It’s that time of the year again, the Silverstone grand prix has just taken shape and the newest game from the infamous Code masters franchise released along side it, this year with an EA twist however. With EA taking over operation it left many people excited for the potential, however worried about the obvious negatives that could potentially be brought. While jokes on social media fantasise that you would have to pay a pound every time you take a pit stop, it’s not unfair to say EA will do anything for an extra penny.
With the brand new Game F1 manager coming out later this Summer it adds a new element and competitivity for Formula 1 online video game business. Which of course, can only be a positive as it pushes both creators to maximise their product. F1 manager has shades of football manager, although seems as though it takes realism to the next level. Speaking about realism it blows F1 22 out the park although, will the lack of being able to control the car yourself hold it back?
Career Mode. It’s what gives the experience it’s major attraction, the loved game mode where you put yourself in the shoes of an f1 driver. The relatively newer option of my team now gives you the handy option of starting as a newcomer, a midfield battler or a championship contender to suit for your desires. Although to say the game mode has had an overhaul would be farfetched. The Research and Development screen is essentially identical despite a completely different set of cars, which has got to be said makes little if any sense. Invitational events return although often with the brand new supercars which of course are monetized.
In general though, it is more user friendly. Augmented reality is brought in during practice session to help the user find those extra tenths. New broadcast options also bring in a new reality feel as if you are on your sofa spectating Sky Sports Fomrula One. For example, instead of taking part in race starts, safety cars and pit stops you can be a drink it all in , watching from a broadcast screen. Otherwise, a more immersive experience is available where you position your car at the starting grid, time your pit stops knowing that a fault could happen and heat your tyres on a safety car lap. Controllers will be broken by some, while others watch in awe at the realism.
The My Team car you are handed if you pick newcomer is a different animal though, talk about a challenge ! At time it feels as though you are trying to take a 10 year old Citroen SUV with a first bus engine around the track with the sheer amount of drag and lack of throttle it possesses meaning you will spin for fun.
Online play has saw little change. The addition of cross play does finally come to fruition in a later update. Co-op career is where it’s at and a genuinely fun experience which will leave you and your friend squaring of for points. Yet, online lobbies remain as hectic as ever. Survive lap one and you may find a race. Although for pure racing lovers I’d advise to stay away from this mode.
F1 Life and VR for PC users are the new additions which have been brought into this edition. VR is said to slow the experience down and take realism to an unthinkable level. However, F1 life. Pointless doesn’t begin to describe the concept. A go fund me page would be as well take it’s position. If you are a general fan of supercars then perhaps I can understand, although that being the case wasting £80 of you’re precious money on an F1 game isn’t the route to go down. Similar to a Alex Hunter customisation page in the famous ” The Journey” series , the idea is to create a virtual character and customise the way they live and clothes they wear. Had this been attached to Driver Career I could perhaps see the point. In reality though, this has Electronic Arts written all over it. Not to mention the menu screens, it just screams FIFA all over it.
With a new era of cars in the real world, that coincides with the virtual planet and transforms the typical feeling from a eight-year hybrid spell. A new gameplay has had users struggling as it’s snappiness and unpredictability leaves you spinning like Nketia Mazepin at the most simple of corners. While before-hand riding on the kerbs was a possible way of gaining time, now it will only eat into your tenths. Yet, when you get used to the new handling the general feel is smoother and more authentic (apart from your first season my team car though). Pit line, safety car and race start broadcast versus immersive options are a really good option for those who want to go for a supreme realism feel .
In reality it’s the same as always, a polished version of the predecessor , although still worth a thought.
TO conclude on whether this game deserves a buy, it’s the same answer it is every year. For those who are genuine F1 fans I would advise, it’s the closest you will get to a real experience. For video game lovers I would advise against as you will bore quite quickly.
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