Some loves to make a thousand laps (without ever exceeding the two-hour race, of course) and then come back. And this is precisely the case of F1 23, a title already available for purchase and which you can find at GamerSandy.
This year the fastest four-wheelers in the world are back in great shape with the IP showing itself renewed to the root in the game physics, and which delights fans with the return of the highly anticipated Braking Point 2 story mode and a macro-mode called F1 World. But that’s not all: there are many new features introduced by Codemasters,which has always known how to keep the bar of expectations very high, cyclically managing to offer an excellently balanced product on the market. The title dedicated to the most popular races in the world, hits the mark again both by offering the right amount of fun to newbies and by offering the correct amount of realism and simulation to experts. Furthermore, the novelties work and mix in sync in a game menu that is even more elegant and practical in navigation.
Ready, set and the traffic lights go out, for a year to live on the curb in the company of F1 23. The title has many merits, but the absence of any form of tutorial stands out as a negative, which would have been very useful to meet those who have never approached the genre. At least the great variety of help makes life easy for even the least experienced user. These options allow total control of the game, allowing the aspiring driver to mix and match the experience that best suits his taste and suit his abilities. From track aids to traction control; from the automatic gearbox to the anti-lock braking control, nothing is really missing.
The big news introduced this year is certainly the return of Braking Point 2 and the F1 World, mentioned above. But at the core of the gameplay, we have an unprecedented revolution in-game control and physics. Consulting feedback from engineers and technicians of the real Formula 1 team, the handling of the car on the track has been increased for both pad and steering wheel control. Playing has never been so immersive: New and improved vehicle physics allows much easier control of the traction of the car in the phases of acceleration, braking, and steering. This is due to a better balance between the aerodynamics of the car and the improved grip of the tire. The result is that pad in hand the difference with the previous title is felt all right.
Sure, error is always around the corner, and making mistakes is expensive as in any game of this kind. That’s why Codemasters has developed a key new game-changing technology: Precision Drive. This new feature focuses on game controls from the joypad, allowing immediate response and greatly increasing the level of input precision. Even the feeling with the steering wheel is very responsive and is reconfirmed on the excellent levels seen in the previous title, but the real leap in quality remains the one made for the response of the joypad commands. This technology adapts to each controller, allowing absolute precision of the control system, from tight curves to micro-corrections when cornering. These two innovations have brought F1 23 to a simulation level never reached by the Codemasters saga. The sensation is that of being able to make the car do what you want, always obtaining an excellent result.
Among the innovations introduced this year is the return of the red flag with a consequent change of strategy once back in the pits, a small and large variable that increases the level of challenge and realism of the game. Many players in the past complained about the absence of the right balance between short and long games. In Formula 1, during a Grand Prix it is mandatory to change the type of compounds at least once. However, in the video game, in distances of less than 20 laps, this rule hardly has actual repercussions in the game other than having to stop. So this is where the 35% tender makes its debut: this specific distance is an excellent compromise between being able to design race strategies where the tire change is influential and not having to face excessively prolonged challenges.
Among the bonus tracks, we find Shanghai International Circuit (China), Circuit Paul Ricard (France) and Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (Portugal), but above all we also see the debut of two new circuits: Las Vegas, where F1 will return to racing this year after a long time, and Qatar. These last two tracks (in particular Las Vegas, as we had already seen), have been the subject of meticulous analysis in order to be able to faithfully recreate the tracks in every detail. The result is surprising, to say the least (although for the real comparison, we will have to wait for the actual race in November!), but in general, each track is faithfully reconstructed.
But how does F1 23 behave in practice? First, it’s visually striking. Graphic quality has always been an important factor at Codemasters, and this year the television filter used further enhances the details of the textures of tracks and cars. The lighting, especially during night races, has a surprising and functional effect. The eye wants its part, and the choice of a HUD that is very close to reality television conquers fans. The frame rate is constant and stable, and the yield in general is very good. In short, the ideal conditions for a title in which precision is everything, and where one or two lost frames can be decisive for the flying lap. The new and improved game physics go very well with the polygonal structure of the cars, which feature high-fidelity polygonal models. After a race contact, the cars are damaged (and therefore lose parts) with physical consistency even to the less expert eye.
Pad in hand, it’s hard not to smile. The gameplay is fun, the control feels natural and the simulation is very realistic. Once you have found the right balance, the challenge yourself to get to the result is exciting. But what makes you immerse yourself even more in the real world of Formula 1 is certainly the Breaking Point mode.
Space for drama and paddock dynamics in Breaking Point 2, the story mode of F1 23 which returns after a year’s absence with already-known protagonists and other brand-new ones. The narrative covers the 2022 and 2023 seasons and is well-constructed. The legendary battle between Aiden Jackson and Devon Butler is even more heated now that they compete in the same stable, the debuting Konnersport Racing Team. And the balance will be shifted by the arrival of the new Formula 2 champion, Callie Meyer. In short: a story in perfect F1 drama style, which fuels the fire of passion in veterans and that of curiosity in newbies.
The player, wearing the shoes (or rather, the gloves) of several pilots, ends up practically competing against himself. Yet the story told in this sort of sequel is fascinating: first, you race against a driver, then the situation is reversed showing us the opponent’s point of view. Fortunately, it is not necessary to have to recover F1 21 and Braking Point 1, since in addition to being a summary at the beginning of the plot, the roles and characters are well defined.
Another great protagonist is F1 World, a reference hub for fully enjoying each game mode with single-player and multiplayer experiences. Navigating the menu is easy and intuitive. In this macro-section, you can customize your character, logo, house, and car livery, and there is a shared progress system for competing in daily, weekly, and seasonal content. The more results you get, the more it will be possible to improve your technical level, to get upgrades for your car. Supercars are making their welcome (albeit superficial) return to the showroom. Specifically in F1 World, you will compete in ranked series, solo events, and multiplayer (also ranked). The latter, obviously with crossplay functionality (and the possibility of disabling it), works very well, and despite some difficulties on day one, the games are easily found and the servers hold up very well.
Of course, the great classics are not to be missed: the career mode in single or in coop with another player is back, but also (in F1 World ) the single grand prix, the time trials, and the split-screen mode to play in two players locally. The presence of the 2022 Season for both Formula 1 and Formula 2 is also appreciable and functional. The Podium Pass is decidedly less influential and forgettable, which allows access to variable prizes as you progress. It’s free, although there is a VIP version with exclusive content. A side addition but still welcome for the most competitive players.
Exciting and totally accessible to newbies. Engaging and perfectly simulative for fans. F1 23 is a racing title that does its job very well, meeting anyone and only sinning in the absence of an effective tutorial that can help those who are groping in the dark.
The Codemasters home title sets a new, high-quality standard for the genre. It will be difficult to repeat next year, but the road taken is the right one, and the new developments work in great harmony. The physics of the cars and the race simulation are impeccable, and the sensation, even using the pad, is totally in control. It’s a pleasure to play and to watch.
The title is obviously a must for fans, and if you are approaching Formula 1 for the first time, don’t be afraid: now is the right time to get on track.
