The differences between virtual racing and real racing get smaller with every passing title release, yet one factor a lot of games can't get right is the fear factor and the unpredictability of the sport, yet WRC 6 has proven not only can it be done but it can be done incredibly well.
The game immediately throws you into a tutorial which in real-time adjusts the driving assists, difficulty and handling model specifically to your skill level, giving you what it recommends best for you. However these can all be changed entirely to your hearts content as well, but it is a fantastic edition which allows the newer drivers to get to grips with a 300+ hp rally car, whilst the sim-racing fanatic can turn all assists off and use the simulation handling model, which has improved drastically from WRC 5.
Although it might not be a 'Hardcore Simulator' like some people go for, it is much, much more Simulation based than previous titles and the car reacts exactly how you would expect. Most importantly though, the handling model is incredibly fun over every terrain and you can feel everything through the Wheel. You can feel the rear of the car step out on a patch of ice at Monte Carlo, you can feel the tires struggling for traction over the loose gravel of Portugal, you can feel the wheel get light as you launch your S-WRC car too fast over a crest, finding yourself testing the games damage model just seconds later, which may i add is a major improvement over previous titles, which is saying a lot!
The Game features all the game modes we've come to love, ranging from Quick Race, Multiplayer, Online time trials, the WRC E-Sports competition which will begin in early 2017, and of course the Career Mode where you can lose hours at a time very quickly in the sheer depth of it. Starting off as a rookie in the J-WRC, you fight against all the official drivers of the 2016 season to make a name for yourself, slowly getting opportunities to sign bigger and better contracts as you climb the ranks, aiming towards an official WRC contract, and then to go on to chase the dream of becoming WRC Champion.
By your side the whole time throughout your adventures in WRC 6, literally, is your co-driver who is literally your eyes for each and every stage. Paying attention to him is the difference between a podium, or ending up with your rally car as a tree ornament. Although sometimes the Pace Notes can be a little optimistic, which is the games only minor flaw. However overall they are incredibly solid and the co-driver doesn't miss pace notes anymore like has been a downfall of previous titles, showing the developers are constantly striving for improvements.
The Weather effects bring me back to my opening statement however, there is no game, and i mean this, not a single game out there in the Racing Genre that does Heavy Fog effects better than WRC 6 right now. In Career Mode i was tasked with a night stage in the fog at Finland, and i can tell you, it was terrifying. Every corner i had to brake on instinct, had to put one hundred percent trust in my co-driver that the next corner was in fact possible in 5th gear, as i turned into the corner, hoping i'd see the other side of the corner in one piece. The moment you saw a tree coming a bit too close to your car, it was too late. It was genuinely one of the best experiences i have had on a Rally Game ever, it required complete focus, and i love that. Those who are new to the series, you picked a brilliant time to get a WRC game, because nothing will get you more hooked on this title, then seeing that finish line after one of the toughest stages of your life, to find out, you had the fastest stage time.
The game handles very well on the PS4 with virtually zero performance issues. The game was released today in Australia and well, i have to say i definatley recommend it. It exceeded my expectations dramatically. It's fun, it's fast, it's down right brilliant.
My biggest possible thank you to Joel Graham and the team at Five Star Games, and to the Raceonoz.com site for this opportunity to get my hands on the most polished game in the WRC series to date.
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