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Performance Issues and More in EA Sports WRC Update 1.3

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EA Sports WRC gets its first major patch less than a week after release to fix issues. The game’s 1.3 update, released today, November 8, 2023, addresses technical issues and a long list of minor bugs and errors.

It appears that this update aims to improve game stability and frame rate. It rarely drops below 60 frames-per-second, but it fluctuates enough to be noticeable. Stuttering or halting frame rates can completely disrupt your driving, which is bad for a driving game. I hope this patch improves that.

The patch fixes crashes, improves graphics, corrects voice and text errors, adjusts audio, Builder mode’s user interface, improves many vehicles, specific co-driver calls, and more.

The complete patch notes are:

New Feature

Key Fixes

  • Added support for Unreal PSO Caching (shader pre-compiling) to address and reduce the amount of shader stuttering experienced on PC.
  • Made several improvements to framerate in key areas of gameplay on all platforms.
  • Made a number of graphical fixes and improvements across the game on all platforms.
  • Resolved multiple issues that would cause the game to crash or soft lock during gameplay on all platforms.
  • EA SPORTS™ WRC can now be launched on Steam Deck.

Accessibility

  • Made a number of Speech to Text fixes across the game.

Animation

  • Resolved an issue where the co-driver was t-posing in the Ford Escort RS Cosworth.
  • Resolved an issue where in the Ford Fiesta WRC 2019 the driver would pull the handbrake instead of the paddles to shift gears.

Audio

  • Improved the doppler pitch speed shifting in replays.
  • Made a number of corrections to voiceover across the game.
  • Made several minor audio adjustments and improvements across the game.

Boot Flow

  • Game should no longer boot in Full-Screen Mode when Windowed Mode is selected on EA App.

Builder

  • Made a number of User Interface improvements to Builder.
  • Made a number of minor adjustments to Builder.

Career

  • Made a number of corrections to voiceovers within Career.
  • Made a number of text tweaks in Career.
  • Resolved a number of User Interface issues in Career.

Cars

  • Resolved a number of vehicle art and model issues with the Alpine Renault A110 1600 S.
  • Resolved a number of vehicle art and model issues with the Ford Puma Rally1 HYBRID.
  • Resolved a number of vehicle art and model issues with the Ford RS200.
  • Resolved a number of vehicle art and model issues with the Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500.
  • Resolved a number of vehicle art and model issues with the Lancia Stratos.
  • Resolved a number of vehicle art and model issues with the Peugeot 205 T16 Evo 2.
  • Resolved a number of vehicle art and model issues with the Peugeot 309 GTI.
  • Resolved a number of vehicle art and model issues with the SEAT Córdoba WRC.
  • Resolved a number of vehicle art and model issues with the SEAT Ibiza Kit Car.
  • Resolved a number of vehicle art and model issues with the ŠKODA Fabia Rally2 Evo.
  • Resolved a number of vehicle art and model issues with the SUBARU Impreza 1995.
  • Resolved a number of vehicle art and model issues with the SUBARU Impreza 1998.
  • Resolved a number of vehicle art and model issues with the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 HYBRID.
  • Resolved a number of vehicle art and model issues with the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
  • Resolved a number of vehicle art and model issues with the Volkswagen Polo 2017.
  • Made improvements to vehicle damage on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.
  • Made improvements to vehicle damage on the ŠKODA Fabia Rally2 Evo.
  • Made a number of lighting improvements to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.
  • Made a number of lighting improvements to the SUBARU Impreza 1995.
  • Made a number of lighting improvements to the SUBARU Impreza 1998.
  • Made a number of physics fixes to the Lancia Delta S4.
  • Made a number of hybrid regen calibration fixes to the Ford Puma Rally1 HYBRID.
  • Made a number of hybrid regen calibration fixes to the Hyundai i20 Rally1 HYBRID.
  • Made a number of hybrid regen calibration fixes to the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 HYBRID.
  • Fixed a number of HUD and dashboard issues on the Alpine Renault A110 1600 S.
  • Fixed a number of HUD and dashboard issues on the Audi Sport quattro S1 (E2).
  • Fixed a number of HUD and dashboard issues on the BMW M1 Procar Rally.
  • Fixed a number of HUD and dashboard issues on the Citroën Saxo Super 1600.
  • Fixed a number of HUD and dashboard issues on the Ford Escort Mk 6 Maxi.
  • Fixed a number of HUD and dashboard issues on the Ford Escort MK2 McRae Motorsport.
  • Fixed a number of HUD and dashboard issues on the Ford Escort RS Cosworth.
  • Fixed a number of HUD and dashboard issues on the Ford RS200.
  • Fixed a number of HUD and dashboard issues on the Lancia Fulvia HF.
  • Fixed a number of HUD and dashboard issues on the Lancia Stratos.
  • Fixed a number of HUD and dashboard issues on the MG Metro 6R4.
  • Fixed a number of HUD and dashboard issues on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.
  • Fixed a number of HUD and dashboard issues on the Porsche 911 SC RS.
  • Fixed a number of HUD and dashboard issues on the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Championship Mode

  • Made a number of text tweaks across Championship Mode.
  • Resolved a number of User Interface issues across Championship Mode.

Clubs

  • Made a number of stability and performance improvements across Clubs.
  • Resolved a number of User Interface issues across Clubs.

Co-Driver

  • Made a number of fixes to specific co-driver calls at Portugal – Baião.
  • Made a number of fixes to specific co-driver calls at Japan – Lake Mikawa.
  • Made a number of fixes to specific co-driver calls at Japan – Nenoue Plateau.
  • Made a number of fixes to specific co-driver calls at Iberia – Santes Creus.
  • Made a number of fixes to specific co-driver calls at Sardinia – Rena Majore.
  • Made a number of fixes to specific co-driver calls at Sweden – Vargasen.

Input Devices

  • Added support for User Datagram protocol (UDP) on PC.
  • Added handbrake axis binding for the Logitech Pro.
  • Added throttle and brake vibration functionality to Fanatec pedals on PlayStation and PC.
  • Made some balancing changes to pedal and wheelbase vibration for a more consistent experience.
  • Made a number of fixes to button bindings.
  • Added a warning message for when a player resets bindings due to an actionmap update.

Livery Editor

  • Fixed a number of issues with specific decals.
  • Made a number of usability improvements to the livery editor.
  • Added ability to paint the window strip on the MINI Cooper S.
  • Fixed an issue where decals could not be correctly placed on the rear of Junior WRC cars.
  • Fixed an issue where Builder Cars could not have paintable mirrors.
  • Fixed an issue where decals applied to the rear bodywork Style #2 and Style #5 on Builder would not apply correctly.
  • Fixed an issue where inputting a long name for a livery file would overflow the available on-screen space.
  • Resolved an issue regarding empty pop-ups while using the livery editor.
  • Improved transition effect that occurs when exiting the Paint Hub menu.
  • Improved transition effect that occurs when saving liveries.
  • Made a number of stability and performance improvements to the livery editor.
  • Resolved a number of User Interface issues with the livery editor.

Localisation

  • Made a number of localisation corrections across the game.

Locations

  • Made a number of collision fixes to various locations and stages.
  • Made a number of stability fixes to various locations and stages.
  • Made a number of visual improvements to various locations and stages.
  • Made a number of performance improvements to various locations and stages.
  • Made a number of gameplay improvements to various locations and stages.

Moments

  • Made a number of gameplay fixes to The Flying Finn of Monte-Carlo.
  • Made a number of gameplay fixes to The Successor.
  • Made a number of gameplay fixes to First Hybrid Win.
  • Made a number of stability improvements to Moments.
  • Resolved a number of User Interface issues with Moments.

Options & Settings

  • Corrected a number of User Interface errors within the Options & Settings menus.
  • Made a number of User Interface improvements within the Options & Settings menus.

Quick Play

  • Made several stability and performance improvements to Quick Play Solo.
  • Made several stability and performance improvements to Quick Play Multiplayer.
  • Made a number of User Interface improvements to Quick Play Solo.
  • Made a number of User Interface improvements to Quick Play Multiplayer.
  • Made a number of collision fixes in Quick Play Solo.
  • Implemented several network and connectivity improvements to Quick Play Multiplayer.

Rally School

  • Made several stability and performance improvements to Rally School lessons.
  • Made a number of User Interface improvements to Rally School lessons.
  • Resolved an issue where interrupting the starting countdown would cancel out the instructor’s voiceover.
  • Made improvements to the gravel zone detection on Rally School Lesson 3 (Gravel).
  • Fixed an issue that occurred after several restarts of Rally School Lesson 3 (Gravel).
  • Fixed an issue with the handbrake restriction on Rally School Lesson 6 (Gravel).
  • Fixed an issue with the handbrake detection on Rally School Lesson 9.

Regularity Rally

  • Made a number of stability improvements to Regularity Rally.
  • Made a number of gameplay improvements to Regularity Rally.

Replays

  • Made a number of visual improvements to replays.
  • Made a number of stability improvements to replays.
  • Fixed an issue where the driver would not appear during replays.
  • Fixed an issue where collision effects would constantly be re-played during replays.
  • Added the ability to change camera angle when a replay is paused.
  • Smoothened the transition effect when vehicle parts are loosened from the car.
  • Removed foliage obstructions from certain replay camera angles.

Time Trial

  • Added missing collision detection to Rally Estonia.
  • Made a number of stability improvements to Time Trial.
  • Resolved a number of User Interface issues with Time Trial.

Ultrawide Monitors

  • Resolved an issue where some background textures appeared stretched within various menu screens.
  • Resolved an issue where trees on the edge of ultrawide displays appeared in low resolution.
  • Resolved an issue where the resolution option was greyed out when launching the game with AMD Eyefinity disabled.

Phew! Now that’s patch. This update should fix many of the game’s issues, especially performance. Are you having EA Sports WRC issues?

As Editor here at GeekReply, I'm a big fan of all things Geeky. Most of my contributions to the site are technology related, but I'm also a big fan of video games. My genres of choice include RPGs, MMOs, Grand Strategy, and Simulation. If I'm not chasing after the latest gear on my MMO of choice, I'm here at GeekReply reporting on the latest in Geek culture.

Gaming

Will Stellar Blade be available for PC?

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It’s quite possible. Fans all over the world are interested in Shift Up’s highly anticipated action-adventure game, Stellar Blade. With its captivating post-apocalyptic setting reminiscent of Nier and a compelling protagonist named Eve, it’s no wonder the game has generated such widespread attention.

The game consistently impresses with its stunning visuals and high-octane action, leaving players in awe with each new trailer.

Yet, just like other noteworthy second-party and third-party game releases, fans are pondering: Will Stellar Blade be available on PC?

In this article, we delve into the details to determine the platform availability of the highly anticipated title.

Will Stellar Blade be available on PC? Allow me to provide you with the answer.

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Unfortunately, Stellar Blade will not be available on PC, at least not initially. Currently, the game is only available on PlayStation 5 starting on April 26, 2024.

Regrettably, it appears that there is no indication of a potential PC release for Stellar Blade in the future. In most cases, trailers for PlayStation timed-exclusive titles conclude with a disclaimer that specifies the duration of their exclusivity.

In the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launch trailer, it is explicitly stated that the game will only be accessible on other platforms starting on May 29, 2024.

Regrettably, when it comes to the stellar blade, there is no indication of such.

It’s important to note that Sony Entertainment Interactive published Stellar Blade, unlike Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. This means that the chances of it being released on PC or other platforms in the near future are even slimmer.

However, it is worth noting that there is a chance the game might be released on PC in the future, given PlayStation’s track record of bringing their exclusive titles to the platform. However, it could be a while before this comes to fruition.

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Gaming

A Review of Fallout 4

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After nearly ten years since its initial release, Bethesda has brought Fallout 4 to the PS5, offering enhanced technical performance that one would anticipate from a leap to a new generation. Does the open-world RPG still hold up in 2024?

Answering that question is quite challenging, I must say. While opinions may vary, it’s worth noting that Fallout 4 has its fair share of critics. However, one cannot deny the allure of its captivating gameplay loop, which keeps players hooked with its constant exploration, mutant battles, and character progression. The loop in question has undoubtedly stood the test of time, and Fallout 4 continues to captivate players with its addictive character development mechanics. From acquiring loot to distributing perk points, the game offers a truly engaging experience.

Fallout 4’s post-apocalyptic Boston is yet another example of Bethesda’s talent for creating immersive worlds that captivate and divert your attention from your intended path. This map is incredibly dense, providing adventure at every corner. This open world is incredibly immersive, captivating players for hours on end. The various character progression systems add depth and complexity to the experience.

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However, this is where the game begins to show some weaknesses, especially when compared to more contemporary standards. Technical limitations that were already dubious when Fallout 4’s release in 2015 hinder the gameplay experience. It’s quite disappointing to encounter a loading screen every time you enter or exit an interior location, which feels incredibly outdated, even with the significantly improved load times of the PS5 version.

Additionally, comparable restrictions limit the game’s overall scope. Now, it’s clear that one wouldn’t anticipate a radiation-soaked wasteland to be bustling with life, but Boston can’t help but come across as lacking ambition. As you journey through different locations, you’ll notice a noticeable lack of action. Even well-known settlements such as Diamond City and Goodneighbor, which are supposed to be bustling hubs of activity and trade, feel disappointingly empty with a population of only around 30 NPCs.

This illusion may have been somewhat passable back in 2015, but after almost a decade, it’s clear that the game’s outdated engine is to blame for many of its glaring flaws. It’s undeniable that some aspects of Fallout 4’s design haven’t aged well, especially considering how much the open-world genre has evolved in the past decade. While it’s not fair to expect a complete remake in the 2024 re-release, there are certain aspects that could have been improved upon.

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Fallout 4 undeniably possesses an alluring atmosphere, capturing that eerie sense of wonder that has become synonymous with the series. There is a unique experience in scaling the remnants of a decrepit skyscraper and surveying the desolate landscape, immersing oneself in the inherent solitude while the game’s subtly captivating music softly plays in the distance.

When it comes to immersion, let’s delve into Fallout 4’s take on role-playing. Upon its release, numerous dedicated Fallout fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the game’s decision to introduce a fully voiced protagonist, along with the limited dialogue choices that accompanied this change. Truly, the absence of morally ambiguous decisions in this game is quite noticeable, especially when comparing it to titles such as Fallout: New Vegas or even Fallout 3. The side quests often guide you towards two predictable options, where you can either embody a beacon of hope or a deranged maniac, and the latter option never truly feels authentic, given the protagonist’s predetermined, almost heroic role in the story.

Emerging from a two-century cryogenic sleep, the protagonist must navigate the treacherous landscape of post-apocalyptic America to save their kidnapped infant son, who was taken from the very same cryogenic facility. In this particular situation, deviating from the main questline may not contribute to the overall narrative coherence. However, it must be acknowledged that the story presents significant opportunities for making impactful decisions that can greatly influence the game world, especially when aligning oneself with pivotal factions.

Once again, it’s worth noting that there is limited opportunity to delve into your character’s personality and motivations in Fallout 4. As a result, the game can be seen as a regression compared to its predecessors. Furthermore, the side quests tend to be quite forgettable. The main plot of Fallout 3 had its fair share of issues, but it managed to find balance by incorporating some wild and unpredictable misadventures. The sequel, on the other hand, lacks personality, featuring one-dimensional characters and unremarkable dialogue. It heavily relies on self-referential storytelling, which can be immersion-breaking.

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If you’re interested in seeing faction plotlines come to a conclusion, you’ll have to go through a plethora of ‘radiant’ filler quests. These are the types of games that provide little context and simply place a procedurally generated objective marker on your map, instructing you to “go here, do something.” While the prospect of embarking on an adventure and uncovering hidden treasures is certainly enticing, the overall experience feels somewhat lacking in depth and emotion. It’s hard to ignore the excessive filler content that hinders your progress towards important narrative milestones.

However, it is worth mentioning that the gameplay loop of Fallout 4 is incredibly captivating, and combat plays a vital role in this experience. While it may not boast the most polished shooting mechanics compared to other games on the market, it undeniably stands out as the most enjoyable Fallout installment to date. The action in the game is filled with a satisfying and almost comical bloodlust. Whether you’re sniping super mutants with precision or hacking raiders to bits with modified chainsaws, the result is a spectacle of skulls popping and limbs flying.

The standout feature of the game is undoubtedly V.A.T.S., which grants you the power to manipulate time and execute visually stunning attacks on specific body parts. Even after nearly ten years, there is still no other system quite like it. The version of V.A.T.S. in Fallout 4 truly stands out, offering moments of pure chaos and excitement. Experiencing the exhilarating thrill of a deathclaw’s head exploding mere moments before its talons make contact with your face; being rendered speechless as a mini nuke hurtles directly towards you; obliterating grotesquely mutated wildlife with your beloved energy weapon, all captured in flawless slow motion. This is an exceptional experience.

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Regrettably, not everything that Fallout 4 does is met with universal acclaim. Despite being largely overlooked, the game’s settlement system continues to be a topic of heated debate. During your adventure, you’ll stumble upon small communities that you can nurture by collecting various items and utilizing specific materials to construct a wide range of structures. These include essential defenses like walls and gates, as well as intricate computer networks and ingenious mechanical contraptions.

The system itself is undeniably impressive, providing an immense amount of depth for players who truly want to immerse themselves in the experience. If you’re looking for a classic Fallout experience, settlements might come across as unnecessary baggage, adding unnecessary weight to an already content-packed game that can sometimes feel like busywork. It’s quite frustrating how settlements don’t immediately prove their value. The initial phase involves the monotonous task of collecting a vast amount of resources, and that’s just for the basic needs such as shelter, food, and water.

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While certain aspects of Fallout 4 may not have stood the test of time, it’s worth noting that the PS5 port does indeed deliver on its commitment to enhancing the game’s technical performance. The game’s performance mode, running at 60 frames per second, is impressively smooth overall, with only occasional minor hitches lasting for a fraction of a second in crowded areas. The smooth frame rate greatly enhances the gunplay, which can sometimes feel a bit twitchy. Additionally, the dynamic 4K resolution significantly improves the overall visual experience, making everything look better than ever.

From an artistic standpoint, this video game can be visually unappealing. It’s safe to say that the visuals were less than impressive back in 2015, and unfortunately, they haven’t aged well. The human character models leave much to be desired, with their lackluster facial features and lifeless expressions. The lip-syncing and facial animations are particularly disappointing.

In summary

The core gameplay loop of Fallout 4 remains strong, despite the fact that the surrounding adventure is starting to show its age, nearly ten years after its initial release. The addition of a smooth 60-fps performance mode will surely please many returning players. Roaming through post-apocalyptic Boston can still provide some enjoyment, especially with the reliable V.A.T.S. system at your disposal. However, it is undeniable that open-world games have made significant progress since the release of Fallout 4, which some may argue already felt outdated even at its launch in 2015.

Pros:

  • The open-world design is both dense and engaging
  • Engaging progression systems that keep you hooked
  • V.A.T.S. continues to impress
  • The performance on PS5 is impressively smooth
  • Significantly decreased loading times
  • Several poignant narrative moments
  • The soundtrack creates a captivating atmosphere

Cons:

  • Shows signs of significant deterioration in various aspects
  • Unremarkable side quests and forgettable characters
  • Lacking depth in the realm of role-playing
  • An abundance of mundane tasks
  • The character models are visually unappealing

Good 7/10

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Gaming

Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.46 introduces an exciting addition to the roster of exclusive cars available in the PS5 and PS4 racing game

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Gran Turismo 7 has just received an exciting update to version 1.46 on both PS5 and PS4. This latest update introduces a unique addition to the game: the Škoda Vision Gran Turismo, a car that you won’t come across in any other game. Škoda makes its debut in the franchise with a visionary study of a single-seater, all-electric racing concept car, designed exclusively for the Polyphony Digital racer.

Once you’ve downloaded update 1.46, you’ll have the opportunity to test drive not one but two additional cars: the AFEELA Prototype 2024 and the iconic Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe ’70. Get ready for an exhilarating ride! Watch as they take to the track in the video above.

Additionally, the update introduces a new menu for players to tackle in the GT Café. At Collector Level 38, players have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Ferrari 12-cylinder engines, gaining knowledge and expanding their collection. In World Circuits, players can look forward to exciting new events such as the Japanese Clubman Cup 550, the American FR Challenge 550, and the Vision Gran Turismo Trophy. For all the avid fans of Photo Mode, there’s an exciting opportunity to explore the captivating city of San Diego in a brand new Scape.

What are your thoughts on the latest update for Gran Turismo 7? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.

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