F1 2012 Reviewed By Tristan Tancredi

Rating: 85% (Ratings Key/Explanation)

Fans of the series will recall last years brutally hard Codemasters F1 2011, the realistic, technically precise formula one racing simulation. 12 months down the track and Codemasters have released F1 2012, another tactically masterful creation that isn't quite as brutal as its predecessor.

Spicing up an annual racing simulation isn't an easy trade, especially considering nothing much actually changes in the Formula One world from year to year. Sure, drivers change teams, the track surroundings are slightly different, rules are refined and changed, yet ultimately the cars, the tracks and the teams always remain constant. It is with this in mind that we were interested to see how Codemasters have attacked this tricky side of game development.

F1 2011 really did hit the nail on the head. The game was visually stunning, the tracks were deeply engaging and the gameplay was extremely enthralling albeit very difficult. So where was Codemasters to take F1 2012?

The introduction of a host of gameplay features was the first step toward making a unique F1 gaming experience. As soon as the disc slides into the console the gamer will perform a Young Drivers Test. Ultimately this guides first time f1 racers to all the controls, the dynamics of the car and track and how and when to activate KERS and DRS.

The Season Challenge, a new initiative by Codemasters, enables gamers to compete a shortened season of 10 races with One-Lap Qualifying. The catch to Season Challenge is working your way up from a lowly team to one of the powerhouses. This is acheived by selecting a rival in a higher ranked team and defeating them, thereby earning an offer to join that team. We found that the Season Challenge was a perfect addition to the F1 franchise, too often in F1 2011 we didn't want to play through an entire career, yet we were sick of quick races. The Season Challenge is a perfect option sitting between the two.

Another addition to the 2012 version is Champions Mode. Compete against a host of the worlds best drivers in a number of challenges (Maintain a lead with worn out tyres, catch the leader after a safety car, etc). Coming up against Hamilton, Button, Vettel, Alonso, Schumacher and Raikkonen, the gamer will truly be put to the test to acheive the coveted Champions mode medals.

Aswell as the previously mentioned game modes, F1 2012 also features Career, Time Attack (Race against Ghost cars to achieve medals) and Time Trial (Race against World Records, Personal Bests, and Friends times for bragging rights).

To compare 2012 to 2011 visually, we decided to have a crack at both titles simaltaneously and honestly, there isn't a hell of a lot of difference (Not that there needed to be anyway, considering the game looks beautiful). The cars, tracks, drivers, cut scenes are all crafted masterfully with clean, clear graphics. Driving along in excess of 300km/h as the track whizzes by is near flawless.

One addition to F1 2012 is Localised Weather. An improved weather system has enabled Codemasters to evolve the weather so that rain can fall on certain parts of the track only. The Active Track Technology enables certain parts of the track to be wet, whilst other parts remain dry. A brilliant introduction and one that will encourage clever raceday strategies.

All the current licenced drivers, teams and tracks are included, as is the introduction of the all new Circuit of the Americas, in Austin, Texas.

On the gameplay side of things, F1 2012 remains a challenging, techincally difficult game. Good luck to anyone pursuing a Drivers Championship on any mode other than Easy. Approaching a corner on the wrong line or hitting the accelerator too soon after turning, normally results in a few precious seconds down the gurgler. The harsh degree of difficulty however translates to a solid gaming experience. The joy of battling your way to a podium finish far outweighs the joy of always smashing the competition.

The multiplayer aspect of F1 2012 focuses on either split screen, LAN or Online. A variety of game modes allow gamers to compete against motorheads from around the globe. The most popular online format puts gamers against eachother for three laps with a randomised starting grid.

F1 2012 is an awesome racing sim. Codemasters have delivered a realistic, polished Formula One game that has enough to it to distinguish itself from F1 2011. Now, who wants to do a Co-Op championship with me? ...Anyone?