Do you want to be a Formula One legend? Who doesn’t, right? And now you get the chance, with the new F1 2016 racing game for PS4. Codemasters has delivered a real winner with this comprehensive, immersive title. Check out some of the in-game highlights!
The Real Deal
This game doesn’t sidestep the realities of being a top racecar driver. Occasionally, you’ll find yourself sitting behind a desk with your laptop and smartphone, dealing with the details of your life as a professional driver, while your agent and primary engineer give you updates or tasks to do.
Power Practice
Kick the desk work to your team and move out to Free Practice sessions, which have been significantly upgraded from previous games. You’ve got challenges to meet and records to beat on the practice track, and going after each goal helps you adapt to the car your driving, learn your personal driving style, and understand how the track design affects your driving. Work on improving your accuracy and steering with the Track Acclimatisation mode while racking up points, or give yourself a stiff challenge with the tire-wear test.
An Immersive Simulator
F1 2016 is a genuine simulator. When you’re driving on the practice track or in a regular race, you’re going to feel completely immersed in the game. Explore the potential of the Drag Reduction System (DRS), develop your own personalized tactics and strategies, and work with your in-game engineers to get the support you need to improve your racing game. Your understanding of your car, its dynamics, and your own abilities will directly affect the outcome of each race.
Versatile Modes
Would you like to impersonate a real-life F1 driver? Choose from Button, Vettel, Massa, or other well-known champions and play as that individual through an entire Championship Season. If your time is limited, try an invigorating Quick Race. If you’ve got some time but you don’t feel like doing a whole season, why not do the Time Trial and try to beat the record time on your favourite track? Or hop into Career Mode and work on making a name for yourself in the virtual world of F1 racing— as well as creating a few arch-rivals along the way.
Sights and Sounds
Gorgeous graphics make this game a true joy to play. Stunning cityscapes and forest-bordered tracks open up in front of you. Clouds roll in, threatening rain, or the sun shines out of a blue sky, creating crisp shadows. The weather changes and lighting effects are something special, and they often affect the way you handle the car, introducing elements like rain-slicked pavement, water spray, and reduced visibility. As far as audio goes, you’ll love the growl and roar of the engines and the commentary of Anthony Davidson and David Croft.
The Final Lap
F1 2016 is worth your time. In fact, it’s worth a lot of your time. If you think you’re a pro at racing games, just wait— you’ll gain a whole new level of understanding about what it means to be an F1 driver. From the heart-pounding adrenaline rush at the beginning of the race to the new level of skill and cleverness introduced in the AI drivers, you’re sure to enjoy every F1 2016 challenge that comes your way.
My favourite gaming console is the PS4, of course, and in my spare time I love to write.