Take on all the challenges of the 2017 World Rally Championship: the official cars and drivers, 13 countries, 52 Special Stages, every surface, more powerful cars, more demanding physics, longer races, and an eSports mode to keep you on the edge of your seat all year round.
Players praise the game's intuitive and challenging driving dynamics, which strike a careful balance between simulation and accessibility. The physics modeling accurately represents the weight and responsiveness of the rally cars, with factors like surface changes, inclines, and obstacles noticeably impacting vehicle handling. The cars feel substantial and provide a satisfying level of feedback through the steering wheel or gamepad.
The game's 52 special stages, set across 13 different countries, are widely acclaimed for their visual fidelity and attention to detail. Players highlight the realistic environmental elements, such as breaking twigs, sparking guardrails, and tire tracks in the dirt, which contribute to an immersive driving experience. The diversity of environments, from narrow mountain roads to wide-open gravel stages, keeps the gameplay feeling fresh and compelling.
The co-driver's pace notes and callouts are a crucial aspect of rally gameplay, and the game allows players to customize this element to their preference. Users can adjust the level of detail and the timing of the co-driver's instructions, tailoring the experience to their individual driving style and skill level.
While the game is more simulation-oriented than some other rally titles, players report that the handling model is forgiving, allowing them to recover from mistakes more easily than in hardcore sims. However, navigating the demanding stages still requires skill and precision, providing a sense of accomplishment as players improve their driving abilities over time.
The game's career mode offers a rewarding progression system that keeps players engaged. Tackling the various championships and challenges, from the Junior WRC to the main WRC series, allows users to experience a tangible sense of improvement as they fine-tune their car's setup and unlock new content.