Jun 2023
If the mere sound of a roaring engine revs your excitement more than the prospect of caffeine or any social interaction, then buckle up because F1 23 is about to take you on the wildest ride since your last family road trip. Developed by Codemasters and published by EA Sports, the game brings the thrill of the Formula 1 races directly to your PS5. Buckle in, because this is going to be a fast one.
In true Codemasters fashion, F1 23 throws you headfirst into high-speed chaos. The gameplay mechanics have been overhauled - think of it like changing from a bicycle to a Ferrari (pedals not included). You can opt for a 35% race distance, which is great news for those who believe that sitting still for extended periods of time is the equivalent of watching paint dry. The driving physics? Oh, they’ve been refined too. Driving feels like you’re gliding through the air (with a lot more danger involved). And yes, red flags make a triumphant return like an old friend you forgot you invited to the party. Control your car, race strategically, and pray your tires don't burst into flames while you're trying to outmaneuver your rivals. If you manage to win, feel free to gloat – you’ve earned it! The 'Braking Point 2' narrative mode offers a new story arc featuring Aiden Jackson and Devon Butler, now part of the fictional Konnersport Butler Global Racing Team. It appears they share more drama than you'd find in a reality TV show. Compelling characters, unexpected rivalries, and an overly dramatic family backstory anyone can relate to – it’s like 'Fast and Furious' but with less family and more math about tire wear.
The visuals are delightful, like a gourmet meal for your eyes. The textures are stunning, and the cars gleam like they just rolled out of a high-end car dealership that you can’t really afford to shop in. While the physics are impressive, it’s the dynamic courses – including the shiny new Las Vegas Strip Circuit – that provide the thrilling views. Watching your virtual vehicle leap over curbs at breakneck speeds will make you appreciate the engineering behind both the cars and the video game itself. Do you like angry pixels? Because the non-animated crowd cheering for you as you zip by is not the most convincing, but hey! They’re just there for the free snacks anyways. Plus, the option to listen to a licensed soundtrack that includes legends like Swedish House Mafia and Tiësto adds a certain pizzazz - because nothing says ‘I’m a superstar racer’ quite like blasting beats while cutting corners.
In a nutshell, F1 23 shuns the concept of a dull racing game not unlike how you'd throw away your Monday morning coffee once the caffeine has worn off. It has refined gameplay, an engaging story mode, and visuals that will make you wonder if that sandwich you left in the fridge last week can be recycled into an 8K graphics card. The developers at Codemasters have clearly channeled their inner speed demons and hockey stick manufacturers to bring you an experience that revs up the F1 franchise. If you love acceleration, tire management, and can live with slightly less-than-100% convincing crowd animations, F1 23 is a must-have. Just remember – while it’s safe to race in the game, real-life driving does come with rules like ‘stop at red lights’ and ‘don't drink and drive’. In this world, it’s all about hitting the apex - both in real life and virtually. With a score of 8/10, let's hope there’s more of this on the horizon. But for now, crank your engines and prepare for the virtual ride of your life!
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