure driving.
  13. Jeuxvideo.com
    Sep 4, 2019
    80
    Kylotonn tooks its time to cook its WRC 8, and it’s all for the best. Deeper and prettier than any of its predecessors, WRC 8 as a great career mode and looks good. It also plays better, with sharper driving.
  14. LaPS4
    Sep 23, 2019
    77
    Although it is a game designed and developed especially for rally lovers, it can also be enjoyed by any casual player, or by those who enjoy driving games. WRC 8 guarantees fun for several months, if the career or online mode is played. The main problem that the title has, and that has been presented to us from the beginning, is the same as always: its graphics is still lagging behind a bit.
  15. Multiplayer.it
    Sep 3, 2019
    78
    WRC 8 represents another step forward for the series developed by Kylotonn, thanks to a renewed Career Mode, the introduction of dynamic weather and a further refinement in the driving model and vechicle’s physics.
  16. PLAY! Zine
    Dec 2, 2019
    80
    WRC 8 is a great rally game, especially for the players that don`t want serious simulation, but something pretty close to that. As the fourth game from this studio, it appears Dirt Rally has a tough competition.
  17. PlaySense
    Sep 30, 2019
    80
    There's a lot more depth to WRC 8's career mode when compared to its predecessors and that's a major plus. The game's graphics have received an update as well. The learning curve is a bit steep, but don't let that stop you from giving this one a go.
  18. PlayStation Country
    Sep 6, 2019
    80
    WRC 8 is an accomplished effort with a career mode that now feels more complete. The content on offer is substantial with plenty to sink hours into. The presentation might look a little dry but the audio works well with the detail of the environments being complimented by a dynamic weather system. It's really starting to feel like a series getting better with age and rally fans should feel right at home.
  19. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Sep 6, 2019
    90
    WRC 8 is a rally racing fan’s dream.
  20. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Oct 22, 2019
    70
    With three modern tiers of rallying plus a load of classic cars to try on 100 unique stages across 14 different countries, WRC 8 uses its licence well, but it’s simply outclassed by Dirt Rally 2.0. So try that first. [Issue#168, p.92]
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  21. PlayStation Universe
    Sep 3, 2019
    85
    A combination of a laudable driving experience and exquisitely modelled official rally environments across 14 countries means WRC 8 delivers the goods and deserves your attention.
  22. Push Square
    Sep 3, 2019
    70
    The game opts for a sim-like model, but in practice is much more forgiving than DiRT Rally 2.0. It's not perfect; cars can be unpredictable, and sometimes spin out when it feels like they shouldn't. Overall, the driving is competent, and most importantly, delivers that thrill ride as you scream over treacherous terrain. It's a shame the presentation is somewhat lacking, because this is otherwise a solid rally experience.
  23. The Games Machine
    Sep 9, 2019
    73
    WRC 8 has to deal with too many compromises, and it comes out smaller than its potential. It is neither insufficient nor broken but seems to evolve too slowly, without clear objectives.
  24. TheSixthAxis
    Sep 5, 2019
    70
    What WRC 8 gives in career longevity, mode variety and stage choice, it takes away with unrefined vehicle handling and some rough edges. This is still the best official WRC game to date, but bear in mind that until the driving feel becomes the main focus of development, this series can’t be placed into the pantheon of all-time greats.
  25. Vandal
    Sep 3, 2019
    70
    WRC 8 is a solid simulator, and it feels like a step forward from the previous entry. We miss more polished physics and some new modes, but any WRC fan will have a great time with it.

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Best PS4 Game of 2019

User Reviews

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User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 52 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 52
  3. Negative: 18 out of 52
  1. d25bev
    Sep 11, 2019
    7
    If this game had the graphics & car list of Dirt Rally 2.0, this (WRC 8) would probably be the best rally game ever made.

    I love the real    If this game had the graphics & car list of Dirt Rally 2.0, this (WRC 8) would probably be the best rally game ever made.

    I love the real world courses & amount of content, love the deep campaign mode, the handling & physics, UI, dynamic weather etc. But having put many hours into both games & no matter how much i enjoy this game (it's still a very good game & worth getting), i miss the beautiful graphics & wide range of cars that you get to experience in Dirt Rally 2.0.

    (Edited this review after going back to Dirt Rally 2.0 & better comparing the two games)    … Full Review »
  2. Numbcomic
    Sep 11, 2019
    9
    Ever since Kylotonn took of the WRC series with WRC 5, I have watched them improve drastically throughout the years. If I were to show aEver since Kylotonn took of the WRC series with WRC 5, I have watched them improve drastically throughout the years. If I were to show a before and after video of each game that Kylotonn has developed in the series with their latest entry it would be a night and day difference. The racing mechanics have improved, along with more improved and realistic handling of your car.

    Along with the graphics and mechanics the game has improved in content as well. With the addition of a set of classic rally cars to race in historic rallies, and cars from Jr. WRC, WRC 2, and the official WRC cars. Each course has been updated greatly with new graphics and physics, making your runs through the stages a whole lot more fun and challenging. A cool new addition to the game that adds a new challenge are the puddle effects, when you race through a puddle it can slow one side of the car down and if you are not in control when this happens you can also spin out pretty badly too which can lead to some bad wrecks.

    Two new stages have been added that were not in the WRC 7 season, and 1 stage has been removed from the WRC 8 season. The two new stage locations are Chile and Turkey, both of these new locations add some new grounds to cover and is a good refresh from some of the repeating events in the past. The location that has been removed is Poland, due to it not being included the WRC 2019 season.

    The biggest feature that I love about this game is the new dynamic weather system and the brutally epic storms you can rally through where it is barely visible. You can start the stage with no rain and then in the middle of the stage it could just downpour and make you change the way that you are handling and controlling your car to best suit the needs of the new current situation you find yourself in. These storms are a blast to race through, and add a more challenging and realistic effect to game to help improve the series even further.

    If you love Rally games are a really good solid racing games, then I highly recommend that you do not overlook this game and give it a try. I believe this is the WRC game that will really pull players into the series more than it has in the past, this is a great representation of the WRC!    … Full Review »
  3. ShadowPeter
    Sep 10, 2019
    8
    Is this time we will have a champion who doesn't have Sébastian as his first name? With 4 events at the end, some say yes. The Toyota driverIs this time we will have a champion who doesn't have Sébastian as his first name? With 4 events at the end, some say yes. The Toyota driver Ott Tänak has been a big surprise, for now ahead of drivers like Thierry Neuville and Sébastian Ogier. And is this how Kylotonn Racing can surprise and fight mano-a-mano with the Codemasters game? I would say yes.

    This is the eighth edition of the WRC, since Evolution studios dropped the same in 2005, and is the 4th WRC game to be developed by the French Kylotonn. Being an official WRC game, categories like Junior WRC, WRC 2 and WRC are unsurprisingly included here. Linking to the 2019 calendar of the competition, we have two more races compared to the WRC 7: the Chile rally and the Turkey rally.

    Skoda Fabia R5, Volkswagen Polo R5, Citroën C3 WRC, Ford Fiesta WRC, Hyundai i20 WRC and Toyota Yaris are just a few cars that are present in the WRC 8, not to mention the various teams available. But we also have bonus cars like the Lancia Fulvia HF, Lancia Stratos, Volkswagen Polo R WRC and the Proton Iriz R5 in the base version. On the downside, I think there should be more bonus cars (even with DLCs) like the Citroën Xsara Kit Car or the Opel Manta.

    Now let's go to the most important parts that Kylotonn has improved and added, one of which is vehicle physics. We have to be careful with snow (when we are not using snow tires) or with water puddles that unexpectedly slightly change the direction of the car, as well as be careful with “landings” after a big jump. I admit I've been enjoying and having fun with this WRC 8's most simulated gameplay, as well as being smooth and responsive to commands. Of course it's complicated at first, but over time, we've gained pace.

    Now we have a very good thing in the form of dynamic weather conditions. By this I mean that at the beginning of the rallies may be a sky with few clouds, but later during the stage it may rain. As such, we have at our disposal the option of Free Roam or training in a closed circuit to train and improve our skills. Career mode has expanded over WRC 7. We always start at Junior WRC where we choose a team and we will have to hire collaborators like engineers, agents, chief financial officers, meteorologists and physiotherapists. All this to help us to reach the victory. We also have to be mindful of the season's goals and short-term goals because they give experience and money.

    We can always organize events from rest, extreme conditions (driving a badly damaged car with unfriendly weather), manufacturer rehearsal, manufacturer challenge, training, historic racing and maintenance. And speaking of manufacturer testing and manufacturer challenges, it is these challenges that allow us to move up to the category. For that to happen, you have to succeed in these challenges, but be aware that this sacrifices a little of loyalty to the current brand we are in.

    Leveling up on the experience we gain experience points that can be used in the R&D tree which is divided into 4 branches: Team, Crew, Reliability and Performance to unlock skills. For example, we can acquire a skill in which tires are more resistant to the holes. Over time, we will be able to get perks that will also help us during or outside rally events. Of course, in the pits, before or after two rallies, we can choose the type of tires we think are best suited for a given terrain, as well as having to repair our car if necessary. For the sincerity... I liked the Career mode of this WRC 8.

    About online modes, I must say I expected more. And no, it has nothing to do with connectivity, because this aspect is even satisfactory. I mention the lack of content, which makes me go back to Career mode. There are no championships, leagues or clubs in online mode. We also have the challenges of eSports, which is just the same. Out of online modes, we have two-player split-screen.

    The WRC 8 graphics are good and an example of this, the Fafe rally is spectacular, whether day or night with sun or rain. The same goes for the streets of Corsica. But I have to touch a usual wound on Kylotonn. There is only one thing that WRC 8 loses immensely to DiRT Rally 2.0, which is its fluidity. PC players will haven't reason to complain, but console players will have to settle with the 30 FPS.

    The vehicle sounds are good and represent a step forward compared to WRC 7. Listening to the engine noise of WRC cars in this WRC 8 is music to my ears. The copilot is just decent. It's consistent, but it lacks emotion. In short, though is not perfect, WRC 8 is good and promises to be a good foundation for Kylotonn's upcoming WRC games.    … Full Review »
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