F1 2013 is the fifth Formula 1 game to be released by Codemasters and the fourth released on Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC. With brand new content and improvements across the board, it is their most complete offering yet.
The game was recently released worldwide and has been met with largely positive reviews. It comes in two editions with both featuring ground-breaking new classic content. I have spent some time trying out the new game so here is my extensive review.
First things first, I want to discuss the brand new classic content. This new aspect to the game has been the main focus for Codemasters when developing F1 2013 and it really shows. The standard F1 2013 game comes with five 1980's cars and two classic tracks that are long gone from the current Formula 1 calendar.
The games newest addition has been on the cards for quite some time and has been requested heavily by Formula 1 fans. Finally they get what they wished for and they certainly won't be disappointed, although they may be left wanting more.
The 80's cars are great fun to drive. They have a huge amount of power and take some getting used to handling wise, particularly with the back end stepping out all the time (although that may just be my driving). However, when you get it right it is particularly rewarding.
Unfortunately there are only five cars to choose from in 80's mode and it leaves me wanting to try out more machinery. There is such a big difference between the cars both handling and power wise and with grids of only 10, the races can sometimes be a bit empty.
Track wise, I'm very happy with the two circuits’ that come on the standard edition of the game. Brands Hatch is one of my favourite circuits so to be able to race on it in the game is fantastic. Both Brands and the Jerez circuit are depicted brilliantly and the graphics are great. However like the cars, it would be good to see more circuit’s added in future F1 games.
If you want more classic content then you can buy the 'Classic Edition', which will be available to download for those with the standard edition soon. It comes with six 90's cars and two more classic tracks. All handle brilliantly but my particular favourite is the 1999 Ferrari. Again, it would be good to see more cars and circuit's added but it is a good start overall for this brand new aspect of the game.
I also love Murray Walker's commentary in the classic mode, introducing you to the brand new features and taking you through each scenario. It is a big coup for Codemasters to get him involved in the game. David Croft continues to provide voice-over for the 2013 content and does a good job of it, helping to increase the realism of the game itself.
The 2013 side can be likened to the step between the 2012 Red Bull RB8 and the 2013 Red Bull RB9. The changes are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but this helps create Codemasters most complete F1 game yet.
The menu's and upgraded backgrounds look smart but I was left disappointed once again by the loss of 2011's 'be the driver' style career mode menu. I particularly loved the motor home room which housed career mode, bringing in a different and unique element in comparison to the rather standard menu selection screen that you find on the majority of video games - although I can't fault how easy to use and navigate through they are.
Moving on to the AI, improvements are slight but you can definitely see the driver’s individual characteristics more. For example, Maldonado, Perez or Grosjean seem more aggressive while more experienced drivers like Button or Alonso are good at placing their cars to defend or attack.
Overall, they seem to be on a similar level with the AI of last year’s game and I still seem to be stuck between the ‘professional’ and ‘legend’ difficulty as my computerised rivals seem to be equal with me through the fast and medium corners, but I always seem to close up under braking.
Graphics wise the game has stepped up once more, continuing the upward progression that we have witnessed each year. I must say that the wet weather visualisations are particularly impressive and the close-up shots and very much improved.
However, work still needs to be put in on the replay and long distance shots which are slightly less impressive. The damage model is more of the same which is a bit disappointing, front wings should suffer damage from far lighter contact than they currently do but I think Codemasters have been limited on developing the damage model.
I know this would probably take a huge amount of work for the game developers but I would love to see the return of being able to switch to different cars during in-game replay’s, like in the old 2005 and 2006 games produced by Sony. The current replays are too short so I think if they want to make small improvement in that area, lengthening the time of replays would be a nice touch.
Some of the logos could also be crisper and sharper, particularly on the McLaren. However one thing that I would say is that the reflections on the MP4-28’s chrome bodywork have improved, as have the driver mirrors which you can actually use for a change.
The in-game visualisations and touches are also welcome improvements. It's the little things that really impress me. For example, when you make light contact with another car, your hand will raise in frustration. The video sequence showing the driver getting into the car prior to a session or race is also a nice new addition. The post-race sequences are also sharper and improved as are the garage graphics.
I'm also a fan of the new set-up and garage TV screen menus and graphics, particularly the bright and vibrant backgrounds and new car display, as well as the new high definition F1 photo’s that have been added to the loading screens – where loading speeds are a lot quicker I might add. I’m a fan of F1 photography so this change gets a big thumbs up from me.
However whilst the new classic edition is a big new step, the 2013 graphic improvements are largely minor with no large differences in comparison to 2012. However one side of the game that contrasts heavily to last year’s game is the car handling.
When you first enter the game, your first task is to complete the young driver test. The tasks are slightly trickier in comparison to last year's incarnation but you will notice the tweaked handling from the very beginning.
The car definitely has more understeer but Codemasters and the tyres seem to be modelled on Pirelli’s earlier tyre compounds. Degradation is certainly more of an issue, meaning that you have to be tactical throughout the race in order to not lose tyre life at the end.
It is also harder to put the power down out of the slow corners, meaning that there is more oversteer and the cars are harder to control overall. This is particularly evident in the wet where it is much harder to stay on track. It certainly increases the difficulty level and will take some time for even the most avid gamers to get used to.
The scenario modes on F1 2013 replace the previous ‘Champions Mode’ of 2012. Some of the early ones are quite easy but their difficulty does increase and they are good fun. David Croft’s introductions are as enthusiastic as ever and it is something different to try out.
The online and multiplayer modes in the game remain more or less the same. 2012 was a good step forward for this side of the game and with little improvement for 2013, that can’t be a bad thing. It is a great way to play against friends, compete with fellow F1 fans and add a new experience to the game, so I would definitely recommend getting Xbox Live.
I also wanted to see what others thought of the game. Scott from the hugely popular IntoTheBarrier YouTube channel shared his views on the game:
What do you make of the game? Are you a fan, or do you prefer past releases? Be sure to let me know in the comments below, on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.
You can purchase F1 2013 and F1 2013 Classic Edition in store or online at places like GAME, Amazon and Steam. For more on the game visit their official website or check them out on Twitter and Facebook.
All images courtesy of Codemasters.
First things first, I want to discuss the brand new classic content. This new aspect to the game has been the main focus for Codemasters when developing F1 2013 and it really shows. The standard F1 2013 game comes with five 1980's cars and two classic tracks that are long gone from the current Formula 1 calendar.
The games newest addition has been on the cards for quite some time and has been requested heavily by Formula 1 fans. Finally they get what they wished for and they certainly won't be disappointed, although they may be left wanting more.
Unfortunately there are only five cars to choose from in 80's mode and it leaves me wanting to try out more machinery. There is such a big difference between the cars both handling and power wise and with grids of only 10, the races can sometimes be a bit empty.
Track wise, I'm very happy with the two circuits’ that come on the standard edition of the game. Brands Hatch is one of my favourite circuits so to be able to race on it in the game is fantastic. Both Brands and the Jerez circuit are depicted brilliantly and the graphics are great. However like the cars, it would be good to see more circuit’s added in future F1 games.
If you want more classic content then you can buy the 'Classic Edition', which will be available to download for those with the standard edition soon. It comes with six 90's cars and two more classic tracks. All handle brilliantly but my particular favourite is the 1999 Ferrari. Again, it would be good to see more cars and circuit's added but it is a good start overall for this brand new aspect of the game.
I also love Murray Walker's commentary in the classic mode, introducing you to the brand new features and taking you through each scenario. It is a big coup for Codemasters to get him involved in the game. David Croft continues to provide voice-over for the 2013 content and does a good job of it, helping to increase the realism of the game itself.
The 2013 side can be likened to the step between the 2012 Red Bull RB8 and the 2013 Red Bull RB9. The changes are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but this helps create Codemasters most complete F1 game yet.
The menu's and upgraded backgrounds look smart but I was left disappointed once again by the loss of 2011's 'be the driver' style career mode menu. I particularly loved the motor home room which housed career mode, bringing in a different and unique element in comparison to the rather standard menu selection screen that you find on the majority of video games - although I can't fault how easy to use and navigate through they are.
Moving on to the AI, improvements are slight but you can definitely see the driver’s individual characteristics more. For example, Maldonado, Perez or Grosjean seem more aggressive while more experienced drivers like Button or Alonso are good at placing their cars to defend or attack.
Overall, they seem to be on a similar level with the AI of last year’s game and I still seem to be stuck between the ‘professional’ and ‘legend’ difficulty as my computerised rivals seem to be equal with me through the fast and medium corners, but I always seem to close up under braking.
Graphics wise the game has stepped up once more, continuing the upward progression that we have witnessed each year. I must say that the wet weather visualisations are particularly impressive and the close-up shots and very much improved.
However, work still needs to be put in on the replay and long distance shots which are slightly less impressive. The damage model is more of the same which is a bit disappointing, front wings should suffer damage from far lighter contact than they currently do but I think Codemasters have been limited on developing the damage model.
I know this would probably take a huge amount of work for the game developers but I would love to see the return of being able to switch to different cars during in-game replay’s, like in the old 2005 and 2006 games produced by Sony. The current replays are too short so I think if they want to make small improvement in that area, lengthening the time of replays would be a nice touch.
Some of the logos could also be crisper and sharper, particularly on the McLaren. However one thing that I would say is that the reflections on the MP4-28’s chrome bodywork have improved, as have the driver mirrors which you can actually use for a change.
The in-game visualisations and touches are also welcome improvements. It's the little things that really impress me. For example, when you make light contact with another car, your hand will raise in frustration. The video sequence showing the driver getting into the car prior to a session or race is also a nice new addition. The post-race sequences are also sharper and improved as are the garage graphics.
I'm also a fan of the new set-up and garage TV screen menus and graphics, particularly the bright and vibrant backgrounds and new car display, as well as the new high definition F1 photo’s that have been added to the loading screens – where loading speeds are a lot quicker I might add. I’m a fan of F1 photography so this change gets a big thumbs up from me.
However whilst the new classic edition is a big new step, the 2013 graphic improvements are largely minor with no large differences in comparison to 2012. However one side of the game that contrasts heavily to last year’s game is the car handling.
When you first enter the game, your first task is to complete the young driver test. The tasks are slightly trickier in comparison to last year's incarnation but you will notice the tweaked handling from the very beginning. The car definitely has more understeer but Codemasters and the tyres seem to be modelled on Pirelli’s earlier tyre compounds. Degradation is certainly more of an issue, meaning that you have to be tactical throughout the race in order to not lose tyre life at the end.
It is also harder to put the power down out of the slow corners, meaning that there is more oversteer and the cars are harder to control overall. This is particularly evident in the wet where it is much harder to stay on track. It certainly increases the difficulty level and will take some time for even the most avid gamers to get used to.
The scenario modes on F1 2013 replace the previous ‘Champions Mode’ of 2012. Some of the early ones are quite easy but their difficulty does increase and they are good fun. David Croft’s introductions are as enthusiastic as ever and it is something different to try out.
The online and multiplayer modes in the game remain more or less the same. 2012 was a good step forward for this side of the game and with little improvement for 2013, that can’t be a bad thing. It is a great way to play against friends, compete with fellow F1 fans and add a new experience to the game, so I would definitely recommend getting Xbox Live.
I also wanted to see what others thought of the game. Scott from the hugely popular IntoTheBarrier YouTube channel shared his views on the game:
"F1 2013 is no doubt an improvement on last years edition with the classic content adding a huge amount of longevity to the game in my opinion. Bringing back the older tracks was a masterstroke from Codemasters in a game that would have had a distinct lack of new material as the 2013 F1 calendar is largely similar to the 2012 one.
"The much-hated penalty system of the 2012 edition is improved in this years game, however it is still not perfect - that's almost an impossibility, even in real F1 the FIA arguably get some penalty decisions wrong.Meanwhile fellow YouTuber AlexZAfRo commented on the online and multiplayer aspect of the game:
"I would say visually the game is more appealing than its predecessor, as well as several other minor improvements such as the ability to save a race mid-session. Overall it is a jolly good fun game with heaps of shelf life added with the classic content and a big improvement on last year."
"Online so far has been really fun, I have had some great battles with my subscribers, I look forward to doing more F1 races online. It's a nice change from Career mode"Overall, Codemasters have released their best F1 game yet with a great foundation to build on with their new classic mode. Light improvements to graphics and visuals help to increase the games realism and with tweaked handling too, the game certainly provides a great balance between simulation and arcade gaming.
You can purchase F1 2013 and F1 2013 Classic Edition in store or online at places like GAME, Amazon and Steam. For more on the game visit their official website or check them out on Twitter and Facebook.
All images courtesy of Codemasters.
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