Alright, racing fans, here’s the question that is on your minds: does WRC 9 have split-screen? It is as important as choosing tires for the Monte Carlo stage. Let’s dive in and find out if you and your couch mate can share one screen in WRC 9.
WRC 9: The Split-Screen Situation – Or Lack Thereof?
Let’s get right to it. For WRC 9 and split-screen, the news isn’t great. A thorough search reveals no signs of “SPLIT-SCREEN ACTION HERE!” in WRC 9. The results are as quiet as a hybrid car at idle.
However, we know WRC 9 does support offline play. The digital storefront encourages you to download and enjoy it on your main console, even offline. Consider it your reliable rally car, ready even when you are off the grid. This is fantastic for solo practice or enjoying the rally when the internet takes a break.
But, don’t give up hope just yet. There’s a twist – the co-driver mode! WRC 9 added this mode in a free update. It isn’t traditional split-screen racing. Instead, it offers online co-op play, where two players control the same car. One steers while the other calls out pace notes like an excited rally veteran. Rally teamwork!
So, while WRC 9 does not feature split-screen racing, it offers a unique co-driver experience that allows sharing rally thrills online. It’s like having a teammate guiding you through tough terrains and keeping you from crashing – virtually, of course.
What about competitive multiplayer? Worry not, speed demons! WRC 9 has online multiplayer. You can race others across the digital tracks. Note that if you’re on consoles, you might need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Core subscription for access. Consider it your entry to the online rally club.
Now, here’s the big question: is WRC 9 worth buying? According to many, WRC 9 is a premier rally game. Like a finely tuned rally car, it feels just right. It balances simulation and arcade racing, offering a realistic yet accessible rally experience. You can expect plenty of content, with upgrades and challenges around every curve. However, if you want a groundbreaking leap in the genre, WRC 9 may feel like an evolution, not a revolution. Think of it more as a reliable rally machine ready to deliver good times.
Split-Screen Spectacle: Delving into the WRC Series and Beyond
Since WRC 9 plays coy with split-screen, let’s look at split-screen across the WRC series and other racing games. Which titles still offer split-screen options, and which leave local multiplayer behind?
WRC Series: A Split-Screen Saga
The WRC series has had a mixed relationship with split-screen. Let’s trace its lineage:
WRC 6: The Split-Screen Renaissance
WRC 6 listened to players’ demands for split-screen. It made a glorious return, bringing back local multiplayer thrills. Imagine racing side-by-side through Super Special Stages, where tension runs high. WRC 6 knew split-screen isn’t just about playing; it’s a social experience, fun and competitive.
WRC 7: Split-Screen Stability
WRC 7 continued the trend by offering local split-screen multiplayer alongside improved tracks and challenges. It aimed for ultra-realism while still providing the joy of couch racing with friends. It was realistically enjoyable.
WRC 10: The Split-Screen Swan Song?
WRC 10 may be the final hurrah for split-screen in this series. It featured local split-screen play and allowed players to swap controllers for tag-team races. WRC 10 focused heavily on playability and handling, earning praise as one of the best race sims available. Sadly, it seems to mark the end of the split-screen era.
WRC (The Reboot/Relaunch – Just “WRC”): Split-Screen Surprise!
Just when we thought split-screen was lost in WRC, “WRC” (the one without a number) arrives with a revival! Surprisingly, this game offers split-screen play. In today’s gaming world, where split-screen is rare, this title shines as one of the few to keep it alive. It feels like discovering a hidden gem that brings back local multiplayer joys.
Asphalt 9: Legends: Split-Screen… Sort Of?
Next up is Asphalt 9: Legends. Known for its flashy arcade racing and wild action, what about split-screen? Asphalt 9 says “no” to offline multiplayer but mentions a “four-player local split-screen mode.” Confusing, right? It seems there might be some local multiplayer labeled as split-screen – not the traditional offline experience. It leans toward online but may have limited local play. Think of it as an identity crisis.
Other Racing Games: Split-Screen Champions and Benchwarmers
Let’s check how other racing games fare in the split-screen showdown:
Split-Screen Superstars:
- V-Rally & V-Rally 4: These rally games know you crave speed and local competition. Both titles include split-screen in Career mode and for good old-fashioned couch races in various disciplines like Rally and Drift. They are always ready for local challenges.
- Hot Wheels Unleashed: Surprisingly, Hot Wheels Unleashed supports split-screen across platforms without needing online connections or convoluted unlocking systems. It’s pure split-screen fun, allowing you to race those classic toy cars with friends locally.
- Rocket League: Rocket League, the car-soccer hit, shines with split-screen capabilities. You can easily enjoy split-screen on PS4 & PS5, perfect for spontaneous matches with friends on the same couch.
- Horizon Chase Turbo: Want to drift with friends? Horizon Chase Turbo has you covered, with four-player split-screen for intense local competition.
- Wreckfest: Demolition derby action with split-screen? Yes! Wreckfest offers exciting demolition derby fun.
- Wreckfest offers split-screen mode for “unbeatable local fun.” Gather friends for vehicular chaos. It’s a demolition derby with extra players.
- Dirt 5: Dirt 5 features four-player split-screen rallycross. You can race up to four friends locally. Ensure everyone has an online account and controllers set. It’s perfect for rally parties.
- NASCAR Heat 3 & 5: NASCAR Heat 3 and 5 support split-screen play. NASCAR Heat 5 provides two-player split-screen for local racing. Enjoy stock car racing alongside a friend. Both games offer solid split-screen action.
- F1 23: Formula 1 racing in split-screen? F1 23 has you covered. Enjoy local multiplayer with a split-screen option. It is great for settling couch rivalries.
- Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled: This kart racing classic excels in split-screen multiplayer. It brings back the fun of kart racing with bright visuals and exciting local battles. It’s all about nostalgia and split-screen mayhem.
- Gran Turismo 7: Gran Turismo 7 offers two-player split-screen on PS4 and PS5. It may need some unlocking or navigation, but it allows local racing. You can also adjust grid orders for split-screen races.
- Dirt Rally (Referring to the first Dirt Rally): An older source cites “Dirt Rally 3” likely calling it the first Dirt Rally as “one of the best split-screen experiences.” Though vague, it hints at some Dirt Rally games offering intense split-screen action.
Split-Screen Sideline Sitters (Games Without Split-Screen):
- Forza Motorsport (Newer Titles): The newer Forza Motorsport titles lack split-screen features. No local play is available on PC or Xbox. Phil Spencer confirmed, “Forza Motorsport was never going to have splitscreen.” They’ve shifted focus from local multiplayer.
- Forza Horizon 3: Forza Horizon 3 also lacks split-screen play. While co-op campaign exists, no local split-screen supports racing. The Horizon series misses local multiplayer races on a single screen.
- Fall Guys: In Fall Guys, gameplay is strictly solo or online multiplayer. There is “no option for Split Screen Multiplayer.” It is an online competition, with no local split-screen opportunities.
WRC: Beyond Split-Screen – Delving into the Rally World
While focusing on split-screen, let’s explore other aspects about WRC based on our data.
WRC: A 32-Player Party?
WRC games now offer 32-player online rally parties. EA SPORTS WRC has “32-player cross-platform multiplayer.” Race against 31 other players online, across platforms. With EA Racenet, you can join clubs, create tournaments, and engage with the WRC community. It’s a digital rally festival.
WRC Realism: How Real is Real?
The WRC series claims realism, but is it true? WRC games target a realistic driving experience compared to arcade racers.
- WRC 10 highlights its “hyper-realistic physics engine.” There are improvements in aerodynamics and braking, aiming for an authentic rally car feel.
- WRC 6, though claiming “realistic physics,” states this might challenge players used to arcade games. Expect a learning curve with a rewarding experience.
WRC Difficulty: Rally vs. Formula 1 – A G-Force Face-Off
Is WRC much harder than Formula 1? This debate continues! Looking at G-forces shows differences.
Formula 1 drivers face significantly higher G-forces than rally drivers. While WRC is demanding, G-forces are lower than in F1. Drivers in Formula 1 encounter loads of 6Gs in corners, while rally drivers rarely reach that peak. Thus, in G-force strain, F1 appears to dominate. Yet, rally driving has unique challenges like unpredictable surfaces and pace notes.
WRC Careers: Starting with a Boost
Career modes are vital for racing games, with WRC 9 following suit. Its career mode gives an initial boost. You start with “veteran team members to accelerate your Career.” This assists newcomers in WRC, facilitating smoother progress.
The Enduring Appeal of Split-Screen: Why We Crave Couch Co-op
Amid online play’s rise, why does split-screen still call to us? Why do we long for huddled gaming sessions, filled with competitive banter?
Split-screen is more than just a mode; it’s a social event. It holds shared laughter, friendly rivalries, and unforgettable moments. It’s about making memories with friends and family, bonding over digital racing.
Online play connects us globally, yet misses local play’s intimacy. Split-screen fosters physical togetherness, creating deeper connections. It’s akin to an in-person meeting versus virtual hangouts—both valuable, but in-person plays richer.
For racing games, split-screen shines bright. The thrill of direct competition intensifies when you can see your friend’s reaction during tight races. Trash talk feels stronger, victories taste sweeter, and losses are shared pain on the same couch.
Split-screen may seem rare in AAA titles, yet its revival in games like “WRC” shows developers are attentive to fans. There’s recognition that local multiplayer holds unique charms unmatched by online play.
Thus, while WRC 9 might lack traditional split-screen options, the WRC series and racing games offer local multiplayer experiences. Relive the splendors of WRC 6, compete in Dirt 5, or race in Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled. Couch co-op racing remains alive and thriving. Perhaps WRC will surprise us again with traditional split-screen in future releases. Until then, tons of split-screen racing awaits—grab a friend, power up your consoles, and get ready to race!
