Wreckfest just fully embraces what it is, and you have to respect it. Bugbear's brash, fender-bending racer has been unleashed on PlayStation 5 as part of May's PlayStation Plus lineup, and it's still very much the chaotic, crash-happy, Destruction Derby-esque experience people love. In the jump to new hardware, the game definitely benefits in a few areas, though some enhancements are better than others.
The most noticeable (and appreciated) improvement is the leap from 30 to 60 frames-per-second, which makes it buttery smooth even with all the pile-ups and flying debris. In our time with the PS5 version, we didn't spot a single hitch in performance — it seems rock solid. The developer has also made efforts to utilise the DualSense controller's bells and whistles. The triggers have varying degrees of resistance depending on the action — it's harder to push down the accelerator when you're at high damage, for instance. Meanwhile, the haptics provide some directional feedback when you're in a scrap. While it's not the most impressive use of the tech, it's of course a cut above the controller experience on PS4.
The loading times, which were rather lengthy on previous hardware, are definitely improved here. Anyone frustrated by long waits between events will have a better time with the PS5 version. However, relative to other native PS5 titles, Wreckfest's loads are still on the longer side — hopefully this is something that can be further optimised.
Other than that, there's basic but useful Activity Card usage to quickly get you into career events, and the online multiplayer functions just fine, although we did encounter some problems with latency there. All in all, though, this is a pretty decent upgrade to a fun game. If you'd like to read more about Wreckfest, check out our review of the PS4 version through here.
Related Products
Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.
Comments 30
Not bad for free! Definitely going to prefer playing this game than Destruction All Stars.
Really enjoying this, although I wish they had done more with the haptic feedback
Yeah, the haptics are a letdown unfortunately. Fun game, though!
The only thing I'm missing while playing is a greater sense of speed... The whole thing just seems unnecessarily slow. Otherwise, it's great entertainment!
I’m really enjoying this. Haven’t ventured into MP yet but it’s just overall good fun. Much better that Destruction Allstars in my opinion
It's a fun little de-stresser after more involved games, glad it was a PS+ title.
I did try it on PS4 when it was on Now last year, and found it almost unplayable because of the ridiculous loading times. Like I said, it's the sort of thing I want a quick race or two after something else, and was just pointless last gen. It's so much better now.
I also like the little pops and bangs of the backfire from the controller. The speaker is really good in the dualsense.
A 7? Nooooo this is more like a 9. Easily one of the most fun racing games with the most variety ever made. Where else can you race a couch, school bus, farm equipment, and a lawn mower in a figure 8?!
Tried it the other day - definitely looks crisper and nicer definition to cars. Found the controller noise they've added a little odd; thought it was when I drove over debris but no, not quite sure what noise it's supposed to be. Likewise, totally agree on loading times - nowhere near as fast as other native PS5 games have been.
All in all a fair free upgrade via PS Plus but a piss take they are going to be charging £10 for non-PS Plus/PS Plus members outside of this month.
Lawnmowers to school buses not a bad PS+ game 😎 better get some grass cut 😁
Agreed that the PS5 upgrade really isn't much of an upgrade at all. Regardless, the game is a ton of fun. I'll be going for the platinum trophy on the PS5 version, as I did on the PS4 version.
Lots of crazy fun and mayhem. Great pick up and go kind of game for when you want some light play time and don't feel like getting drawn into a deep story at the moment.
I played lot of of the PS4 version and got bored. This is dissapointing upgrade. Even the road textures look like they're from PS3 era. Other graphics are a bit better, but just a bit. Now the car graphics look and shadows like they could be on PS4.. But this is PS5. And still no online stats? I know I should be supporting my own country's gaming industry but this is just.. Meh.
It’s a decent game for PS+. Definitely not worth buying, but good for 10-15 minutes here and there every once in a while for mindless fun. It’s better than Destruction All-Stars for sure.
I really appreciate this upgrade. I enjoyed the game on PS4, but it was hard to return to 30fps for this type of game after getting PS5. I love the physicality and weight of the cars, and it really sings at the higher frame rate.
its destruction derby HD!
First buyer of the PS4 version supporting the devs, thanks for the free upgrade ....
Having not played this on PS4 I had to check what version I had downloaded. Doesn't look very spangly and so far I'm not sure I've noticed anything beyond the odd rumble from the controller.
I was playing the ps4 version up til now. I can really tell the difference. A great upgrade to a great game.
I'm a big fan of Wreckfest and have been enjoying the PS5 pott but I'm not keen on the crash sounds being played through the controller speaker. Does anyone know if there is any way to disabling this without turning off all speaker sound effects? I like it when the sound effects are subtle but almost every crash sound gets played through the speaker.
@Chimhog I agree, plus the load times are MUCH better, so much better that I noticed I've been burning through the career mode way faster than before.
I played and really enjoyed Destruction Derby on PC back then (and on software renderer), what I can remember is that on those days nobody said much about framerates... we used to play at 20FPS and less almost all games and all was fine. Now we want 120FPS, how much greedy can we get? ; )
Super slow, too boring...
@DownUnderPS5 No it isn't. One of the best destruction racers for years...decades.
This game is way better than I expected. Several times this game has made me giggle with glee as the top two racers get T Boned on a crossover clearing the way for me to take first in a tough race.
Good times, and good on Sony to send this one our way. For the peeps not giving it more than one shot, give it another go, some of the tracks are brilliantly designed.
x1000 times better than Destruction All Stars
I had only bought wreckfest 3 months ago on sale because someone had posted about it online. I didn't actually play it until about a month ago and I loved it straight away. I downloaded the ps5 version straight away and for me it has fixed my main issue with the game and that was the really long loading times so I am really happy. Hopefully more people will play it now that it's free for a month.
How bad was Destruction Allstars that people keep bringing it up when praising Wreckfest? Glad the awful Trophies made me skip it.
Wreckfest gives a terrible introduction, kind of like seeing you future wife for the first time in a club with sick all over her dress. As you progress the tracks and cars get better and better.
Haptics is really disappointing. The only thing I’ve noticed is a clunk from the transmission shifting, it’s lacking for sure. And no adaptive triggers.
Fun game though, I’m trying to level up quick for mods so I can stand a chance in multiplayer. The racing is good and handles well but I like the demolition derbies the most so far.
Wow. Even with shorter load time somehow whoever reviewed this is still impatient.
Tap here to load 30 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...