F1 2021 analysis: The great circus returns to our systems

The Interface has improved compared to F1 2020. As I said before, these are barely noticeable changes, and while it’s still an ongoing game, this redistribution has been quite successful. Now the DRS, ERS and odometer graphics are located in the center of the screen. The latter especially recalls the appearance of what can be seen on television on the HALO of cars. Everything is better appreciated and more intuitive, but of course it is also possible to reduce this information on the screen until nothing is left.

In short, if we want to see a more obvious graphic leap, we will have to wait for the F1 2022. With EA behind Codemasters, no wonder a major jump is wanted for the next game. The new generation will gradually impose itself, and developers will surely start to exploit all its qualities.

Similar gameplay, more the same but with nuances

There are a large number of repeating elements in this F1 2021. In essence, it’s pretty much the same game as its 2020 release, and in terms of playability, it also appears to be following the same path. Is it really negative? well, the truth is, sometimes there is a lack of more innovation in titles like this. An innovation which, for obvious reasons, is difficult to implement in such a short time. Of course, after taking control of this F1 2021, I have to admit that there are small adjustments highlight. Now pianos (and especially “bananas”) can become more treacherous, penalizing us even if we abuse it. You get used to it over the hours, but you just need to relax to suffer an unforeseen mishap.

Another detail that attracts attention in this new opus is a notable oversteer that we will need to control at times. Above all, it is noticeable in the tightest and slower turns. Now more than ever you need to measure when it comes to fully stepping on the accelerator. And of course, this effect is further increased when we run in the rain, becoming particularly notable. As with the pianos, this is not a drastic change, but it will affect enough that we are more careful when looking for the fastest turn.

Things remain the same in terms of handling and other options related to the degree of realism and difficulty. Classic brake assist settings, automatic / manual gearbox, line marker or pit assist are not lacking among many others. However, the online sanctions system and the full sanctions system are still not quite accurate and fair. It is difficult to understand that at this point Codemasters has not been able to more accurately implement the sanctions against the pilots. You also have to juggle to play a game in good condition due to connection problems (ours or others). While there are already some weird situations when playing alone, things online continue to get complicated with no apparent solution. I hope that in the future this can be resolved, at least online reruns can now be saved on all platforms.

F1 2021 includes new menus and game modes

At this point, we will not discover the structure of the saga. F1. For several games now, the dynamics have generally been very similar, with slight changes but not too big. As the main point of these menus, I appreciated that certain driving options, like the available aids, were explained in detail. To the right of the menu we will always have a text where it is perfectly clarified what each section means, and how these affect our games. For a veteran player this will go unnoticed, but those who want to enter the saga for the first time will have a much easier time getting started.

Among the traditional game modes, this year two new options have been launched that promise to be the central axis of F1 2021. First of all, I’ll tackle the already famous Braking point, a story mode that offers something very different from what has been seen in the previous proposals. this is a more “cinematic” mode therefore, to say. We will put ourselves in the shoes of the British pilot Aiden Jackson. A rookie who, after having shone in F2, will finally jump in F1, monopolizing a large part of the spotlight in the big circus.

The story starts from the last race in F2, and will explore the guts of F1, presenting us with situations of all kinds between Aiden and the other drivers on the grid, as well as the members of the squad we have chosen. . The premise is not bad at all, but it is insufficient. There are times when we will have elections, but they hardly affect the plot. It would be the equivalent of “The Way” of FIFA, but still has a long way to go in future games.

The other incentive of the new F1 2021 it is about the cooperative. Now we can start the Career mode with a friend, so that we can share the equipment and fight side by side. This is a mode that Codemasters haven’t given much notoriety to, but I would say that was the main surprise of this. F1 2021. Although Braking Point was the basis for what it could be in the future, this cooperative mode has become one of the main incentives to get this new installment.

Sound and dubbing

Previous deliveries of F1 they had an exceptional sound section. The roar of single-seater engines is the best of this saga, and with this version of 2021 the level has been maintained. From inside or outside the cabin, the sensations are fantastic. It’s also not like the cars have changed too much, so we’ll have to wait until the new cars roar next season and see how they’re implemented in the game.

On the other hand, we have the music of the menus or the already legendary soundtrack of the competition, perfectly represented with the intro of the video game. It is still a section which, in the end maintains the correct level displayed to date. But there is another detail to note. Until now, the commentator’s voice was the only one that came by default in Spanish. Now Codemasters has also implemented from the beginning the voice of our engineer in Spanish. When they talk to us or give us advice on the radio, we will hear them directly in our language. In regards to Modo braking point, which would be the story mode, all the characters are also dubbed in Spanish. In this case, it can be improved, but it meets the expected minimum.

Is the transition from F1 2020 to 2021 worth it?

The repetitive nature of the saga F1 it’s undeniable. As almost always happens with this type of game (FIFA, PSE, NFL, Moto GP..) the biggest changes usually occur at the start of a generation. Maybe with this dedication, being intergenerational, it was not possible to express yourself enough. What is clear is that EA’s muscle could bring us some great games in the future (if they think about it). But fully enter into what we have to do, F1 2021 continues to provide fans with an exceptional gaming experience. An arcade title that retains many options to suit the needs of any user. This time the pianos will be more treacherous, and we will have to control the throttle on exiting the corners. If not, little to no gameplay changes.

The main novelties are the Modos braking point and the cooperative to organize the championship with a friend of the same team. En el primero creo que se ha desarrollado una buena base para el futuro, con ideas interesantes con las que contarnos una narrativa desde dentro de lo que sería un equipo de Fórmula 1. Aún hay mucho por pulir, pero con EA no creo que sea un problem. The best I would say is the cooperative. Sharing material with a friend is a lot of fun, and unlike AI, the pike will be real here. I think this is the big one taken by Braking Point, and that it will surely give a lot more “shisha” to the fans of the saga.

Graphically, it is still as good looking as its predecessor, but there was still one point missing. It’s not understandable that features like ray tracing are only available in reruns. It is not that there are visual impairments, but there are much larger improvements were expected for the next generation. In short, change F1 2020 by 2021? It’s up to you. If you’re really into Braking Point or that new co-op mode, go for it. If this is not something essential for you, the rest is still the same formula (pun intended), with a still very poor upload.