Formula 1 continues to grow in popularity with each passing year. With the sport’s growing popularity, the games have garnered its own racing audience as well. However, even though last year’s F1 22 was a step back from previous games, Codemasters have bounced back with this year’s F1 23. With more drama in the return of Braking Point, the new fully fleshed out F1 World mode, and new circuits to conquer, Codemasters’ latest racer is ready to take center stage. Here is our SGO Review of F1 23.
F1 23 Review
Gameplay
Similar to previous games in the series, F1 23 has many gameplay settings to customize your racing experience. While the sheer amount of settings may be overwhelming for new players, choosing standard options like “beginner’ or “amateur” will help you get your feet wet.
Once you’ve gotten ahold of the gameplay in F1 23, you can customize your experience by tinkering with settings and bumping up the difficulty. Players will immediately notice the effects as turning, overtakes, and overall gameplay becomes more skill-based.
Knowing when to overtake a racer and how to hit certain turns will come as second nature to racing enthusiasts. However, new players will have to risk loads of trial and error to achieve their racing goals. This is why many players favor games like F1 23 because it’s the epitome of realism and accuracy, representing Formula 1 racing.
The Art of Racing
Unfortunately, I’m a bit hot and cold with the game’s presentation this year. However, my feelings about the presentation reflect the product itself. On the one hand, Braking Point has stunning cinematics and facial animations that are on par with next-gen technology. I’d go far as to say the detail and facial animations in some of these scenes are as good as games like Horizon Forbidden West and God of War Ragnorak. I bet you didn’t think you would hear those games being mentioned in an F1 review, right?
On the other hand, certain post-race cinematics and race environments fall way short of what Codemasters could have achieved with a little more care.
However, I think this is due to older circuits being ported over from last year’s game because newer circuits like Las Vegas look great in comparison.
Braking Point
After a year’s absence, Braking Point is back with a much-needed sequel. Told in a Netflix documentary style, Braking Point 2 follows the newly formed KonnorSport team. I won’t get into any major spoilers, but this story highlights the growing conflict between new teammates Adien Jackson and Devon Butler.
As I stated before, this has some of the best presentations in the game, and it’s well worth your time. The mode also offers many player-choice opportunities that affect relationships and your team’s performance. In addition, the story is compelling, and the objectives are enjoyable. I highly recommend Braking Point 2 if you’re new to the F1 series and need a good starting point in the game.
F1 World
F1 World replaces last year’s F1 Life. This mode is essentially your hub for everything F1 23 has to offer. You will start off making an avatar in one of the most simple and boring character creator. I mean, nothing here makes your racer stand out at all. Theres no skin tone, gender, or hair options, its just a simple preset to get you started, and I wish there were an actual character creator.
However, beyond the lack of character customization, there are many options for clothes and furniture decor for your “place.”
From here, you can race in circuits, gain tech points, and upgrade your car and team. F1 World adds a lot to the game in one place, whether you want to play offline or online. If a drama-filled story like Braking Point isn’t your cup of tea, F1 World will help ease new players into the complex world of F1 23. On the flip side, returning players will find this new mode is fully fleshed out and has the potential to be a mainstay in the series.
Career Mode
Another mode fans will spend loads of time in is career mode, whether you’re playing as a solo racer, starting in F2, and working your way up to F1. Or acting as an owner/racer, building your team, and setting them up for success. Either way, returning fans will call career mode home.
Conclusion
F1 23 brings the series back to glory after a light-hearted effort last year. Braking Point is back and highlights the storytelling and gameplay talents of Codemasters. The newly introduced F1 World redefines the core of the series in many ways and is worth every moment for new and returning players.