WRC 9 PS5 Review: An Impressively Tactile Racing Sim
WRC 9 on PS5 is a step up from the previous generation version, in large part thanks to the game's excellent use of the DualSense controller.
When WRC 9 released for the previous console generation it was already an impressive experience. With exciting sim racing, all the trappings of an officially licensed WRC game, and an extremely deep career mode, there's been plenty of reason for rally fans to pick it up. WRC 9 is also now available on the new generation of consoles, tempting PS5 and Xbox Series X owners with an improved overall presentation.
WRC 9 is the latest in the long run of official World Rally Championship games. Developed by Kylotonn, the French studio that has been behind the series since 2015's WRC 5, it takes the player through all the action of the World Rally Championship, complete with all the teams across various rallying categories down to Junior-WRC. It gained a strong reputation and impressive reviews upon its initial release in September, but there was always hope for a major upgrade with the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions.
Thankfully, those players who were expecting a significant update will not be disappointed. WRC 9 on the PS5 does look more impressive than the version seen for the previous generation, which is nice to see given that some of the cross-generation releases have been a little lackluster. The game's car models look cleaner, and the weather effects - which are of much importance in a game like WRC 9 - are very impressive.
However WRC 9 is perhaps not as breathtaking an endeavor as its most direct peer at this moment in time. DIRT 5 was a particularly strong step-up visually for the PS5 (although reportedly not for the Xbox Series X and S versions), making good use of its more artistic bent to use the extra power of the PS5 effectively. Nonetheless WRC 9 is still a noticeable improvement, and its stable 60 FPS is certainly nothing to be sniffed at.
Where WRC 9 truly stands out - and really comes up significantly stronger than DIRT 5 - is with its use of the PS5's new DualSense controller. WRC 9 makes excellent use of the controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, making the sim racing feel that much more entrancing through the subtlest of shifts in vibration or friction with the brakes and acceleration. It really is something to experience and feel first-hand.
Those who have yet to witness the DualSense controller in full force might not quite understand just how much of a difference it can make, but WRC 9 is a sign of exactly what the PS5 can do for immersion in gaming. Titles like Sackboy: A Big Adventure and Astro's Playroom have already acted as testing grounds for what the DualSense can do with platformers, but other genres have not been fully explored. Thankfully, WRC 9 is a good example of what it can do for racing games.
Of course, not all WRC 9 players will make use of this aspect. Serious sim racers will still be sticking by their racing wheels as PS5 support grows, while issues around limited adaptable controller support means that the PS5's accessibility options still leave some players left out. However, for those that choose to take up the DualSense, or those that are able to, WRC 9 is an example of the versatility of the controller similar to the updates seen in FIFA 21.
All in all, WRC 9 for PS5 is an excellent game, and those who own the title on PS4 should make use of the PS5 update if they have made the step up to the current generation. There's no rush to get straight into the new console generation just for WRC 9, as it's not a complete revolution, but it does show the immediate difference between old and new.
WRC 9 is out now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. Screen Rant was provided with a PS5 download code for the purposes of this review.