F1 23 Review: Pinnacle of racing

EA and Codemasters' annual F1 game is finally here and we spent some time playing the returning story experience Braking Point 2 and My Team Career Mode over the last several days to see how this new F1 game holds on its own but also compares to previous F1 titles.

F1 23 promised a lot and it delivered on that and then some more. It's probably one of the best, if not the best F1 video game that Codemasters have ever made. Focusing on improving the most important aspect of a racing game - the driving - Codemasters and EA created one of the most satisfying racing experiences ever.

STORY

F1's story mode is back with even more drama on and off the track. The introduction of the Braking Point mode in F1 21 was certainly one of the best decisions that Codemasters made for its annual series even though, it didn't really hit all the right notes due to an overly dramatic plot that would even put Netflix's Drive to Survive series to shame. 

In Braking Point 2, you'll meet both old and new characters. Aiden Jackson and his infamous rival Devon Butler are back as teammates in a newly formed Konnersport Racing Team, which is struggling to find success as the pressure from its financial backer mounts on the team's principals.

AltChar

F1 23 - Braking Point 2 packs a lot of family drama and action but it's a bit predictable and cheesy

Braking Point 2 is longer than its predecessor with more character development and twists and turns but ultimately, I wasn't impressed by its conclusion nor did I ever care much for the events, characters and their fates. 

However, there is just enough family drama, action and tense moments to keep you engaged until the end and the cinematics look quite stellar too.

GAMEPLAY

In a nutshell, F1 23 is the most fun I've ever had with an F1 game, regardless of which mode you're playing. Be it an F2 race, your slowest of the pack car in the Career Mode or the top of the class Red Bull, every car in F1 23 feels amazing to drive.

I'd recommend turning off as many assists as you can as that's when the game really shines, making you feel synchronised with the car, which responds so well in the corners. EA and Codemasters have introduced a new mechanic this year called Precision Drive, which, according to them allows for more control, precision and finesse for controller users. 

AltChar

F1 23 - Cars feel absolutely amazing to drive regardless of which one you pick

And I really felt those changes, which make driving a real joy. I had more speed in the corners, didn't spin as much as before and also could regain control of the car when the oversteer or understeer did hit.

As for the driver AI, I feel like it has lost some of its aggressiveness as it plays it too safe most of the time and backs down from a fight too easily, which may be a good thing overall as I felt that last year's AI was quite reckless at times. The AI will still, from time to time, make some questionable decisions but certainly nothing that you wouldn't see in real-world races. 

New features like 35 per cent race and Red Flag add more depth to the whole experience. The former brings a great balance to race length, allowing for more strategy options while the latter can make you go from zero to hero, if you make the right move.

VISUALS AND SOUND

F1 23 is one of the best-looking racing games on the market. I was quite impressed by the lighting, which makes the night races look almost like the real thing. Take this Bahrain screenshot below, as an example. The reflections, the mist and the light that brings all that to life really make F1 23 one visually striking racing game.

New tracks like the Las Vegas one are a proper showcase with all the details by the track and lights that reflect on cars. On PC, the game has a full suite of ray-tracing options available too, which makes it a real eye candy if you have the necessary hardware to push all these graphical features.

AltChar

F1 23 looks incredible, especially during the night races, like this one in Bahrain

Just like its predecessors, F1 23, sounds great with a realistic engine and breaking sounds but the highlight was certainly its incredible soundtrack, which brings energetic Drum and Bass tracks to menus, making me just stop what I was doing to listen to some bangers.

CONCLUSION

F1 23 is an impressive racing simulation and an almost perfect Formula 1 game. With the return of the Braking Point and improvements to existing modes, new tracks and the most satisfying racing experience ever, F1 23 is well worth your money, regardless of your preference for this rich motorsport.