Why Should I Play F1 2016?Game review by Paul Fiander on the PS4
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Publisher: Codemasters
Developer: Codemasters Birmingham Out now on PS4, Xbox One and PC |
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Codemasters are the best single discipline driving creators out there. From Dirt to their F1 franchise they created games that not only tried to recreate the feeling of speed but were also hugely accessible thanks to a varied level of control options. The real gem though was when you turned off all driver aids and realised how difficult driving high powered beasts really is. With the Dirt franchise dropping the gimmicks earlier this year and returning to form it is now the turn if the Formula One world to come under the spotlight.
From first impressions you can tell the game has the polish needed of a tier one sports title from the genuine teams and drivers to the splattering of advertising littering the course. The game would hold up by its mechanics without this veneer however the creators desire to bring a genuine experience to the armchair racer is noticeable. This does though come at a cost albeit a small one. When entering the career mode you can create your own driver which has a decent customisation process however there is still no option for saying a driver’s name. You get to hear Hamilton, Alonso and Button at every turn but no Fiander in my case. It’s a small thing but I do wish it was something that could be approached in some way. |
From there though things just keep getting better the tracks are all present in their 2016 formats. Each one has its own challenge and trying to master every one will take time as you clammer for that extra tenth of a second. This is the wonder of F1, the margins for error are so small that each turn has a major significance. Some driving titles especially those on the open road give you a large dose of rubber banding this does allow for extra interaction with other racers but in racing titles this demeans the experience. If I make a mistake I deserved to be punished but if i’m driving in the zone I want to be rewarded by having clear air behind me. This is the experience that F1 2016 gives you as in a full race if you are good enough then the chance to lap backmarkers is a real opportunity.
Lapping though does show another small issue, the AI does not quite understand the meaning of the Blue Flag. When a superior car is about to lap a backmarker the stewards will “wave” or in this modern era flash a blue light to signify to the slower car to allow the pass. The game has integrated the visuals perfectly but the AI will fight for the position and on two occasions I found myself losing a race due to an aggressive move by the back marker. Now though I treat them as a competitor and give them more room as I pass but this could wreck a good few hours of practice and qualifying, Otherwise the AI is generally good on the lower levels it can be a little passive but as you ramp p the difficulty you do feel pressured when a car is in your rearview mirror.
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Visually the game is a treat, I tend to drive in Cockpit mode and the feeling of speed can be exhilarating, as is the inability to see all around you. The dimensions of an F1 car are odd and this is reflected as you struggle to notice a car coming up on your inside. This again adds tension especially on that all important first corner. I found myself in my second race falling from first to ninth due to a small collision at turn one in Bahrain. Here I could have used the Codemaster staple Flashback, a chance to rewind to an earlier point and replay the time, But honestly I try to avoid this as it can be a crutch that makes you concentrate less or be too aggressive with what is a potentially very fragile automobile.
The main reason to play this game is the technicalities of the racing, the game has a nice career mode which gives you access to an agent and R&D Technician but it's the racing that really sells the game for me. I want the thrills and spills either in a Grand Prix, Time Trial or the rather vigorous online component. Thankfully all these wishes are granted as F1 2016 delivers a racing experience that as yet is unmatched on the PS4. |
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Review copy and Images courtesy of Publisher
