WRC Rally Evolved

[Rushy]

Seeing as the Review is now up on NTSC-UK I thought it was about time I started a first-play thread. First all of if you haven't read the review, well here it is: NTSC-UK Review

The games official website for those interested is: www.WRCRallyEvolved.com And for more details, and media on the game then please visit our home page: Evos.net

Now it'd be a little unfair to post my comments on the game as obviously I am going to be slightly biased, but speaking objectively it is my favourite rally game (whether you believe that or not is up to you :P)

So who out there has played it? And what do you think?

If you haven't yet had the opportunity to try the game, feel free to come down to the WRC Launch party this Thursday in Manchester Details here

[powerslide]

Just want to say well done - making a rally game must entail a hell of a lot of sleepless nights!

[MonkeyWrench]

I've been a fan of this series since the first iteration, but I've been put off by this one cause all the shots I had seen of it showed only the rally cross mode, which made it look like it was a purely arcade affair (that'll teach me not to read up on these things in the future). Now that I know it's not I'm off to GAME later to pick it up Plus Powerslide's rallying tastes are pretty similar to mine so I should give it a bash on the back of his recommendation anyway.

I might pop down to that launch event on Thrusday.

[tiddles]

The review is pretty much spot on - the lack of stages is indeed the big disappointment, but visuals and handling are both improved and probably make up for it - I've been a fan of the series since 3, and I'd recommend a purchase!

[sharky_ob]

I can't recommend this if you have WRC4 - the structure of the rally mode has been ruined for me. 3 stages is just not sufficient.

The handling and the co-driver are much better though. Graphics have been improved too.

[Yoshimax]

Not played a WRC since the first but loved it to bits - The lower number of stages etc may suit my short attention span.

Is the handling like the first ? Used to love throwing it into a corner bombing down the side of a cliff, hitting the handbrake, countering and then powering up the other side.

I'll go check some vids.

[Yoshimax]

The games official website for those interested is: WRCRallyEvolved.com

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[Yoshimax]

Hmm - Just watched the GB video - The thing I really liked about WRC was the procedurally generated mountainsides & massive expanses - you really got the feeling of scale in the replays.

This looks very much like any other rally game ??

[Rushy]

Yoshimax-UK, well first of all I've fixed that broken link (oops). Now for your questions...

The handling is very, very different from the original WRC, its come a long way since then. It's much more realistic this time around, but we've also made it exciting experience along with some much needed accessibility provided by the driver aids.

The videos don't give the best impression of what the game is about, we like to think that visually its one of the stronger games on the PS2, but I recommend you look at in the flesh to make your own mind up.

If you haven't been able to make your mind up from the NTSC-UK review we have also been reviewed in numerous other publications and websites which may aid your choice - OPSM #65 (9/10) - P2 #66 (9/10) - PSM2 #68 (89%) - Play #135 (88%) - ElectronicTheatre 87% - Unfortunately the last review is the only one online to read, otherwise you'll have to purchase the magazines to read their opinions. OPSM #65 has a 2 level demo on the cover disk if you want to try it out...

[charlesr]

I've tried the quick race on this and turned all the driver aids off. I've not played WRC before but am heavily into RC2, so this was a bit of a shock, having to pretend I was driving a real car rather than just nailing it everywhere. The handling seems very realistic in the same way Forza is. Extremes of control movement just upset the car. Looking forward to giving the championship a go.
Also tried the test track for a minute - the speed effects are pretty cool.
The graphics are functional - could always tell which way I was meant to go (unlike RC2 often) - but didn't blow me away. Was very smooth though.

[Rushy]

You turned all the drivers aid off immediately, now there is a brave man. Most people generally start with them all on, and then start to 'peel' them backwards as they adapt to the handling.

Even now I find myself just edging up the steering assist a little on occasions :P