Review: Wreckfest (Steam)

Wreckfest is a demolition derby themed racing game with soft-body damage modeling, sophisticated driving dynamics and in-depth vehicle upgrading, featuring both demolition derbies and more traditional track races. It’s all about fun, breakneck racing and over-the-top crashes.

Pros:

• Fantastic graphics with a high level of detail.
• 13785MB Download size.
• 32 or 64 Bit choice upon launch.
• Graphics- Resolution, Aspect ratio, Refresh rate, MSAA, Particles, Grass, Texture, Reflections, Shadows, v-sync, Windowed, and anisotropy. Has an overall graphic drop-down box.
• Network options- Server update frequency and client prediction time.
• Controller support.
• Can rebind keys.
• The game actually restarts if it needs to. (Graphics settings)
• Three modes- Career, Custom and online.
• Overall player rank. Earn EXP from playing.
• Realistic handling. Each car handles very differently.
• Two damage models- Normal and realistic.
• Controller options- Deadzone, Sensitivity sliders.
• Full photo mode with filters zooms etc.
• Level up to unlock cars and items for your car.
• Garage- Paint, Tune, Upgrade and buy cars.
• Deep customization options and each part can be upgraded, Adjust handling, Suspension, and brakes.
• Preview new parts before buying them, Shows stats change.
• Rock soundtrack.
• Runs really well even on my i5 970 setups.
• Each career race has bonus optional targets for extra loot.
• Career- Play events and earn stars to unlock more events. Five championships to unlock.
• FOV slider.
• Bonus EXP can be earned by attacking your opponent like spinning them out or causing damage.
• Over 20 racing locations and bowls.
• MP- Server browser, Create lobby with full control like race settings and passwords.
• Full mod/Steam workshop support.
• Few racing modes- Demolition derby, Banger racing and demolition racing.
• Game types for online/custom are deathmatch, TDM, and the last man standing.
• Superb engine noises.
• Pure chaos.
• Well designed tracks with jumps, turns, and routes.
• Steam achievements.
• Over 20 vehicles to unlock.
• Online Leaderboards.
• Excellent fun.
• Online is pure mayhem.
• Destruction on the track from tire walls to signs and fences.

Cons:

• Long frequent load times.
• Music is not for everyone.
• No minimap in game.
• Small text in places.
• Dodgy AI at times.
• Controls always default to keyboard even when using the pad.
• Lackluster end of race screens.
• No commentary or shout outs.
• Lacks trading cards.
• Paint jobs standard is very basic.
• You need to click every item in menus as hovering over them does nothing.