Wreckfest 2 — Early Access impressions

We checked out the Early Access build of the demolition derby racing game, Wreckfest 2. At the time of writing, it’s in month 3 of a planned 12-month EA period with 1 major content update so far. 

The current game build features a small handful of tracks and a few cars that look different but otherwise behave the same. Wreckfest is a demolition derby game, so the cars are appropriately beat up. The physics feels nice and realistic, with the cars having a sense of real weight. Collisions are frequent and impactful. One moment you are in the lead, and the next you’re facing backwards and missing a tire. Damage can come on quickly and is pretty realistic in its impact on your ability to drive. Recovering from a major crash is essentially impossible with the lead cars gaining significant space on you if you get stopped for any reason. 

The developers have done a nice job with the sound design so far. You can hear your engine strain to provide the power you're asking for. Impacts have a satisfying bang and crunch. Blowing your radiator will shoot hissing steam out from under the hood. A lot of work has gone into making the demolition aspects of the game feel as realistic as possible.

While you are awarded points for dealing damage to other cars, the immediate punishment for a bad wreck means that avoiding the demolition part of the game is the only way to win a race. I found this to be pretty disappointing. The game wants you to avoid engaging in the one thing that is supposed to make it stand out from other racing games.

Currently, there is no customization for cars, no progression, and no real reason to play more than a race or two before moving on to something else. Wreckfest 2 might have potential, but it has a long way to go.