F1 2010 was released on the Xbox360 platform on the 22nd of September. The F1 2010 as we know is the sequel to the F1 2009 and based on the new EGO 1.5 engine, that was created especially for the game.
As, Codemasters point out, the weather system is one of the best and most complicated. It’s surprising to see, how when the rain starts, the track looses grip. And when the rain stops, a drying line appears which makes driving easier. Also, it’s surprising to see how the temperature has an effect on practice sessions on an overcast Friday and on a hot and sunny Saturday. The game features all the 24 drivers and 12 teams that started the 2010 series. A user can choose from a career mode of three, five or seven seasons. Every team and driver has his own objective, for example if you choose to drive for a Ferrari, you need to win the Driver’s and Constructor’s Championship. But if you are driving for Lotus, a mere finishing of the laps would give you huge points.
The F1 cars are huge and extremely ferocious. The Codemasters have brilliantly captured the delight of these cars on your console. Driving these mean machines is extremely enjoyable, with the brakes and accelerators appearing to be skittish. To play the game, it’s important to study the tracks in detail. It’s not just the angles, but also the violent bumps placed on the exit that are to be taken care of.
The tracks too have been depicted with great precision. For example the Monaco, F1 race track is as superb as the original. It’s fun to drive as well. Other circuits like Monza, Spa and Silverstone also manage to impress. There are a few circuits like the Singapore‘s night race track and Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina that are exemplary. Just as it would in the original race, the event takes place under a setting sun and the shifting light is captured with absolute precision.
The press conferences too are interesting, with multiple choice answers to questions. They also help to shape your career and contracting options as they go beyond the formal press conferences.
Career options are also interestingly familiar, where gamers start in one of smaller and less technologically advanced teams. The driver has to prove his worth in order to succeed. A better performance ensures better technological updates for your car and team. For those who manage to finish above a driver, are considered as their rival, and offered a contract from the driver’s team to replace him. Although the engine sounds are great and true to life, there are other areas where the sound track isn’t up to its mark.
Minor irritants include the inconsistency in the presentation. The in-game menu too can be confusing at times. These problems are however minor and nothing can compare to the fun and thrill of driving a F1 car.
