Game Review F1 2018

Want to be an F1 driver? Here’s your chance, with the arrival of the latest version of one of the world’s best selling drive simulation games.

F1 2018 has landed just in time for the second half of what is one of the closest F1 seasons for years.

This annual franchise has been hitting the mark in recent years. Indeed, we felt that last year’s iteration was the best rounded F1 experience one could get in a mainstream video game.

On shelves now, F1 2018 arrives with all the tightness of the previous generation game with significant photo realism upgrades and important current season updates.

At a high level this includes the new car designs including the Halo driver protection and T-wing restrictions as well as a welcomed expansion to the R&D process and, perhaps not-so welcomed introduction of media interviews.

“Our main aim with F1 2018 was to get even closer to replicating the real-world sport and we believe that we have made significant improvements both on and off the track,” explains Lee Mather, Game Director.

“The in-game suspension and chassis now refresh at 1000htz meaning that the simulation is far more authentic. For example, you can really feel the difference between the modern-day cars, with their advanced aerodynamics and downforce, when compared to the classics which rely more so on pure tyre grip, making them an incredibly involving drive.”

“The visual recreation of the sport, including the iconic heat haze, atmospherics and new lighting system, is closer [to reality] than ever,” Mather continued.

Mather stated game-builder Codemasters have added more depth to the Career mode by reworking the research and development system for each of the teams, as well as introducing the press interviews which will play a key role in how the competitor is ‘seen’ within the world of F1.

“Certain teams look for different characteristics in a driver and it is up to you whether you choose to exhibit sportsmanship or showmanship when put under pressure. We can’t wait for players to get their hands on the game,” Mathers stated.

For newcomers to the F1 gaming series, there is a lot to explore. One of the first is the configuration screen to tweak and adjust all of the options and assists. This is necessary (for most players) to find the sweet-spot of enjoyment versus challenge. F1 2018 arms the player with the tools to really enjoy a game where the driving model would otherwise be too unforgiving.

The team at Codemasters has put a great deal of effort into the visuals and audio of this year’s release also. The upgrade in noticeable.

The most relatable Grand Prix of the season to most of us, is the one in our own back-yard — Melbourne.

We started our Australian F1 Grand Prix on an overcast afternoon and the atmosphere of a cloudy day beside Albert Park Lake was nailed.

Then, as the hectic race enters the late part of the 15-lap GP, the sun breaks through the clouds, the lens-flare bounces off the camera and the entire track enters the vibrant, bright and colourful environment.

Speaking of cameras, it takes a great deal of practice to master the driver’s view with the new Halo protection structure around the cockpit. Like never before is there a feeling of claustrophobia in the driver’s seat. It could be that veterans of the series migrate their preferred point-of-view to the TV pod immediately above the driver.

In career mode, drivers will now have to confront the press between events. As you walk back to the team garage a reporter will ambush you with microphone in hand and camera-man in tow.

Your responses to the questions asked will adjust a number of in-game sliders. Whether it is simply defining you as more showman than team player, or indeed increasing or decreasing reputation with other teams.

It’s a bit of fun, and does ultimately contribute to the all-important R&D points needed for team management, and car improvement.

And that is what it is all about, the on-track performance and racing.

The racing itself continues to be solid and fun. All up this iteration of the game remains a fun solid inclusion in the series, providing challenge and updated immersion in the 2018 Formula One world.