Time for another pit stop…
Format: Wii (version played), PSP Dev: Sumo Digital Pub: Codemasters Out: 20/11/09 Players: 1-2
F1 2009 is billed as ‘the authentic F1 experience’. If your idea of the authentic F1 experience is dull, boring and un-engaging then this would be a true statement.
Even if you’re familiar with Gran Turismo, Burnout, F-Zero, Mario Kart and other racers, you (much like myself) may find it difficult to lock into an F1 game. Why? Possibly because you lack the essential prerequisite required to like these games – an interest in Formula 1.
At the end of the day this is all we are dealing with here, a substandard racing sim with a Formula 1 theme. So, let’s pretend for the sake of ambivalence that I do like F1. Do I like this game? Perhaps, yes, due to the fact that I am blinded by the virtual glee of driving Lewis Hamilton’s car around the Monaco circuit.
F1 2009 received negative reports regarding its graphics, but to be honest they are better than expected. The game doesn’t look too bad considering it is for the graphically inferior Nintendo Wii. In terms of playability, F1 2009 offers a multitude of different modes including Grand Prix weekend and a full Championship or a Career consisting of three whole seasons. Also available are time trials and challenges, some of which are also time-based, but others including overtaking as many cars as you can within a lap or race.
Like Mario Kart Wii, the Wii Remote is turned sideways in order to drive. Turning is achieved by tilting the Wii Remote to the left or right – a feature I do not personally get along with, much preferring the use of an analogue stick or a directional pad to steer my vehicle.
It may be more realistic to slot the Wii Remote into the Wii Wheel, but I beg to differ – it is equally as unrealistic. Realism in driving simulators is always where they fail. Another unrealistic component is the fact that cars literally bounce off the barriers and each other – no spinning out or stopping dead or exploding into a ball of flames. Quite a shame in such advanced times.
F1 2009 undoubtedly has it flaws, but is not completely awful. Any hardcore fan of the sport would probably really like it, whereas the casual gamer or fan of racing games in general will be left somewhat disappointed by what could have been a much better representation of F1.
Andy King
Tags: codemasters, driving, f1, racing, Sports
