In a world where racing games compete for realism, fun, and the ability to make you curse at your TV, WRC 10 rolls onto the scene with speed and flair (hopefully without rolling over). It's the official game of the FIA World Rally Championship, and it carries the weight of expectations on its shiny hood. But does it deliver, or does it stall out on the first turn?
WRC 10 is like that friend who claims they're 'really good' at driving but can barely parallel park. It's packed with content, featuring 12 exciting rounds of the 2021 World Rally Championship, including the infamous Croatia and Estonia rallies. The game serves up a menu of both modern and historic rally cars, so you can channel your inner champion or classic race car driver. The gameplay requires some finesse, too. You'll need to navigate tricky stages while trying to avoid the reality of your driving skills. The career mode is a mixed bag, providing structure with a career progression system that might just remind you of doing chores—but in the virtual world. Players can enjoy the traditional rallying experience, but those looking for an arcade-style thrill might feel the need for speed (and less realism). The handling is generally improved, with a handling model that gives you both the thrill of rallying and the fear of hitting a tree at 70 mph. Just a heads-up: if you like your racing games with a side of aggression, there’s plenty to be found here, but WRC 10 does benefit from a steady, careful hand on the wheel.
On the graphical front, WRC 10 is a mixed bag, reminiscent of debating whether pineapple belongs on pizza. While some tracks shine with realistic textures and vibrant environments, others feel duller than an old pair of scissors. Character models are decent, but not 'wow' material. This may leave you wondering if you accidentally booted up WRC 5 instead of WRC 10. The game struggles with performance optimization occasionally, leading to frame rate drops that can be as jarring as stepping on a Lego in the dark. Those on PS5 will have the benefit of some DualSense feedback that heightens the racing immersion. You can feel the engine's growl and the terrain's texture—but don't get too excited; you may not feel every pebble you run over.
In the wild world of racing simulations, WRC 10 is definitely driving in the right direction but sometimes takes the wrong exit into a ditch. It serves up a solid experience full of content for rally fans, but it can also leave you frustrated, especially during those long career modes. The graphics might not be outright 'next-gen,' but there’s enough charm to keep most fans entertained. WRC 10 is likable, pragmatic, and at times, frustrating—like that one friend who always insists on going for adventurous food choices. So lower your expectations, buckle up, and remember it’s all in good fun. In the end, if you're looking for an official rally experience that ticks most of the boxes while occasionally veering off the beaten path, WRC 10 might just be a drive worth taking.