Review: F1 23 – Needs fine tuning

The newest addition to the F1 series is here, and we’ve got it running on a grand scale! Last weeks I started working with F1 23 on Xbox. With recent additions and changes to the game, I was curious about the experience. Here are my initial conclusions about the F1 23.

We could already start on F1 23. Lately we’ve been pulling the game inside out, from the new story mode to the expansive F1 world, there’s been so much to explore and experience in this latest addition to the F1 series.

Graphics and sound

Starting with the atmosphere. The graphics are good and the new tracks (Las Vegas and Lucille) are detailed and realistic, but honestly there wasn’t much progression from the previous game. Surely there must be more to come out of next-gen consoles than this? The soundtrack is again good. EA is clearly ahead, as they always offer good soundtracks in their games. Not unlike F1 23. Browsing the menus is a fun experience.

The game also runs smoothly, without any noticeable lag or frame rate issues. This is of course important in a racing game, where every second counts and a little delay can make the difference between winning and losing. That’s fine again.

Gameplay and controls

As for the gameplay, the controls are now significantly improved and more responsive, which is definitely a huge improvement. Driving with the console is now easier and the car definitely has more stability and better handles. However, the new 23 F1 cars feel lively and dangerous, but even better to drive. For example, a car breaks down quickly, but it’s easier to absorb. In the previous F1 game I was punished mercilessly.

In addition, the artificial intelligence has also been improved. Opponents will try to push you and will not give up right away, there are times when it can be unpredictable. The combination of new physics and improved AI makes racing more exciting and the race track more varied.

The game also offers a wide range of customization options so that you can customize your car and team to your liking. This adds an extra layer of depth and customization to the game, really giving you the feeling that you can fully customize the game to your liking.

Story mode with highs and lows

The new story mode, Braking Point, is back. After a year out, Aiden Jackson and Devon Butler could be arguing again. The story is of course on the “Way to Tomorrow” level and the characters flip from bad guy to good guy and back again as if they were all schizophrenic. The plot lines are as flat as the characters, they just aren’t as deep or engaging as they could be. There are no real surprises or twists to make the story interesting. But in addition to the story, you will encounter fun racing challenges and it would be nice to follow them in secret.

However, the story mode is another welcome addition to the game. It still offers a different way to experience the game, beyond the standard races and tournaments. It is also a good way for new players to learn about the game and the different aspects of F1 car racing.

F1 World: Comprehensive but not difficult

We’re getting not one, but two new game modes this year. We already knew Braking Point of course, but the big new feature is F1 World. It’s kind of Ultimate Team, but with your own racing car. It’s another new way to play the game, focusing on collecting cars and improving your team. Here, just like in the story, new and short challenges are constantly playing out. It’s a nice change from the standard races and makes gaming sessions fast and manageable.

Only, despite the vast possibilities and new experience that F1 World offers, there is a massive problem. The mod is very easy for almost all players. So, unless you are 3 years old or playing bonobos, this mod is not really suitable due to the lack of challenge. There’s also no ability to adjust the difficulty level, which is a shame because the game mode is so much fun on paper. Obviously there is still some work to be done to make this mode really difficult, and hopefully this will be fixed soon.

Multiplayer: a mix of sensations

Multiplayer mode is the place for hardcore gamers. It is the place where players can test their skills against others, competing with the rest of the world. There are no real changes in terms of content compared to last year. The multiplayer hasn’t changed yet with all the connection issues and toxic behavior. So don’t expect much progress compared to the previous version. This means that you sometimes have connection issues, and sometimes you have to restart the game, but it generally works. And in terms of toxic behavior, you can assume that your opponents want to push you off the track from the very first moment. The more serious gamer will have to head straight to the ranked lobbies for a more or less proper F1 experience.

Conclusion

All in all, F1 23 is a game with quite a bit of innovation, but it’s not all positive. It has its strengths, such as driving and gameplay, but it also has weaknesses, such as F1 World being too easy and little progression in multiplayer. But even so, this game is definitely worth it for any F1 fan.

The new story mode, while flat, offers a different way to experience the game and is a nice change from the standard races. The multiplayer game, despite its issues, offers an exciting and competitive experience that will truly test your skills.

The game still feels like a diamond in the rough right now. F1 World offers a lot of potential, but it’s clear that it still needs fine-tuning. Hopefully it will and we can enjoy this new mode. Moreover, F1 23 continues to deliver a solid and fun racing experience that will appeal to fans of the series and new players alike.