Since I can remember, I have always loved playing racing games in arcades. Burnout 3 Takedown (please, remaster or recreate) is my all-time favorite game, and I had fun playing Forza Horizon 5. Having said that, to gain a sense of the racing sim genre, I also enjoyed playing a few games in the Grand Turismo and Forza Motorsport series. Although I’ve enjoyed watching Formula 1 on occasion, I haven’t played any racing games of that kind. Therefore, when I had the chance to evaluate F1 24, I jumped at the chance to feel the urge for speed in a far more aerodynamic vehicle designed to push the boundaries of contemporary motorsport engineering!
Gameplay
Similar to the GT7, the F1 24 boasts a plethora of customization options that elevate the driving experience from ultra-realistic to ultra-casual. You may do all of that if you want the most realistic experience imaginable, including adjusting the automobile and learning about how the weather and tire pressure affect the car’s performance. You may also experience an F1 car at speeds over 300 km/h by controlling just the accelerator and brakes. This racing simulation is relatively easy to learn and accessible to players of all skill levels. For those who want to enjoy a true F1 experience, it’s a better option than Alice in Wonderland.
That being said, it’s awesome that the game allows you to experience your ideal Formula One championship across 25 tracks by taking on the role of an active or retired Formula One legend. With cutting-edge vehicles and breathtaking sights, you get the impression of exploring Formula One racetracks throughout the globe in all of their splendor. Additionally, if you’d like, you can make up your persona and go on a brand-new F1 career as a racer. You’ll be hooked lap after lap thanks to the excellent handling, thrilling racing action, and lifelike visuals. The intense frustration you feel after smashing your automobile into a wall completes the entire experience.
While these can help you spice up your performance in a race, there’s no penalty for ignoring them if all you want to do is enjoy burning rubber and crossing the finish line first. There are also some secondary objectives to complete during the race, like fuel management, finishing a lap in a set time, avoiding collisions, etc.
Sound and visuals
In terms of visual appeal, the game boasts excellent detailing in both the cars and well-known drivers. The tracks are what make you feel as though you’re at the actual place, even though the vehicles are stunning and authentic. A tribute to visual realism is the fact that there were occasions when I was racing and people walking by mistakenly believed I was watching an F1 race. In addition, the game operates at a locked 60 frames per second. Playing on the PS5, I had no framerate drops or stutters, even with a full screen of cars vying for the top spot, which is a credit to the power of the game engine.
Although I was preoccupied with my winning lap and didn’t pay much attention to the commentary in the game or throughout the race, my friends and family who were watching me play did pick up on some simple repetition and commentary that didn’t make sense given what had just happened. Therefore, although I can easily overlook this, ardent F1 fans may find it bothersome.
Verdict
All things considered, F1 24 is an excellent game to try your hand at Formula 1 video games. There is enough here to keep you interested in the brand if you are new to it for a very long time. It is difficult for someone who hasn’t played the franchise’s earlier games to determine whether the upgrade from F1 23 (review) to 24 is worthwhile, but I suppose that will depend on how big of a fan you are of the series and whether the additions and modifications appeal to you. One issue I have with the game is that aficionados of arcade racing might not find it appealing.
