F1 2015 PS4 -REVIEW
With the current well under way it was inevitable that Codemasters drop a new title….
While I am a confessd F1 nut, I have’nt always picked up the games and often opted for the GT road instead. But with the later lacking in the next gen format I had a need for speed that had to be quelled.
The game is instantly playable as it has modes from Beginner (or as i like to call it the Maldonado Mode) where all the assists are on and you basically a navigator, to the highly advanced Elite which has all assists off. Needless to say Elite is insanely difficult. I went for the medium Amateur Mode which has some assists off but is a decent challenge, at least while finding your feet.
The Graphics are superb and takes you into the weekend, with amazing attention to detail, but in retrospect any half decent PS4 game out now can safely say claim that. What helps F1 stand out a little more is the drivers faces and the crew, the crew as any F1 junkie knows is a fundamental force in the sport. I am glad this games shows that. The tracks are nothing short of spectacular, I swear I could smell the ocean at Monaco. The cars are beautiful as they are in real life.
So how does the gameplay go, well menu wise everything is compact and not in a good way, its very stripped down. The is very few modes available, the is a choice between two seasons, namely 2015 and 2014 which is stupid to say the least. I get that this is called F1 2015 and that is the primary focus but I remember older instalments having the function to drive older circuits and cars which was super cool. Not only are we restricted to 2 seasons but we stuck with a crap progression system. Any gamer will tell you progression and unlocks is where its at. Here all you can do is win a championship. What about testing, new parts. Where’s the interview’s? (that was in previous versions)
I think Codemasters missed a gear here, there was much more this game could have been. Dont get me wrong its a great game, but if you not a F1 fan then you going to be bored very quick. There is the Pro Season which works like a proper weekend including actual times which means no 20 minute races, tyre degradation and fuel issues and thats something to aspire to.
However when it comes down to the way the cars drives and feels, the game is on point ans it feels precise and fast (God its Fast), the corners rush you like a good racing game should and over taking is far from easy. The various views add the extra dimension. The ability to fine tune you car in setup up mode is very detailed and does make a difference when you start taking of the assists and helps give you the edge.
The multiplayer seems fun… pity i could test it out as it takes for ever and I am led to believe its 1 on 1. I mean really? Another missed opportunity, what could have been better that having a live track of 18 real drivers representing the teams and duelling for the crown? And not even split screen option, so fun with friends in lounge is a no no.
All in all its a great game, but could have been much better. Would I recommend buying the game?
I suggest waiting for a price drop, its a great game but I just feel short changed (but I just came of playing Arkham so my expectations are quite high). This game is for the purists.
Score 3.5/5
