WRC 3: FIA World Rally Championship Critic Reviews

Far from perfect in achieving true simulation, but still fun and with loads of content. Absolutely recommended for fans of racing games, since its customizable difficulty makes it accessible for everyone.

WRC 3 is a big step forward when compared to previous games. Milestone uses the WRC license very well - every new game looks considerably better. Better graphics is on par with better driving experience. The game is overall much better but some fans can be put off by a DiRT-y career mode. Still - it is the best rally game out there right now.

It's commendable that WRC 3 aims to give a full rally experience – complete with the need to repair cars between stages - and not dilute it with other forms of off-road racing. Despite this commitment to the sport and the fact that the game has some fun moments, its middling execution only goes so far.

WRC 3 has no challenger this year because there is no DiRT or other rallye game on the market. Milestone improved the game compared to the prequel but there are still some weak-points. The loading time is to long, there is still no split-screen mode and it's absolutely difficult to get started with WRC 3 if you are a newbie.

Reliable, simple comfort food.

In this third game of the WRC series, Milestone made a significant little revolution. The new graphics engine positions the game at a level compatible with the present generation and closes the gap between other offerings in the genre.

A refreshingly dry take on a single discipline.

WRC 3: FIA World Rally Championship has more than enough content to keep you busy with its 83 tracks, 50 drivers, and 37 cars. But, despite being the official game of the World Rally Championship, it has many issues that strip away its authenticity – the most problematic of which being poor track feedback. The title's more than competent as a casual off-road racer, but unfortunately for developer Milestone, Codemasters already has that genre locked up with its exceptional DiRT series.

The official license keeps the game interesting for a while. Then, you'll start noticing the clumsy controls and the mediocre presentation. It won't be long before you realize that there are better off-road racers out there.

Like much of WRC 3, the driving isn't bad, just ordinary.

You can see the improvements in the car models compared to the years before, and the hardcore audience of the sport – the handful that there are – will appreciate WRC 3's spirit to following the source material. Everyone else looking for slip n' slide action should load up DiRT 3.

About the only thing done right in WRC 3 is the staggering amount of properly licensed content, ranging from the tracks and locales to the cars and their drivers. Unfortunately there is no compelling gameplay to accompany all of this.

From the rewind feature made famous by Codemasters' racing efforts to the general lack of evolution for the series, it feels like a game made to satisfy licensor demands.

There's lots of space for a more serious, realistic rally game but this doesn't fit the bill – with a distinct lack of excitement and innovation.

WRC 3 may have a professional sounding name, but the game is more of a disappointment across the board. The amount of content is both impressive and disappointing at the same time. Nothing here will drag players away from better experiences elsewhere, and the sheer lack of modes just makes it feel like a rushed effort. I really wanted to like WRC 3 much more than I did, due to the fact that I am a sucker for the genre, but sadly it is nearly impossible to recommend to anyone without mentioning competitors in the process.

The bottom line is that I play games to have fun. While I found the handling and tracks fun, I have no desire to play a game whose difficulty curve turns it into a second job because it demands near-perfection from the outset. Chances are, if this game is for you, you've already bought it.