Assetto Corsa Rally has quickly gained popularity among sim racers worldwide for its exceptional driving physics, reminiscent of the acclaimed Richard Burns Rally. For years, the rally racing game genre has been in need of innovation, with titles like DIRT, EA Sports WRC, and the aging Richard Burns Rally being the main options available. However, recent releases like DIRT 2.0 and EA Sports WRC in 2023 failed to impress, leaving enthusiasts with limited choices until Assetto Corsa Rally emerged.
Announced in a surprise unveiling by 505 Games and Supernova Games Studios in collaboration with KUNOS Simulazioni, the minds behind Assetto Corsa series, Assetto Corsa Rally debuted in early access in November. Despite the typical early access issues such as limited content and technical glitches, the driving experience it offers stands out, making it a potential leading rally game in the foreseeable future.
The game excels in delivering an immersive driving experience, particularly on gravel stages, a challenge that previous rally games struggled to capture accurately. The intense feedback through the wheel simulates the difficulty of maneuvering on gravel, creating a thrilling and authentic driving sensation, where every move counts to avoid disasters.
Assetto Corsa Rally’s attention to detail extends to its audio design, with each car boasting distinctive engine sounds that cater to automotive enthusiasts. The game currently features two meticulously scanned locations, Wales for gravel stages and Alsace for tarmac, ensuring a high level of realism. Despite a limited car selection of only 10 vehicles, each model, from the iconic Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo to the Fiat 124 Sport Abarth Rally, is visually stunning.
While the game’s current content offerings include rally events, time attack, and free practice modes, it falls short in terms of variety. Priced at $29.99 / £24.99 in early access, Assetto Corsa Rally is a work in progress, with plans to expand features such as over 120 km of laser-scanned stages, more than 30 rally cars, and new gameplay modes like Career Mode and Rally School in the full release. Despite potential delays, the developers aim to finalize version 1.0 within 12-18 months, incorporating full VR support.
In conclusion, Assetto Corsa Rally sets a benchmark for early access games, prioritizing exceptional driving physics while acknowledging the need for more content. Enthusiasts interested in rally racing should consider giving this game a try, as it shows promising potential for future updates and improvements.