EA Sports WRC with a controller any good?

Is EA Sports with a WRC controller good or is it more like Dirt Rally 2.0? I decided to find out, having now played the latest Codemasters rally extravaganza for 40 hours.

Despite Dirt Rally 2.0 being a popular rally racer, I always found it lacking in the force-feedback and handling department. Particularly for those on controller, it could sometimes be mighty frustrating.

Is that still the case in EA Sports WRC? As my 40 hours of playtime have revealed, it is a yes. And no. Not confusing at all, I know, but the reality is that it depends on a few factors.

Please note: This is the script from my YouTube video, click play above to watch or go here.

For starters, the default steering sensitivity setting (options>controls>advanced) is too high in a game where grip can sometimes be too much. This is fine on slippier dirt, gravel and snow, where cars flow between corners beautifully.

On tarmac, however, that gracefulness of a swan landing on water is replaced by twitchy, nervous steering as you try to avoid becoming a little too friendly with the scenery.

Then there is the fact that cars rotate from the centre when turning as they did in Dirt Rally 2.0. As if there is rear-wheel steering, which is brilliant for driving satisfaction on looser surfaces but not asphalt.

To be fair, it is possible to still win at Monte Carlo (once you get over the performance stutters and slow-motion in some stages) and other tarmac rallies. You can even have some fun along the way.

It is just that, despite a much less frustrating experience for both controller and steering wheel users, EA Sports WRC is not quite perfect. Still floaty, though better than before.

In short, EA Sports WRC with a controller is mostly excellent (hello improved force-feedback), but it will not always delight. Same, as it turns out, for those using a steering wheel.