On January 1, 2023, Codemaster will take over the WRC license from KT Games, who have owned the rights for seven years and released as many games. WRC Generations will thus be the last rally stage that KT Games runs. A final farewell. Do they finish as winners, or do they skid off the track? Let’s find out.

Lots of content

WRC Generations has a fantastic blend of all kinds of challenges across the 21 locations and 165 stages featured in the game. However, that 165 stage count can feel a bit misleading since each rally has been created with a single long epic stage that’s then split up into smaller stages, with only the 1:1 real-world super special stages coming alongside. That stage count is effectively doubled by being able to race them in reverse, as well. And with so many rallies in the game, so many stages, and variables through weather and time of day, it’s hard to complain about replayability.

Controll

You’re given plenty of control as you race, the game should be catering well to both controller and full racing wheel setups, In this review, however, I have only had the opportunity to play with (Xbox One) controller. The controls certainly feel balanced and I can sense an added level of depth to handling corners and managing terrain in WRC Generations.

Depending on whether you’re racing over snow, asphalt, or gravel, you’ll need to approach terrain as a new kind of challenge. Weather can also impact the ground, and if you’re not careful you can easily spin out or put too much power into a corner. Overall, it’s a tight game control that can be tweaked somewhat to your liking and I really managed to find a balance that I appreciate.

In WRC Generations, my snow-covered back streets are included, which gives an extra spice to the undersigned.

Graphics and audio

The graphics are by no means revolutionary, but WRC Generations is a neat looking game maxed out on my test computer and I’m enjoying finally getting to drive around my (local) snowy Swedish rally landscapes.

Something that hasn’t seen much of an update in WRC Generations however, is the audio. Cars sound a little weak, lacking some of the guttural noise that these cars are known for, more so when it comes to some of the legacy cars. It feels a little muted from internal view cameras especially. The audio is better if you’re racing in with a follow cam and there is a distinction between the different classes and vehicles, but it’s quite inexplicable why they can’t capture the full-throated roar they need.

Game modes

The ever-popular career mode has remained consistent, giving you control of a team, and letting you work through a tech tree that’s more straightforward than the sprawl of options would suggest. And whereas the ability to create your own team for career was locked behind some arbitrary goals in WRC 10, WRC Generations allows you yet again to start with your own team from the get go, which is lucky as it’s my favorite game mode in the game, even if it has some bugs and issues (which hopefully will be patched away).

Verdict

With WRC Generations, I think KT Gaming hits the mark and they give the series a worthy end. There is no VR support, the graphics are okay but somewhat outdated and the sound impresses intel. But the driving pleasure and the feeling of speed are present and the control is tight. With all the content, WRC Generations is a game that will last for a long time to come. It remains to be seen if Codemasters will take over the podium.

Score: 7/10

WRC Generations is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X. I reviewed the game on PC with a code provided by the publisher.