This title really surprised me and has way exceeded my expectations. I went in expecting something a bit unpolished like what I've seen withThis title really surprised me and has way exceeded my expectations. I went in expecting something a bit unpolished like what I've seen with recent console NASCAR games but instead I've really been impressed with the graphics, how the cars handle, and the AI. iRacing and Monster games have really put together a solid package that dirt fans should really get a kick out of. I'm a big Kasey Kahne Racing fan and seeing Brad Sweet on the cover and Kasey Kahne in the game is awesome, along with other WoO racers like Donny Schatz.
While there are a lot of fantasy dirt tracks added in I surprisingly have enjoyed racing on several of them. I was very skeptical at first about this and I am still a bit disappointed my hometown tracks are not in this game (or on iRacing either). But maybe someday as DLC I hope, I can keep dreaming. That is probably my biggest complaint is that you're not getting all the real tracks WoO races on. I understand their schedules are insanely long and they visit so many tracks (I count over 50 according to the WoO website) but it just leaves this sense of incompleteness. I suppose I've just gotten so accustomed to NASCAR games and the expectation that all tracks should be in it. Nonetheless, it still has a dozen of the most popular WoO tracks and certainly the popular ones like Eldora and Knoxville are there. And though everything is ovals they do all feel distinct and unique and lively. I'm quite impressed with the track textures and the cars have more detail (somewhat reminds me of Wreckfest but without that damage model). The cars feel good with the PS5 controller, I haven't had any problem. It feels like you drive more with the throttle and the PS5 triggers really feel good for this. The AI has really been a blast to drive around and the collision seems fair overall. The damage model seems a bit tame but you can occasionally find AI cars crash into each other or spin out if you hit them. I haven't noticed much detail in the damage model, or any parts flying off. You just see some bent sheet metal sometimes. Also, if you or the AI spins it sometimes looks a little odd like the car is floating for a second. Doesn't distract from the experience though. Otherwise the cars feel great like they are really in the track and bouncing/sliding on dirt. I did see some sprint cars flip and barrel roll. The collisions with the wall are a little mixed. You can't really benefit from wall-riding per se but it feels like it should impact your car more (as in damage your car).
The career mode has been interesting so far. It includes a slight team management aspect which I think works well. It's very similar to some of the recent NASCAR Heat games. You'll need to use your earnings to pay to keep your cars race ready as well as purchase upgrades. I recently unlocked the ability to hire drivers (along with crew members). I like this idea with the driver except it seems to just simulate the results. I was hoping I could maybe watch it, sorta like a basic version of F1 manager but nope. It seems to basically be a shortcut to earn more money but you'll get less of course.
I do like the approach taken to the races. Just like in real life you'll run heats. Top5 form each heat move on to the A main, top2 also move on to the dash also (sets top8 starting spots. There is a B Main which is basically last chance for more to make it to the feature. The game simulates any heats or events you are not in. I think this works. On iRacing everyone gets very impatient waiting for other people's heats to finish. There can be cautions depending on what setting you choose. Like in the NASCAR games, the game will basically skip ahead after the caution and jump into the restart. You do not control the car coming to the green or under caution. If that's a thing you enjoy from iRacing it's not here.
Note, I have not tried to play this game online. I got this for the single player experience and so far I have been very satisfied with the game. I would definitely recommend it to any fellow WoO fans that are also gamers. This is the best game I've seen from this developer and kudos to iRacing (which acquired Monster Games not too long ago) for releasing a very high quality product for consoles.… Expand
