Recs.
Updated
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Challenging off-road races
Driving in WRC 7 is more careful and methodical than most racing games, testing how well you can adapt to sudden turns and slowdowns on off-road tracks. Some stages have you driving up winding mountain roads with no rails, leaving you open to flying off the edge of a cliff if you're not careful. At other times, you'll be tempted to go as fast as you can through a scenic village, only to run over an unexpected dip in the road and spinning your car into a barrel roll. You want to be careful when driving, because if you try to floor the gas pedal, it'll probably send your car tumbling into a ditch off the side of the road or crashing into a tree. If you want a racing game that challenges you to be alert, then this is the one for you.
Pro Different tracks give opportunities to change up your car
Tracks with different weather and lengths are more like active features in WRC 7, letting you adapt to the changes while you prepare for the race. You can switch to your snow tires for winter races for better traction and control. When it's raining, you'll want to go for soft tires instead to keep your car from sliding around on turns. You can experiment with hard and soft tires depending on how long a track is, if there are asphalt roads or dirt roads, and all kinds of other variations. It's up to you to figure out what works best and prepare your car for any situation.
Pro Difficult but rewarding long-form race mode
WRC 7 has Epic Stages, which are much longer forms of existing tracks. In these races, you'll be challenged to drive your best for up to fifteen minutes or more while shooting for the lowest time possible. You'll have to learn these tracks perfectly if you want to clear them. Any time you veer off the road or make a wrong calculation on a turn, it'll cost you time that you won't want to waste. It'll be tough, but plenty of practice, you'll be able to win these epic races, giving you an incredible sense of accomplishment.
Pro Responsive controls on a wheel or game pad
Since this is a racing game that requires precision, it's great that the controls are reliable. You'll feel the feedback best from a peripheral wheel as you slow down to make a tough turn, as well as your wheels crackling against the gravel on the road. The rumble options with controllers are also great at simulating the same effects, and you can switch between the analog or directional buttons depending on whatever's most efficient for you.
Cons
Con Not many chances to drive at full-speed
WRC 7 has tracks that challenge you to drive with more caution and avoid flying off the road. You can drive fast from time to time, but you won't be going at full speed all that often, or else you risk losing too much time. If you're looking for more of an arcade racer, this may not be the game for you.