Codemaster’s F1 series continues to push the boundaries of realism on the track and frustration in the driver’s seat. This year’s game, F1 24, really puts the peddle to the metal regarding career mode and boasts significant improvements in handling mechanics, enhancing the game’s playability. Sprinkled in are some minor updates to tracks and driver models. But, with all the updates, big and small, does this year’s game live up to expectations?
Here is our SGO review of EA Sports F1 24.
Presentation
F1 24‘s presentation is similar to last year’s game, but that’s not a bad thing. The game is still beautiful and presents a similar broadcast that fans would see on a typical race day. But, the same overused cutscenes from three years ago have returned again.
However, Codemasters has updated numerous tracks, such as Silverstone and The Belgium Circut, to better resemble what you see on TV today. Nevertheless, tracks like Circut de Monaco and the Miami Grand Prix still look amazing and resemble their real-life counterpart at every turn.
In addition to the updated tracks, the Formula 1 driver models have received updates to hair, eyes, and skin, resulting in a more realistic look.
Another minor addition is real driver voices during key moments in races. Whether it’s a race win, pole position, or, in my case, a big crash, drivers will now react to situations on the track. These audio samples are from real-world F1 broadcasts, and some of them are pretty funny.
Gameplay
Before we discuss the changes to the handling and tires in F1 24, I want to discuss the AI. The computer AI has seen some improvements and now adjusts to the player’s actions during races.
AI drivers will react to defensive driving by finding an alternate way to overtake or use DRS. They will also defend their position or attack aggressively to make the podium. In return, this makes for some awesome racing moments that may see you in defeat or sweating to cross the finish line.
Dynamic Handling and Tyre System
Codemasters went all in on F1 24‘s handling this year. Sporting a new suspension kinematics system, players will feel the difference in weight distribution when driving. This is especially apparent when using a race wheel.
When using a racing wheel, you can feel every bump and turn on the track. If your front wing is damaged, you can see your car sliding back and forth. This ultimately leads to under-turning, which I’m the best at.
In addition to the suspension system, EA’s racing game has introduced a new tire and temperature system. This reinvented feature is reflected in gameplay, with your race engineer updating you on tire conditions and even giving you tire-oriented challenges to complete.
Game Modes
Career Mode shines bright
With F1‘s narrative story mode, Braking Point, taking a year off, Codemasters used this time to reinvigorate its career mode in F1 24. This time, the series introduces the driver recognition system, and the result is a new feature that elevates the mode in multiple areas.
The driver’s recognition system
The driver’s recognition system in career mode is a new feature that puts you against your teammate for the right to spearhead upgrades in research and development.
Basically, this system puts a new spin on how you upgrade your car and makes every decision and race more critical. During every activity, players will earn resource points, which can be used to develop upgrades for their cars. I like this because it makes practice sessions worth your time, unlike previous titles.
As your driver grows more popular, you will gain more recognition, which will influence your R&D team to work faster to develop new upgrades. You may also attract other teams who will try to convince you to join them by holding secret meetings. So, do you want to switch teams at the end of the season like Lewis Hamilton? The choice is yours.
Overall, the recognition system improves multiple areas of F1 24′s career mode. I wouldn’t call it an overhaul, but it’s more of an added layer to spice things up. Side note: the new career mode features are exclusive to the F1 season, so if you start in F2, you won’t experience the new features right away.
Accolades
In addition to the recognition system, drivers now have accolades, which are objects for players to complete during a driver’s career. Each accolade is different for each driver, especially for customized ones.
For example, if you are using your own customized driver, your accolades will consist of winning your first race or making a podium. However, for seasoned racers like Carlos Sainz, his objects will have players searching for his fourth race win.
Codemasters has also included F1 Icons into the game, so you can now race and complete accolades as some of the sport’s greatest racers, like Juan Pablo Montoya. It’s a nice touch to an already good feature.
While I enjoy the new features in career mode, I don’t understand why driver customization is still so weak in F1 24. You’re not even creating a driver; you’re just picking an avatar. I know that Formula 1 drivers usually have a helmet on, but the game has enough cut scenes where it shows your driver that having your own fully customized character would still benefit players.
Other modes
Challenge Career
If offline career mode isn’t your thing, then maybe F1 24‘s all-new Challenge Career might be. This new mode allows players to compete online in ‘bite-sized’ scenarios that change throughout the season. Players will use existing drivers and teams to compete for a spot on the leaderboard.
Besides challenge career, other modes like My Team and F1 World haven’t changed much. F1 World does have a new feature called ‘Fanzone,’ where players join a time-limited league and compete for unique challenges.
Verdict
EA Sports F1 24 has me hooked, thanks to the latest additions to career mode. The changes to gameplay may be something to get used to for newcomers, but returning players will see it as a positive. Even though other areas of the game are starting to feel outdated, F1 24 does just enough to make it to the podium.