The world’s fastest motor sport is back with a bang. After last year’s disappointment, Codemasters has refocused, headed in the right direction and is gearing up for an engine party to remember. Because fans have every right in the world to celebrate the release of the highly anticipated F1 23, packed with long-awaited improvements. Not only is the return of the Braking Point career mode also welcome, the computer-controlled opponents are now smarter, less prone to crashing, and behave more dynamically. But also (and perhaps most importantly) the driving experience has been completely overhauled, resulting in the most comprehensive F1 game in years, packed with high-quality content and immersive and exciting races.
As the editorial staff’s self-proclaimed F1 guru, the wait for the game’s release was filled with thoughts, questions and expectations. After all, the sport has never been bigger and its popularity shows no signs of waning. So it was very important that Codemasters and EA didn’t make a mistake with F1 23. I’m happy to say that’s the case. It wasn’t like that at all. , and that the differences from the previous game are both fundamental and transformative. It’s clear that developers have been on the lookout for criticism and complaints about F1 22, particularly throughout the year. So let’s dig a little deeper and see what it all really means.
first of all. Whether you choose career mode, race solo or compete against others in online mode, the improved driving experience and car responsiveness will be felt immediately. From the moment you step on the gas pedal to the first corner, the changes are clearly noticeable. And no, it’s not a simulator at all, but that doesn’t change the fact that the physics models examined are amazing. The cars are smarter, more agile and livelier. But that’s not all, because the most important thing is how the game is taken to another level by facing the racetracks and trying to shave a few thousandths of a second lap after lap.
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There’s a level of detail missing in previous installments, with a feel that sits somewhere between arcade action and simulation. F1 23 invites and challenges at the same time, challenging you to go further in a satisfying dance on the edge of the impossible that rewards you more than it punishes you. Hypersensitive cars that move uncontrollably and give the feeling of constant struggle on the different tracks are already a thing of the past. Obviously it’s not a perfect game and some will say it’s simplified a bit. But F1 on consoles was never just about simulation, and if that’s what you’re looking for, maybe you should look elsewhere for your needs.
Another strength of the game is the Braking Point mode, which returns after a long hiatus. An intriguing and surprisingly engrossing story that sees you once again playing prodigy Aiden Jackson and self-absorbed diva Devon Butler. New this year is female F2 star Callie Mayer, who brings a breath of fresh air to the old squad. This is a welcome addition, opening up exciting new narrative avenues that have not been explored before. The focus is on the fictional Konnersport Racing Team with dramatic storylines both off and on the track.
It’s clear that they were heavily inspired by the famous Netflix documentary Drive to Survive, and while Braking Point 2 is unlikely to faze you with its narrative, the interactions between the three main characters and the Konnersport managers are engaging . The parallels to “Drive to Survive” are undoubtedly unmistakable, and to get straight to the point: the drama can sometimes take on too forced proportions. But as an introduction to the game and the F1 universe, Braking Point pulls off an excellent mix of racing and intrigue. All very good, very beautiful and very well produced, but somewhat artificial.
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Once you get enough of it, career mode will also be available to you alongside Braking Point. The expansive career mode has been taken straight from last year’s game and has made little changes aside from a few minor tweaks to drivers and tracks, but offers the same experience for those players who want to dive headfirst into the Formula 1 circuit and enjoy the experience . more complete. If you wish, you can also play with a friend who would take on the role of co-pilot.
Finally, we also have F1 World, which is, in short, the in-game equivalent of Ultimate Team and now replaces and inherits what was introduced last year as F1 Life. It is an alternative career mode in which you can create your own team, improve your cars and implement different strategies. As you play online, you can earn experience points that help you unlock new car components, visual improvements, strategies, and more. Luckily it’s not (yet) possible to spend real money in F1 World and let’s hope it stays that way.
There’s no doubt that F1 23 is an incredibly competent set, especially for fans of the sport. This game is a very important step in the right direction and a huge improvement over the previous installment in the areas that needed it the most. Racing between these lightning-fast cars has never felt better, and F1 World and Braking Point 2 provide countless hours of great entertainment whether you’re playing solo or online. What can still be improved? There is no doubt the strange would not be. The visual part could have been edited better and there are racetracks and classic cars that don’t appear.
It’s clear that Codemasters focused on some parts more than others, and if they had more time, this game could have been the best, even a masterpiece. I also wonder if the annual license review is a good idea for the franchise in the long run, which could be a concern going forward. But there is no doubt that F1 23 is an absolutely brilliant game. It sounds great, looks great, and delivers such a fun and accessible experience that few games can match. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just curious about this world of curves and acceleration. F1 has never been better.
