A code was provided by the publisher for the purpose of this F1 23 review.
F1 continues to gain global attention, thanks in large part to the drama-filled Netflix series Drive to Survive. It is apt then that this year sees the equally dramatic story-driven game mode, Braking Point, return to Codemasters’ F1 series. But does it do enough to return the series to its previous heights after some tricky laps in last year’s instalment?
F1 23 review: Braking Point 2
I have to begin with Braking Point, given the level of attention it received as part of pre-launch hype-building. The original Braking Point in F1 2021 was a refreshing and exhilarating story-based experience which focussed on the behind-the-scenes soap opera as much as the on-track action. And Braking Point 2 picks up right where its predecessor left off. Braking Point 2 sees the return of protagonists Aiden Jackson and Casper Akkerman, as well as pantomime villain Devon Butler. Jackson and Butler are now pitched as teammates, driving for fictional 11th team, Konnersport, which, as you can imagine, turns out to be an ill-fated pairing.
Alongside these familiar faces, several characters make their debuts. This includes new female driver Callie Mayer, likeable Konnersport team principal Andreo Konner, and the money-behind-the-team (and father to Devon and Mayer) Davidoff Butler.
Through 17 chapters, Braking Point pulls you into an immersive and emotive (if at times a little melodramatic) saga, with inter-team (and family) tiffs and tantrums, sombre moments, and exhilarating highs. All of this serves to keep you invested throughout. It even shocks you at times with left-of-field twists and turns. The characters are well-written, with documentary-esque cutscenes punctuating the action on the track.
Speaking of on-track action, the formula (no pun intended) hasn’t really changed since F1 2021. You either take control at the start, or during a grand prix. The scenarios vary somewhat, but they felt repetitive – with objectives being a derivative of “finish ahead of X driver”. You are sometimes given additional ‘bonus’ objectives, but they generally boil down to “finish ahead of X driver” as well. The fact that some of the races require you to drive the race from start to finish can add to the feeling that the races are an inconvenient distraction from the story.
It isn’t that the driving experience isn’t excellent, but more that the scenarios themselves feel disappointingly similar.
All things considered, Braking Point’s return in F1 23 is more than welcome. The characters are well fleshed out, with contrasting personalities enabling some great storytelling. The game also looks fantastic but never more-so than in cutscenes. It’s just a shame the action isn’t a bit more gripping. With that being said, if Braking Point doesn’t take your fancy, there’s still the My Team and Career modes to fall back on.
Handling in F1 23
It’s no secret that F1 22 was seen by many as something of a low point from a car handling perspective. F1 22 was the first game to reflect the real-life rule changes in the sport, with cars becoming heavier and less grippy as a result.
However, the consensus was that the game had gone too far. With grip at a premium, players were left frustrated with what seemed like an inconsistent and unrealistic experience. Even F1 prodigy Lando Norris famously commented that he ran medium traction control in the game to get a more realistic simulation experience. Real-life F1 cars don’t have traction control, so this comment highlighted the decreased immersion for many.
Thankfully, this issue has been resolved in F1 23. I started out without any assists, and the grip in the cars was noticeably better than last year’s entry. I could apply the throttle with confidence and, when I pushed too far, oversteer was catchable in a way that was not possible in F1 22. This not only provides a satisfying driving experience, but makes you feel like a driving god when you spin up the rear wheels and catch a slide mid-corner.
Even F2 cars seemingly provide a better driving experience than last year’s F1 cars. It cannot be understated how necessary this change was – handling was THE issue in F1 22. So, credit where it’s due – EA and Codemasters have done a sublime job of getting things back on track. You can even touch kerbs without spinning in this game! Yes, really!
F1 World
F1 23 also sees the introduction of a new player hub, titled F1 World. On the face of it, F1 World essentially serves as a menu where you can find modes such as Time Trial, multiplayer, and exhibition Grand Prix. However, it’s actually much deeper than that. F1 World allows you to create your F1 World car, in much the same way as you’d have previously created your multiplayer car. However, through the completion of events, you can customise and improve your car with parts and R&D staff upgrades. This rewards your time-played.
As a career mode veteran, F1 World never really gripped me. But I certainly appreciate the ongoing effort to keep this franchise fresh with additions like this in each yearly instalment.
F1 23 review: Audio and Graphics
F1 23 brings with it significant audio upgrades. Onboard and offboard cameras provide gorgeously realistic exhaust notes, with the likes of the Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari engines sounding just as distinct from each other as they do in real life.
Graphically, this game is outstanding. This comes as no surprise, though, as F1 games always look the part on current-gen hardware. But the addition of the new Las Vegas street circuit gives F1 23 the opportunity to get the tux out and really show off everything has to offer.
F1 23 review: Verdict
F1 23 is a truly satisfying simulation of every element of real life F1. But there is still room for improvement, especially in the Braking Point game mode.
These games have long provided excellent visuals, and 2023’s instalment is no different. There is a plethora of game modes to get stuck into, as well as a podium pass that provides rewards to keep you playing. To top it off, all of this has been delivered in a polished package without any noticeable bugs (during my time with the PS5 version, at least). F1 23 is where the series finally achieves its current-gen potential, and we’re privileged to be here for it.
Overall Rating: 9/10
Version played: PS5
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