
It’s only taken 11 games to figure it out, but publisher Nacon has finally realised that numbering its WRC games has perhaps started to get a little ridiculous. As such, this sequel to WRC 10 has ditched the numbering system, and goes by the more approachable title of WRC Generations. It’s an interesting time to finally make the change, however, because this is the last game in the WRC series as it stands before EA and Codemasters take over the wheel from KT Racing.
The WRC games have something of a reputation on Switch for not quite delivering optimal performance, and for the most part that’s the case here too. Generations looks ever so slightly better than WRC 10, but that doesn’t mean we’re now looking at Forza or anything like that.
Texture quality is still very low, scenery still pops in from only a matter of feet away, and some stages continue to have that extremely distracting effect where shadows appear on the ground just ahead of you and draw themselves out as you drive, almost as if you’re chasing some sort of ghostly snake down the road.

In terms of how it controls, the handling is extremely sensitive, and still requires quite a bit of tinkering before you can find something that best suits your racing style. And, as before, acceleration and braking take a hit because their default controls are mapped to the 'ZR' and 'ZL' buttons, which aren’t analogue. This would be one thing in a typical racing game but for a rally game you really do need more nuance in your pedal control rather than a flat on-off for the brakes and throttle.
The main way to remedy this is by instead assigning the accelerator and brake to the right stick – move it up to go, down to stop – which thankfully can be done in the options. However, you then have to find somewhere to assign the camera, which is usually what the right stick does. Annoyingly, the game doesn’t just let you decide you don’t want camera controls (why would we want to look to the side to see more ugly scenery?) so we ended up jamming it onto the ZL button just to keep it out of the way. It’s a solution, but hardly an elegant one, and a preset right-stick acceleration control scheme would have been welcome.

The main addition to gameplay this time is the inclusion of hybrid cars, as featured in the latest real-life WRC season. The idea is that these cars give you an extra boost of power when accelerating, then charge the battery while you brake. We’d be lying if we said we noticed an enormous difference between driving a hybrid and a non-hybrid, so it feels more like this is just a gimmick than a genuinely game-altering experience.
The only other selling point is alluded to in the title. As well as the tracks featured in the latest WRC season, Generations includes a selection of tracks from previous WRC games, bringing the total number of courses to 165 across 21 locations. It’s a nice variety and should ensure that those who can put up with the drab visuals and awkward controls will have plenty to race through.
While it may appear, then, that WRC Generations is basically an enhanced update of WRC 10, it’s not quite as straightforward as this. Indeed, one of our favourite modes in WRC 10, the 50th Anniversary mode, has been completely removed this time, meaning anyone else who loved it in the previous game will have to make do without it this time.

The 50th Anniversary mode allowed you to recreate classic rallies from WRC history, which added some decent variety to the game. This time, the historical races have been shoehorned into the otherwise near-identical Career mode as calendar events, meaning you only get to play them once as you progress through your career and don’t get to freely choose which one to play. This is a rather poor compromise for what used to be a brilliant extra mode and has now been relegated to an afterthought.
But hey, it’s not all bad news, there’s also the brand-new Leagues mode where you get to challenge other players online in a series of regularly updating competitions. Or that's what we’d be saying to you if we could actually find the thing anywhere.
Despite the eShop description quite clearly stating that “the new Leagues mode lets players challenge opponents with a similar level online,” and that players can “finish ahead of your competitors to move up the ladder in the Legends category”, there is precisely zero online content to be found in the Switch version of the game at the time of writing, a few days after the game’s digital release and some four weeks after its physical one.

Indeed, this review would have been published earlier had we managed to get to the bottom of this, but we’ve been contacting PRs, scouring forums, and traipsing through Discord servers, and so far we’ve seen nobody from the game’s development or publishing team shedding any light on why a major new feature being advertised on the eShop is completely AWOL, without even so much as an asterisk indicating that it’s coming later in an update.
One of the reasons this concerns us is that WRC 10 also promised “a particularly competitive eSport, with daily and weekly challenges and clubs so you can create your own competitions”, a claim that remains on the game’s eShop description to this day. Despite this, no online features were ever added to WRC 10 either, which strikes us as somewhat misleading. The idea of regular challenges would be a great way to add longevity to the game, so their absence – both in the previous game and now in Generations too – is a big letdown.
As such, given what happened last time, we’re not giving WRC Generations the benefit of the doubt and just assuming Leagues will be added to the Switch version of WRC Generations any time soon, despite being advertised. Its exclusion weeks after physical launch with no explanation is a sign of poor communication at best, and at worst is a case of a mode being abandoned and leaving behind false advertising. As soon as we get a response, we’ll update this review accordingly. [UPDATE: Since publication, we have received official word that "an update is planned for WRC Generations on Nintendo Switch, which includes Leagues mode".]

For now though, let’s assume Generations won’t have any online play and that, at the very least, you certainly shouldn’t buy the game based on the promise of regular online competitive leaderboards – at this stage in the game’s life, it’s simply not a feature.
Instead, purely as an offline-only experience, WRC Generations is similar to its Switch predecessors in that it looks rough (particularly in handheld mode) and has an overly sensitive handling system which requires quite a bit of tweaking and practice. We only hope that Codemasters and EA decide to keep the Switch in its plans when it takes over the WRC licence, because otherwise this would be a bit of an underwhelming end for the sport on Nintendo’s console.
Conclusion
WRC Generations marks the end of a series that has never really hit cruising speed on Switch. Like its predecessors, its look and feel are subpar and while it has a lot of content, it's a struggle to enjoy it fully given how many compromises you have to make. After a lot of time spent with it, you’ll finally start to see results, but this is a game that perhaps requires too much compromise on the player’s part to appeal to anyone but the most ardent rally fans.
Comments 27
Hmm. That is disappointing. I guess I haven't really played a rally game in a long time though anyway. I did love Sega Rally. First game I bought with my new Saturn back in the day.
I got the physical about 3 weeks ago and am enjoying it, though agree the visuals are rough.
As mentioned in the review hopefully EA/Codenasters still release on switch however I’m doubting this, as we’ve not seen a single f1 game
@GamerGrandpa likewise for first game on Saturn, that was great fun!
“Visually horrendous”
I don’t want to defend this game, the WRC series is mediocre on any platform (Dirt Rally is much better)
But the previous WRC game looks much worse on the Switch.
And if this is “Visually horrendous”, then the reviewer should play all the Switch games that are much worse on that regard, plenty of those.
It is for the best this series starts to skip the Switch, these guys don’t have the budget for a good port.
Or even better, this series should die because after the 5th game it went downhill really fast.
The biggest argument for a Switch Pro isn't merely that it would allow for fewer compromises when porting games, but that by and large the visual aspect of videogames has plateaued with the current generation anyway. Frankly there isn't much benefit from trying to increase resolutions and frame rates from where they are now (4K and 60 fps+), so even if it doesn't quite match the specs of the PS5 or the XBOX Series X/S, the Switch's successor should be easily able to close the technical gap enough to run current titles with minimal performance differences. Lastly, look at the glacial pace at which truly AAA games have been releasing on the PS5 and Series X/S (and how many of those, such as Halo Infinite, have been rushed out the door in woefully incomplete, glitch-laden conditions), and you realize we've reached the point of diminishing returns. Bigger and more complex technical specs doesn't necessarily equate to better games or experiences.
In any case, Nintendo's going to do what they're going to do. I just hope that when their next console materializes that it will be fully backwards-compatible with Switch games including eShop purchases. There's absolutely no way I'm double-dipping yet again with as many Switch games as I've purchased, but there's also only so many HDMI inputs behind the TV.
I love racing games, but I really don't get the appeal of drift rally games. Don't get me wrong, there are a few I like, but I just prefer to play those few games. Outrun Coast 2 Coast was the pinnacle for me, then probably Ridge Racer 2 on psp, then Sega Rally Revo, also for psp. I assume these new ones are a bit more simlike, but Idk, they just don't look appealing.
Colin Mcrae Racing 1+2, nothing else.
Maybe Sega Rally too.
I love WRC9 on Switch, despite no analog controls. I mean, I could use the stick, but I don't wanna. Kinda hoping Nintendo would release Joy-Cons or a pro controller with analog control support, but this late in the life of the Switch, I doubt it. That fact has killed Grid Autosport, WRC9, and Art of Rally for me, though I'm a masochist who really wants to play racing games on my Switch for the portability.
I'm still eyeing this game, but if I weren't on the road so much, I'd just buy it on PC and play it on my proper rig.
Although I agree with some of this review, this is the best game of the series with the best rally experience yet. The graphics and overall feel of the game is much better this time round.
It does need the multiplayer update,which i hope is delivered this time around.
All in all an enjoyable rally game.
This series is the definition of garbage on Switch, don't buy it. We don't need more of the same game litering the eShop. It seems the dev is mindlessly doing this for the promotional money handed to them by WRC and not really the quality factor. If you play any one of the previous 3 entries on Switch then you had already play em all.
This looks sometimes worse than WRC 3 & 4 on PS Vita. I don't expect fireworks, but this is below any standards. Hell, even V-Rally 4 made by them looked so much better (released in 2018). I'm begging you Kylotonn, don't make any racing games for Switch EVER again. THANK GOD that Codies will take over. Look at GRID on Switch. I know that they will finally make a good WRC game. This comes from a huge WRC fan. It's not about graphics, you can forgive a lot because this is a (old) handheld device, this is what people are saying. Yeah, no. I don't even want to try it out if I would have a chance. Garbage, complete dogshit, laziness of devs. I'm mad that for so many years they had licence from WRC instead of for example Codies. Just wasted our time and nerves.
Honestly I love the ps1 styled throwback graphics
Having been out of the loop on how these are the analogue or not yeah it's awkward but still playable, the stick thing I agree it shouldn't be that awkward most other racers have made it possible by now. Couldn't care less about online but I agree why copy paste info if it's not accurate to that version (or if on the box either and no one looked it over because comparing/making it relevant was too hard or something update or not in progress and they just want to get it out on Switch as quick as possible and move on I guess).
The graphics look worse than WRC 2 on 360 as the most recent I've played, family may have Dirt Rally or I may have WRC PSP or others but not enough to know feature wise but graphics eh even as someone that plays many PS3/360 games still to compare it's kind of sad. I haven't played the Vita versions of 3 to 5 at all and can't compare to WRC PSP of course as a bit different and it looks better than that or Colin McCrae 2005+ but still.
Getting used to certain Switch games even if not enough racing ones to tell other than Gear Club Unlimited 2 (or footage of other games) I can see how some devs are trying with textures or low res in areas (I don't care about graphics but it is still interesting because of how Switch is), removing some graphics features and so on but still and it's odd distance or close up noticeable in some games (playing Bayonetta 3 the shine and just in the China levels the up close it's lacking but jump and further away it has texture, sure..... seeing it where damage to walls are as part of the level design and such yeah it's interesting. I don't care for graphics but with Switch I do get curious as with Vita I don't question it as much and haven't played any on my PS TV yet to compare, PSP I have a few besides the cables getting frayed a bit and otherwise because the dock is easy to put in and out besides used to Wii U a fair amount yeah it's interesting seeing new and ports of higher end to low end just like Ride 1 on 360 was for textures and load times or PSP to PS2 versions being awkward for graphics or sound or features).
Would have to compare to WRC 10 footage I had seen a while ago or other entries but I won't deny Milestone did a better job with older WRC games and KT Racing has tried but not really made people get that on board entry by entry with some details of gameplay and graphics Switch or other platforms.
The classics from 10 I agree why did they put it in the career? Did they go 'we need to change things up, uh uh that will do' it seems dumb of a sacrifice to rework it like that as if having it separate wasn't a good thing than whatever online modes and features to put on the box when how many will use it? Sure slotting them in is something but I agree experiencing those moments is cool so slotting it in-between the career and having to replaying the other parts of the career to redo them kind of sucks.
I thought when browsing MotoGP games as also out of the loop on later entries and finding the 'recreate moments' stuff to be cool and I always like the different missions (the reason I get annoyed seeing people play only story mode in R Racing Evolution when the MotoGP3 style missions in that game are great, it was build with that engine/UI in mind after all).
I'm not into anything more than just good modes and good enough handling/physics or whatever version I can pick up but yeah seems odd they handled it this way and how they went for online which sure but for singleplayer content that kind of sucks and never knowing how much on Switch they cut/condense things either as you never know.
I always question heat or flags or whatever ever since Gran Turismo 3 did it (I don't actively look for it but still if I do pay attention I appreciate it), seeing that series be more lifeless and not looking as much at other games but if they do it's cool to see. But when some games can be that lifeless it's sad.
I loved Grid Legends after 2019 was just awkward to play for me. I haven't tried and F1 game in a while either but if they are just as awkward but trying to get better with a story mode and other such content I think WRC may be alright if content handling and controls are handled better. Nacon and the KT Racing did what they could even if lacking (Milestone I think is a better developer of racing games older WRC titles or otherwise but they have their moments of not too and Codemasters get a fair amount of things right but it depends from game entry to game series).
Next I am going to hear Switch fanboys telling me the Switch definitely doesn't need to be more powerful as it continues to struggle to play any ports of current generation titles, no matter how much compromising is made.
Face it fans, the Switch is underpowered and outdated. This is the kind of port we are getting until we get some better hardware. It's honestly why I have already given up on the Switch when it comes to anything ambitious, it's only low requirement indie games and first party titles for now on.
@DarrenWarrenV The quality of racing titles and big 3'rd party ports has been continuously diminishing over the years. V-Rally 4 looks and performs notably better than the latest WRC titles. To be honest, the only rally game that really looked and performed great for me on the Switch is Rush Rally 3.
I've played a lot WRC / DiRT games on my Xbox platforms (XOX, XSX) including WRC generations and I've had a chance to run a few rounds on my switch port - summarizing my opinions in one word: I clearly don't want to ever play any simcade / racing sim on this handheld again. Its a total different league, 99% of the issues simply doesn't exist on rival platforms. To be honest I'm totally tired of the tech disadvantages of Nintendo hw, so I only enjoy N originated titles which are fantastic btw. I have a clue that Kylotonn doesn't really wanted to make a switch port and made it only for the publisher's pressure - due to the WRC licence end, the lack of resources, or the extra work which requires to force their own engine to downgrade the tech to this obsolete platform. Saying this because on the other hand, they were perfect for handling the series comparing the former devs - and during the last few years, pulling up this franchise to the top from garbage. Tbh I don't believe that CM is able to make miracle on switch current model for their new games - even if they did with Grid (which remember, it wasn't a current gen port, but an oldie but goldie Xbox 360 rework).
A Codemasters rally game on the Switch... A man can dream...
What I want to know is: how did EA get Burnout Paradise running at 60fps 1080/720p on Switch? This stuff can be done, people. Sure BP is a 15 year old game but these WRCs are uninspiring graphically even on powerful hardware. Like another poster said, racing game graphics plateaued ages ago (unless you're talking about the shinyest of the shiny franchises) and have even gotten worse on the Switch as publishers care less and less about what they put out.
All I'm saying is that beautiful performant racing games can be done on the Switch. It's just a matter of actually making them. The whole 5-metre shadow distance and copy-paste lying e-shop description just makes the neglect totally clear.
"There's absolutely no way I'm double-dipping yet again with as many Switch games as I've purchased, but there's also only so many HDMI inputs behind the TV."
@AtlanteanMan
But you will, because they will force you, to do it over and over (again). So, make your wallet ready.
@WildApple No, I meant what I said. I have probably over 100 games downloaded onto my Switch from the eShop, many of them ports from previous systems (especially the Wii U), and I would have happily invested in legacy VC titles had Nintendo made them available instead of locking them behind an overpriced subscription model (I subscribe to the base Switch Online for the cloud saves and will never bother with the "premium" category). But this is where I draw the final line; I've been an avid hobbyist for nearly four decades now, invested thousands upon thousands of dollars into the hobby, and everywhere I look now I see console manufacturers and publishers using online functionality not to better the options and experiences for gamers, but to gate, control, and exploit them at every possible turn, and those priorities have seriously begun to affect even flagship AAA IPs (example: Halo Infinite). I have a history of voting with my wallet and if necessary I will simply hold onto my Switch rather than continue the vicious cycle of repurchasing older titles that Nintendo seems hellbent on forcing their consumers to do.
So don't presume to speak for me or tell me what I will or won't do; there are actually some of us who follow through on a declaration instead of rolling over and submitting to Big Corporate just to maintain our addiction to entertainment.
Oof, whoever makes these games just doesn’t try from the look of it. This is why I almost never buy licensed games. If you want a good racing game try to buy Mario Kart, preferably when it’s discounted
Rush Rally 3 is pretty much the only rally game I need. Nothing else I've tried on Switch comes close.
There are several PS2 Rally games that have more detail than that. Using Bump Mapping and more polygon density to have a result like this, is a lack of professionalism.
@romany8806 Agreed. I have tried V-Rally 4, and the 30fps is OK, but the colour-grading on it is weird, something I thought of the PC version too.
Rush Rally 3 is golden, and puts any other low-effort rally port on the Switch to shame. It looks like a Gamecube game, but it plays like a Colin McRae 2005-alike. There's no fat or bloat, it's 60fps, razor-focused on what it sets out to do and just nails it.
@N64-ROX Burnout Paradise wasn't too difficult as I think a lot of people forget just how old that game is. It released way back in 2008 for the Xbox 360. With that in mind, it's no wonder why they were able to get such an old game to run well on the Switch. That's basically been the type of port that seems to perform the best on the Switch, games from the 360/PS3 era, I mean Grid Autosport is probably the best example of that.
The problems always come up when the Switch tries to port over anything from the PS4/One generation, and now that we are on the PS5/Series generation the struggle has only worsened, and it's simply a miracle if we can get anything to run at all.
It's incredible how we got games like The Witcher 3 and No Man's Sky and this has visuals like this lmao. Bad development, definitely not the switch.
No Man's Sky struggles to run at 30fps even with it's low-res potato settings, often having bad frame drops with terrible pop-in. The Switch is definitely the issue, there is only so much that can be achieved with such dated mobile hardware.
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...