F1 2015 has arrived—one of the most anticipated games of the year, designed to be even more realistic than its predecessor. After its PC launch, the title is now coming to next-generation consoles (PS4 and Xbox One). In addition to a brand-new game engine for the series, the game also features current-season drivers and even more modern and customizable cars for fans of the franchise. Check out my full review of F1 2015!
Apparently, one of the biggest innovations here is the simulated TV broadcast presentation, offering even more realism that closely mirrors what we see in the real world (literally). The controls have also been improved—especially for gamers who had complaints about F1 2014.
It is undeniable that F1 2015 is far superior to its predecessors in terms of both gameplay and graphics, but that’s not all. The visuals, although decent, could be even more realistic, particularly regarding the color palette and visual effects. Moreover, after games like “DriveClub” and “Forza Motorsport” were released for next-generation consoles—and truly represent the new generation of graphics—F1 2015 still falls somewhat short of expectations.
In terms of gameplay, F1 2015 is a blend between a simulator and an arcade game, leaning more toward the former. However, the major issue is the lack of integrated content. Codemasters removed any game mode characterized as “interactive”; that is, it is not possible to create your own driver or a career mode in which a player could compete with smaller teams and receive invitations to join other teams in subsequent seasons.
In a way, F1 2015 has great potential. However, compared to the previous version, the new Codemasters game comes with fewer game modes than earlier titles in the franchise. The multiplayer, for example, has some differences, the main one being the “Race Mode,” in which you can participate in a race from the current 2015 season in real time.
In other words, the round is available until the next real-life race—say, the available race is that of England, for example, which took place until yesterday (Sunday, July 26), with the next round being in Hungary. Furthermore, the multiplayer is divided according to player skill levels. Here are some examples:
1 – Beginner, featuring Beginner Introduction and Beginner Sprint modes;
2 – Intermediate, with Sprint, Season Favorites, and Wheel-to-Wheel modes;
3 – Advanced, with Advanced No-Assist and Advanced Endurance modes;
4 – Custom Race mode, where the player creates their own event and invites friends.
Unfortunately, F1 2015 has several bugs—some quite severe—that need to be fixed. Some of these issues have already been resolved with continuous updates released by Codemasters, but there are still some very “frustrating” glitches in the game. However, the bugs that are being reported are being “listed” by the company for a sooner resolution.
F1 2015 also features some very interesting milestones, such as the communication between the engineer and the driver, which can be considered the best in the entire franchise. In fact, the engineer provides you with several pieces of critical information at key moments.
Everything the engineer says holds significance—sometimes a bit more, sometimes a bit less—and that’s brilliant because it mirrors real-world dynamics. From weather forecasts and general suggestions to opponents’ lap times and the condition of your vehicle when it’s “having some issues,” if you don’t follow his advice, you’re likely to suffer severe damage during the race.
Now, in visual terms, F1 2015 can and should be considered “superior” to earlier games, but still falls a bit short of what one might expect from a game aimed at next-generation systems. Undoubtedly, there are clear improvements—especially in texture effects, weather effects, particles, and the impeccable modeling of the circuits, which are more detailed overall. However, when examined up close, the graphics can be surprisingly “pixelated,” meaning they really work only when viewed from a distance.
The game is voiced in Brazilian Portuguese, in a manner that is somewhat generic. Additionally, there are comments made before and after each practice session or race. This process is executed very mechanically, as if the announcers were simply reading from a script. Truthfully, they wouldn’t even be necessary in F1 2015—in contrast to the engineer, who provides invaluable advice throughout the race.
Another notable upgrade is in the audio. The roar of the engines is impeccable. In general, the sound is perfect—the ambient noise and even the sound of tires gripping the track (whether on the zebra crossings or off the track) are very well executed, turning it into a true work of art.
Verdict
- Graphics
- Interface
- Entertainment
- Gameplay
- Features
Summary
If you’re a racing fan and don’t care about creating characters, building a career and progressing throughout the game, “F1 2015” is a huge success for you, dear gamer. The game has hit the nail on the head in terms of gameplay, bringing changes considered important, which please both those who prefer simulators and those who prefer traditional arcades.
However, there are some players who prefer to create their driver and progress in career modes, receiving invitations from teams, among other things. For these players, “F1 2015” is not the ideal game, unfortunately. The fact is that Codemasters took the “Formula 1” franchise to another level, both in terms of gameplay and graphics, but it still doesn’t quite live up to the new generation, as the company had promised.