The F1 23 Game has now had its official release and with the usual high anticipation within the community. In recent years fans of the game have voiced their disappointment, mainly due to the physics, handling and bugs within the game.
F1 22 for the first time introduced ‘F1 Life’. This was released as a leading feature but proceeded to stink the place out for most traditional fans.
Ever increasingly, simulations such as iRacing and Assets Corsa continue to gain popularity. Despite the efforts of F1 esports which has had it’s own recent controversies, F1 22 became a title many wanted to move on from at a rapid rate.
In this article we will be breaking down the new F1 game and seeing as to whether it can reach the glorious heights of from yesteryear.
F1 23 game New features
35% Race distance
35% race distance is a feature that has been present in the F1 Esports races. The race distance is now accessible to all drivers playing the game.
The F1 23 game has introduced the 35% race distance. This implementation now gives a balance between a short and full race distance. For instance race strategies become more effective with other unpredictable events occuring in the race.
Handling and physics
This is where the biggest excitement and expectations exist from the latest edition of the F1 game. The developers have put a greater emphasis on improving the driving experience. This was a huge frustration for many in the previous game.
Racers now have the ability to feel in control of the car such as being able to correct understeer and saving the car from spinning. Traction has vastly improved and offers a much more realism.
Many gripes about the previous games had been about the force feedback, in particular through the steering wheel. Understandably, F1 23 is not a full simulation and likely never will be as in the likes of racing titles such as iRacing.
There is also great news for controller users as well with the introduction of Precision drive technology. Codemasters have addressed the issues for controller users allowing for better precision from the racers input. Rotation of the joystick now corresponds from the user’s input to the screen for better cornering.
New circuits in the F1 23 game
New circuits from the F1 23 roster include the exciting Las Vegas and Qatar tracks. Racers will be able to take to the circuits even before the real world drivers have been able to participate in the event. Additional old school circuits such as Portimao, Paul Ricard and Shanghai will also be accessible within the game.
Red flags
Bringing more immersion to the game is the implementation of red flags. This feature will bring an element of unpredictability into races dependant on the incidents occurring.
AI has the ability to trigger cautionary measures such as yellow flags, virtual safety car, full safety car or red flags. This is likely to be a prominent feature in in multiplayer action. Mechanical failures, debris on track on track and other incidents can trigger precautionary measures.
Braking point 2
F1 23 sees the return of the story mode, Braking point. A new script, new characters and make for new drama. The mode again incorporates an interactive interface. Both Performance and reputation are dictated by your capabilities both on and off the track.
Rewards, XP podium pass points are all on offer for completing the mode, so it’s down to you to get out there and kick your rivals ass.
F1 world
F1 world has been brought to life with a revamp, with many comparing it to FIFA’s Ultimate Team. The mode features content that on a daily and weekly basis daily which increasingly changes over the course of the season.
As a racer advances through challenges, navigates online and other events, rewards included an increase in tech level and upgrades. In doing so your cars performance will improve along with the competitions you participate in. As part of the progression process a Virtual sticker album allows you to celebrate F1’s past and present.
Probably the most exciting feature within the mode is the multiplayer action. This enables a driver to participate in a division based ranking system. As you accumulate points you can rise through the ranks and the top racer will be promoted at the end of the weeks play.
In the higher divisions you will be pitted against the world’s leading racers earning yourself podium pass XP bonus points which facilitates your progression rapidly.
Differences between F1 22 and F1 23 Game
Braking
Braking in F1 23 takes on more of a skill set for racers than in F1 22. In F1 23 the driver is rewarded in finding the sweet spot between rotation of the wheel and exiting through the corner.
A standard brake bias across the board of 50% is no longer and racers will now be required to use bias of around 56-58% dependent on the tracks being driven on. Change the bias from corner to corner now takes on more of a challenge for drivers.
Tyres
Tyre temperatures, pressures and the optimal window all have a nuanced impact on performance. Drivers can now expect to get racing and gain an advantage from fresher and softer tyres, especially in the races under the 50% range.
ERS and DRS
Last years game suffered from an inefficiency in the DRS but an overpowered ERS. This made exciting racing difficult due to being stuck in a DRS train and the inability to overtake.
In this years version of the game it’s seems that both the DRS and ERS are still overpowered. However this will be dictated by different game modes. In particular longer distance races will probably require more management of the ERS rather than an all out assault on short distance races.
AI in the F1 23 game
AI in this years version seem to have been balanced out. No longer will they look to take you out (unintentionally of course) but will now be more considerate when it comes to giving enough space. In addition they have a varied race strategy which seemed to be all to repetitive in F1 22.
Conclusion
The early signs of a return to glory days are looking positive. The general feedback from the racing community has been well received. With patches and updates things can go backwards. However I’m sure we are all hoping that any future amendments to the game will not have the same detrimental impact as F1 22.
Although F1 is unlikely to ever be a full simulation, the general consensus is that most drivers want an enjoyable experience leaving them happy to return to the game each time they decide to race. So far this is what the latest rendition is producing and long make this continue.