After receiving F1 2011, I was forced to (literally) dust off my racing wheel, which I last used to review Codemasters' previous racing game, DiRT3. F1 2011 is the second instalment from the publisher, and once again, they've managed to find the balance between pure racing and accessibility for those new to the genre.
Unlike many arcade racers such as Need for Speed and Forza that glorify the beauty of vehicles, this game is purely about racing - honing your skill, race after race, to the point where you can take on the world's best racers. There are only 12 vehicles and 19 tracks, including the new Indian racing track at Buppha.
The career mode covers a full race season, with race events over the entire weekend all focused on moving you up the rather steep learning curve.
The handling of the car is greatly improved. As a relative F1 noob, I started off with all racing assists and racing line enabled, and completely dominated the race. However, with the assists off, the game becomes very tough. Even if you master the art of staying on the track - which is not easy - braking at the wrong moment and careering into a chicane will see at least three cars pass you.
Eventually, the gaming becomes about consistency in technique, understanding the track, and understanding your vehicle.
In summary:
This is a game for serious fans of the genre - which means the game isn't perfect.
Graphics aren't up to scratch, the learning curve is pretty steep, and it is not the type of game you can pick up in a few minutes.
That being said, Codemasters have created a technical F1 racer with an arcade feel. It is the best F1 game I've played.
Pros: Most realistic F1 racing game on the market, split-screen, 24-man online gameplay
Cons: Won't appeal to arcade racers who like games such as Need For Speed or Driver
Score: 8/10
Moment of the game: Using a big screen projector and racing wheel to create an awesome gaming experience
Achievement Difficulty: 5/10
Price: R529
Contact: BT Games - www.btgames.co.za
Considering environmental factors is also critical to your success - conditions affect the handling of the vehicle, and you have to compensate through driving style, changing pit strategies, and choosing the right tyres.
There are also two new racing techniques you have to master - the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (aka boost), which you can use once every lap; and the Drag Reduction System, which adjusts your tail wing under certain circumstances. This and a number of smaller changes from last year's edition provides drivers with the ability to compensate before they plough into the closest barrier.
The best addition to the multiplayer mode is the co-operative career mode, where you can play an entire racing season with a friend, either over Xbox Live or in split-screen. You're also able to play in a 24-man online game (16 live players and eight AI). Overall, the lag is minimal, though it is quite hard to find a race.
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