Wreckfest 2: First Look Review

Welcome to the review of Wreckfest 2.

Destroying cars is fun, but there isn`t much content yet, which is a pity.

Okay, here`s a more detailed review, although I still think the short description above perfectly captures the essence of Wreckfest 2.

Wreckfest 2 is a direct sequel to Wreckfest and a spiritual successor to the FlatOut series. These are arcade survival racing games known for their realistic damage physics and complete disregard for fair play. The main goal is not just to win the race, but to destroy opponents.

Are you ready to unleash the rage built up over years of playing Gran Turismo, Need for Speed, and Forza? Do you want to become the embodiment of automotive chaos and plunge the four-wheeled world into the abyss of destruction? Do you want to play a symphony of metal and ignite gasoline in your veins? Are you ready?!

Then sit back and relax, because the full release is still a long way off.

Wreckfest 2 is still in early development. The game was released in early access on March 20th and, frankly, it currently feels more like a demo.

So, what do you get?

The garage features four cars that resemble real prototypes, although they are not legally so. Dented, rusty, and missing parts, they possess a grim aesthetic. The game is not about gloss and glamour.

On the track, these battered cars handle quite well. They differ slightly in handling, drift beautifully, and spectacularly fall apart. Frankly, I was less interested in their racing specs and more in planning and executing massive crashes. And I`m not alone in this. Finishing a race intact is a challenge even for the most careful players.

The developers at Bugbear are excellent at destroying cars. Bumpers and doors fly off easily. Gearboxes break down. Engines explode. Tires burst. Wheels fall off. Bodies deform like butter in the sun.

Sometimes the damage seems slightly unrealistic. I`ve seen cars continue to drive even with an engine as thin as paper and a driveshaft folded into a bizarre shape.

This damage affects handling and speed, but not always predictably. It`s logical that a tire won`t last long on a deformed rim. It`s obvious that turning without a tire is difficult. But why a car without front wheels, practically driving on brakes, turns perfectly is a mystery to me.

In my opinion, the cars in Wreckfest 2 are too fragile and break too easily. But this criticism is inappropriate for this type of game. It`s like complaining about the excessive beauty of girls in a dating simulator.

For these four cars, there are four maps available: three race tracks and one derby arena. Derby is a competition where the goal is to destroy opponents` cars.

The track design also does not encourage peaceful driving. Firstly, they are small, and the number of participants is up to 24. Collisions are inevitable. Secondly, there is no mini-map, making navigation difficult. Thirdly, two tracks have intersections and loops. Fourthly, points are awarded for crashes, the purpose of which is unclear, but receiving them is enjoyable. Fifthly, it`s fun.

There are only four game modes: quick race with bots, custom race with bots, quick multiplayer game, and server selection. The latter are more interesting but also more problematic.

No bugs were noticed in the races themselves. Problems arise when connecting to servers. Changing car – crash. Spectator mode – crash. Minimizing the game – crash. Reading a nickname – crash. This is not an exaggeration. It took me nine attempts and half an hour to connect to multiplayer. After a couple of races, the connection was lost.

Let me reiterate. Wreckfest 2 is far from the final version. If you are expecting a full career mode and variety of modes, you will be disappointed. It`s a paid demo showcasing the engine`s capabilities.

What`s the point of buying it? To support the developers. The first Wreckfest failed its crowdfunding campaign but was successful in early access, even though it had even less content at launch. If it works, why change anything?

But why should players buy a demo? Perhaps you want to be a free tester or support the developers, believing in the project. There are no other reasons. Wreckfest 2 doesn`t offer anything unique yet; it`s easier to play the first part or similar games.

In any case, it`s too early to draw conclusions about the game. This is just the first step, but a confident and promising one.