F1 2010 is the latest iteration in the Formula One racing video game series which is based on the current season of Formula One world championship. Developed and produced forth by Codemasters, this sequel to 2009’s installment claims to offer every bit of the same realism boasted by the company before the game could even arrive onto the scene. All these attributes are said to be incorporated while not failing to retain the excitement and thrill that comes along with the daredevil sport. We now see through the means of a review whether the new features and improvements really do take our breath away and leave us standing at the pedestal well passed the finish line. Suit up, get out of the pit lane and bring your vehicle up to the starting line as we shift into top gear and become the driver at one of the most prestigious events of the year.
We got our hands on the PS3 version of the game, although racing enthusiasts can also pick up their copy in the form of an Xbox 360 or Microsoft Windows version. Now the latest iteration can be played via employing either a Racing wheel or PS3 controller. While the former was the preferred mode during our preview, the weapon of choice this time around was just the joypad. This however didn’t make it any less enjoyable or realistic once we got used to the controls and maneuvering. Also aiding players on this front are the easy options that are laid out in the form of adjustable driver assists. The menus are not the regular sort that one may find in most games. All suited up and in the first person viewpoint, we could have a glimpse of the world around us and various menus by utilizing the right stick with a simple flick of the thumb. This aspect is even carried forth through the career mode where you are put in the race paddock flagged by the Multiplayer and My F1 options.
Right from the start of the game, you get to feel like probably how Alonzo, Hamilton or Schumacher did when they first complied with their calling. A set of golden questions are thrown at you which actually helps create your driver profile and subsequently your career. Once that is done, you are taken to the driver’s room and offered options such as Your Agent, Next Session, Helmet Select and Standings. The business side is dealt with by your agent who leaves you all the time to simply concentrate on your racing and check back with her to view information on teams, current driver line up and status. Stepping out for a breath of fresh air would bring you to choices such as Grand Prix, Time Trial, Multiplayer and My F1.
When you finally opt for the desired path, you find yourself at the Garage with the Race Engineer and Event Information to the right. The latter serves up data and opportunity to skip to other races and events while the former offers Retire to Paddock, Quick Car Setup or Go to Track and hit the tarmac. To the left is Tyre Selection where four alternatives are provided such as Option, Prime, Intermediate and Wet, each with its own characteristics. There is also the Team Mate Challenge where the season’s achievements are compared to that of your own team peers. All the while, there is the car monitor sitting on your vehicle. Through this, information pertaining to the current session is divulged upon such as the Live Timing, Circuit Information, Research and Development, Car Set-up and Weather Report for the whole weekend. In between the screens while loading, hints and tips are seen floating about onto the screen. Apart from the position and positional information, track type, lap and lap time information, speedometer, and fuel indicators scattered onscreen during the race, a few more additions can also be viewed around the screen. These inclusions comprise of the Engine, Wing and Tyre selection menu as well as the Car Status OSD.
At anytime during gameplay, access to various options can be tweaked according to your desire. These include Driving Assets, Driving Controls, OSD and Audio. An extremely helpful feature in the game is the Breaking Assist ABS which automatically slows your vehicle down as a bend approaches. Another welcoming inclusion comes in the form of the Dynamic Racing Line that guides the racer on the right track quite literally, transcending to a red hue only to indicate that you must slow down. F1 fans will surely know that Pit Stops are a vital feature in any race and since the game boasts of being true to its real-life counterpart, you can expect it to be embedded with some authenticity of sorts. Either follow the Race Strategy planned out by the Race Engineer or determine your own plan of action beforehand. During the race, you can also come into the pits at any time by simply pressing the Pit In button.
The game transports you to all 19 circuits plucked right out from the 2010 FIA F1 World Championship calendar, only portrayed across the screen in full HD. The various exotic locations further pull you into the game as hints of intricacies can be seen splashed all over the circuit. The sandy terrain of Bahrain had palm trees speckled all over while the game indeed put forth a believable twist with the winding streets of Monaco, Monza tracks and floodlight night race at Singapore captivating gamers all along the track. Each country offered individuality with respect to their local atmospheres and weather conditions that are synonymous to the regions. A realistic and variable weather pattern is thrown at players where they must battle the elements of Mother Nature in order to emerge victorious. They can manually opt for situations such as clear, light cloud, overcast, light and heavy rain. Each type had us mastering the race by putting our maneuvering skills to test and heaving a sigh of relief as our predetermined choices paid off with respect to tyre options among others.
The sound effects are also pretty praiseworthy and add that authentic flavor and immersive feel to any race may it be just a quickie or the complete season. If however the realistic audio does get too jarring at times, it can simply be amended through the options menu during gameplay itself. A slight drawback in this iteration was observed in the lack of detailed information divulged to the player while driving. The only data you’re provided with are color indications on the affected car parts which bring your attention to the damage made in that area. While indulging in adrenaline pumping laps, if you happen to lose yourself in the speed haze and crash into a divider or barrier, there is always the option of going back in time and altering this mistake via Replay and Flashbacks located in the Options segment. This seemed to be something like Prince of Persia: Sands of Time for all those gamers who are into adventure and action titles as well besides the racing genre.
The Final Word: This title was certainly much anticipated and didn’t disappoint in terms of its improvements and tweaks which are its most prominent features and immediately recognized by hardcore fans. Besides appealing to old salts, it will also strike a chord and sit extremely well with the rookie kind who wish to simply pick up the controller and get into maybe just a weekend away from the hectic schedule and indulge in a Race Weekend if not the complete season. F1 2010 overall is certainly the best iteration the racing genre has witnessed in years. The booming soundtrack echoing in the background and excellent weather effects made us feel certainly in the midst of all the action and certainly in the hot seat. With its various view types, superb graphics, commendable physics and handling, the title indeed got flagged by the checkered sort and reached the finishing line bearing a thumbs up from our side.
Graphics: 8.9/10.
Gameplay: 8/10.
Environments: 9/10.
Sound: 8.7/10.
Replay Value: 8.3/10.
Overall (not an average): 8.9/10.