Game: WRC 3
Platform: PC, PS3, PSVita, XB360
Publisher: Bandai Namco, Black Bean Games
Release Date: 12/10/2012
As you can probably tell, we're feeling optimistic about Milestone's WRC3. After two successive games that didn't quite reach their potential, the third entry looks to put things right with a brand new graphics engine that already looks markedly better, along with narrower courses that will hopefully properly reflect the perils of WRC and a more refined physics engine.
Fortunately we won't have too long to wait until we find out, as WRC3's UK release date has now been announced – mark your calendars for October 12th, as WRC3 will be careening onto PC, PS3, Xbox 360 and, for the first time, PS Vita.
Milestone have also revealed some changes to WRC3's structure as a result of community feedback, which will now be packaged with 3 distinct game modes. The Road to Glory is WRC3's main career mode, which will incorporate management RPG elements as you begin the career as a new rookie driver.
WRC Experience on the other hand will put you in the hotseat of a professional driver during the official 2012 WRC Championship. 50 drivers will be available, including top British Racer Matthew Wilson and current World Champion Sebastian Loeb. Finally, WRC Online will include a multitude of multiplayer modes, allowing you to race in a Single Stage, Single SSS, Single Rally or a whole Championship.
We've also stumbled upon the official packshots for WRC3. Intriguingly, however, it seems that different regions will get a different cover car – the packshots for Germany depict a VW Polo R, whereas France will have a Citroen DS3 and the UK will get a classic Mini (well what else?).
Here's a rundown of the pack shots for each territory:
Germany
France and Netherlands
UK, Italy and Spain