F1 2010 is the next installment in the Formula One racing video game series from Codemasters which builds up quite a bit of anticipation with the loads of improvements it boasts of and the ultra-realistic Formula One driving experience it stands to provide.
The game has been developed by Codemasters Birmingham and will be published towards the end of September this year for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. It makes use of an upgraded version of the EGO 1.0 engine (unofficially called the EGO 1.5 engine) created specifically for the title, and if you plan on running it on a windows-based rig, you better make sure you have at least a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or an Athlon X2 processor, DirectX 9.0c, a GeForce 7800 or a Radeon X1800 graphics card, and about 12.5 GB of hard drive space.
The preview version we attended was playable by way of both the standard PS3 controller and a racing wheel. No points for guessing which method opened up a more “hands-on” feel and made for a deeper and more real racing experience. The PS3 controller is the standard method of racing and provides no special Formula One feel, while the wheel puts you right in the hot seat of the team of your choice as you take on the plethora of real-world professional Formula One racing drivers.
The version of the game we played did not have third team or test drivers, and we’re putting our money on the fact that the final product won’t as well. But this is just a small price to pay for graphical excellence and simulated physics beyond belief. An issue with the physics in the preview version of the game is the rather rapid deceleration when in the gravel traps.
We simply can’t talk of F1 2010 without dabbling on a little bit about the comprehensive weather system built into the game. This is one area in which Codemasters has really impressed. The changing weather conditions in the game affect so much more than just grip of the car. In severely hot conditions you may have to take extra care of your engine and tyres. Whereas you may have to rethink pit and tyre strategy and make the call whether or not to take the risk of going off the “safe” racing line in wet conditions. Even getting your nose alongside an opponent’s during heavy braking will make you think twice in the rain. So much happens when a few drops of rain hit your visor that it is hard to take it all in. Thankfully, very helpful and completely dedicated pit crew members are always standing by to help you gain the advantage.
The game is a fantastic recreation of reality; one of the best we’ve seen from racing games in recent times, except for a few minor details. And along with the positives, a few critiques can be drawn up against the preview version of F1 2010, including the at times almost babying radio chatter from your race engineer, the seemingly unrealistic AI – Schumi is almost as timid a Chandok, and the lack of safety car showing – even great crashes don’t warrant the rushing out on track of the safety car. Another thing about F1 2010, at least in the version we previewed, was an HUD indicator on the right of our screen showing engine and tyre condition. Past iterations in the series have sported something similar, and with the growing need to conserve and maintain tyres in harsh conditions, it seemed like a no-brainer to have this up on your screen. But what we felt was missing was an indicator showing brake wear. Along with tyres, in the sport of Formula One it is of critical importance to take it easy on your brakes, turning a blind eye to which could prove disastrous.
As is the trend with past video games based on the cult that is Formula One racing, rules and driving aids can be toggled on and off for many different derived levels of satisfaction. Driving aids such as Traction Control, an Anti-lock Braking System and Brake Assist can be turned on or left off depending on the level of realism you wish to inject into your F1 video gaming. While rules can be set to strict or casual, and damage can be made to reflect, both visually and realistically, that which takes place in the real world, or turned simply into a formality. These factors will govern what kind of experience you are looking for; whether you just want to jump in for a roaring, adrenaline-filled Formula One racing session which is quick and painless, or whether you actually want to try and rival the likes of Formula One greats such as reigning world champion Jenson Button, previous world champions Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, or even set up camp against the old boy, Schumi, who makes his return after quite an absence in the sport.
And if you think driving and texting at the same time is easy, you are so wrong! Try it out in a Formula One car in Codemasters’ F1 2010 and you’ll see exactly how you need every bit of mental focus to get onto the top step of the podium and take your racer to top spot in the driver’s standings. Tough competition and strict rules which must be adhered to are all part of the challenge, and when you factor in weather effects, you’ll probably never find a cool, breezy moment on the 2010 Formula One racing circuit. F1 2010 provides one of the best and most true-to-life racing experiences we have ever had!