So, I indulged in a spot of rally last night, having not done any in a long while. I started in Assetto Corsa Rally, and then moved over to EA WRC. I can't believe how much I was baffled by how janky the physics in EA WRC felt. I guess I've just been playing it for so long that I got used what the physics in EA WRC did and how to work around them. Safe to say, ACR is lightyears ahead in terms of car handling. Whilst it isn't perfect by any means and still has a lot of work to do (it is still early access I guess), they are very much on the realistic end and you feel as though you can actually tell what the car is going to do/trying to do.

So this got me thinking, I installed the OG: Richard Burns Rally. I was absolutely blown away by the car physics and how the force feedback feels in that game. I really need to do a video about it. I played it a year or so ago, but since then there has been a major graphical update and extras to the game that it really continues to be a worthwhile contender.

My only gripes with RBR is the lack of realistic car sounds and a realistic damage mod, with the occasional weird flat look appearance of the graphics.

If you're into rally games or sim racing, you really, really need to install this game and try it. After all, it is **completely free.**

If you've not heard of this car, you should. If you know it, I can confirm that driving it in Assetto Corsa Rally is utterly joyous.

I mean, who doesn’t? This was great fun to do, tbh.

If you don’t like this car in any way shape or form, there is something really wrong with you.

2.1L Twincharged I4, 6 speed manual gearbox. I think I’m in love.

Hope you all don’t mind me posting these here. It feels like a nice way to branch out to people interested in this topic without being spammy.

Has anyone else tried BeamNG.Drive rally yet?

In yet another unsurprising move by EA, they’re killing off another game series.

Seriously, this game does not ever get enough credit for the level of work that goes into it.

The game is £20!!! No paywalls, no paid DLCs and a thriving mod community.

If you haven’t already bought it, what’re you waiting for?!

Massive thanks to everyone who joined me on last night's stream! VOD on the attached link if you’re interested :) I genuinely had a great laugh chatting to you all while I crashed the hell out of everything.

Onto the review side of it, BeamNG.Drive Rally is up there with one of the best rally experiences you can have in today's day and age. The only few things that hold it back currently are two things in my opinion:

1. There aren't any official cars. All the cars are generically branded and (petrolheads may get me on this) engine sounds are ficitional. However, they are still hecking great fun and this doesn't take away too much from the experience.

2. This is not a fault or a bug, but there aren't enough variation in rally stages yet. Given that it is still early release, there are only a few stages to choose from, with only 2 out of 9 being gravel/mud. However, the ones that are available to choose from are brilliantly good fun.

The rally mod strikes that balance perfectly in that because of the realistic physics and damage model, you really connect with the car and stages you're driving because you are fearful of trying anything extreme- though if you do try something wild and it pays off, the feeling of accomplishment is an awesome one.

Best of all? The game is only £20 ish. Hands down the BEST value for money driving game you can get available today and this is a hill I'll happily die on.

Bravo BeamNG devs, bravo.

#Rally #SimRacing #Racing #Gaming