Having never learned to drive myself, I often find it amusing when friends suggest that my experience with driving games has prepared me for the real thing. However, the truth is that driving games teach a very different set of skills compared to actual driving. In games like Wreckfest, traffic lights are merely for show, drifting is considered a viable way to take corners, and other cars are essentially disposable obstacles. These are not the kind of lessons that would make me a safe candidate for the school run, despite what my friends may think.
Recently, THQ Nordic announced the sequel to the popular destruction derby game, Wreckfest. The new installment promises fancier visuals and more detailed damage effects, with animated drivers reacting realistically to crashes. The announcement trailer showcases the chaos and mayhem that players can expect, with a mix of live-action sequences and in-game footage. From what I’ve seen, the game’s focus on car customization seems to be a major selling point, allowing players to paint individual car pieces, add decals, and even simulate impact damage and rust. While these features may appeal to fans of the series, it’s unclear how much the actual gameplay experience will differ from the previous installment.
Wreckfest 2 is set to include a single-player career mode, multiplayer options, tournaments, regular challenges through updates, and modding support. The game is powered by Bugbear’s ROMU engine, which promises more detailed vehicle deformation effects, such as doors and exhaust pipes coming loose, and tires flying off during collisions. While these features add to the game’s madcap charm, there are concerns that the overall racing experience may not offer enough new content to justify a sequel.
Despite some reservations about the lack of significant changes from the previous game, Wreckfest 2 has the opportunity to shine in a market where competitors like Need For Speed and The Crew are currently on the sidelines. The original Wreckfest was praised for its fun and entertaining gameplay, with failure being turned into a positive element of the racing experience. Whether the sequel can build upon this foundation and offer players a fresh and exciting take on the demolition derby genre remains to be seen.
While driving games like Wreckfest may provide some entertainment and thrills, they should not be mistaken for a substitute for real-world driving skills. The announcement of Wreckfest 2 brings with it both excitement and skepticism, as players wait to see if the sequel can truly innovate and improve upon its predecessor. Only time will tell if the game can live up to the expectations of fans and critics alike.
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