Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Race: The Official WTCC Game delivers a deeply authentic driving experience that will appeal to simulation purists. The controls are painstakingly tuned for realism: attempting to steer while simultaneously accelerating or braking often results in oversteer or understeer, just as in real touring cars. You’ll quickly learn that cadence braking—tapping the brake pedal in a rhythmic fashion—is essential to maintain stability through tight corners and high-speed chicanes.

The car damage and environmental systems add further layers of challenge. A brush with a wall or another competitor can dent body panels, affect aerodynamics, or even knock loose suspension components. Meanwhile, running over debris may lead to flat tires or brake fade. Visible dirt, rain streaks, and bug splatter accumulate on your windshield, and you’ll need to activate the wipers at precisely the right moments to keep your vision clear under realistic weather conditions.

Race offers both a full WTCC season mode and individual quick races, as well as a dedicated Time Attack challenge. In season mode, each event consists of two 20-minute races, and points are awarded on a 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale. The twist comes in Race 2: the top eight finishers from the first race have their grid positions reversed, ensuring dynamic battles from the green flag. These formats, combined with faithful Eurosport-style presentation graphics, keep every weekend feeling authentic and strategic.

Graphics

The visual presentation in Race captures the essence of the World Touring Car Championship circuits with impressive fidelity. Car models for BMW, SEAT, Alfa Romeo, Chevrolet, Honda, and Peugeot are richly detailed, from calibrated liveries to grime patterns after contact. Trackside assets like grandstands, barriers, and sponsor boards replicate real-world venues—especially notable on iconic layouts like the slippery Puebla circuit.

Weather and lighting effects further enhance immersion. Dynamic clouds cast shifting shadows across the track, and rain droplets create realistic streaks on your cockpit glass. At night, glare from floodlights and headlights pierce the darkness, making braking markers and apexes feel that much more critical. Even insect splats in rural stretches of certain tracks add an astonishing level of environmental detail.

The game’s broadcast-style overlays evoke the look and feel of Eurosport coverage, complete with timing tickers, gap information, and driver telemetry. Whether you race in cockpit view or choose a variety of external camera angles, the seamless integration of these graphics keeps you focused on the action and heightens the sense of being part of an official WTCC event.

Story

While Race: The Official WTCC Game does not feature a traditional narrative campaign with cutscenes or character-driven dialogue, it faithfully recreates the structure and drama of a real WTCC season. You step into the shoes of a professional touring car driver, representing a factory or privateer team, and vie for championship glory against a full field of skilled AI competitors.

The progression is driven by on-track performance and consistency. As you accumulate points through qualifying sessions and races, you’ll unlock new liveries, sponsor decals, and setup options—mirroring the incremental improvements teams pursue over a racing calendar. The reverse-grid mechanic in Race 2 generates unpredictability, forcing you to fight hard both for front-row starts and strategic overruns on race day.

Although there’s no voiced commentary, the ambient sounds—engine roars, tire squeals, pit lane chatter over the radio—serve to craft an authentic motorsport atmosphere. This sense of immersion builds your personal “season story” as you claw your way from midfield battles to podium finishes and championship contention.

Overall Experience

Race: The Official WTCC Game stands out as one of the most authentic touring car simulations on the market. The steep learning curve will reward dedicated players who master throttle control, braking techniques, and setup tweaks. It’s an exhilarating challenge for those seeking the thrill of door-to-door touring car combat, complete with realistic damage and weather systems.

On the downside, absolute newcomers to simulation racing may find the game unforgiving without first loosening assists or practicing extensively. A quality steering wheel setup with force feedback is highly recommended to fully appreciate the tactile nuances of each car and track surface. Nevertheless, AI difficulty options and assist toggles allow a degree of accessibility for less experienced drivers.

For fans of real-world touring car championships and anyone looking for a deep, physics-driven racing title, Race: The Official WTCC Game offers an engaging and rewarding package. The authentic representation of the WTCC season, combined with detailed graphics and high-stakes racing formats, makes it a worthy purchase for simulation enthusiasts and motorsport aficionados alike.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10