Developed and published by Codemasters, Formula One 2017 (F1 2017) has finally arrived on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC. F1 2017 stays true to its real-life counterpart by featuring all the drivers, circuits and teams currently battling it out in this year’s 2017 Formula One season.
This year also sees the introduction of wider, faster, and more aggressively styled Formula One race cars which ultimately allow the player the opportunity to drive them much harder and aggressively. This allows F1 2017 to feel even more authentic than past titles in the series.
While faster, sleeker, and more aggressively styled vehicles are one of the main draw cards for F1 2017, the game also features a greatly expanded career mode as well as includes a host of memorable classic cars. In addition to this, there is also a wealth of options available when it comes to the modes that players can partake in
Career Mode sees the player selecting a team, creating their avatar, and ultimately racing their way through a full season of Formula One glory. To add to the modes, players can also take part in Time Trials, Championships, Online Multiplayer races, and various other events, which are all equally adrenaline filled experiences.
Focusing on the Career Mode, as compared to F1 2016, F1 2017 has seen a vast amount of improvements. Players now have access to vehicle management systems as well as an RPG style Research and Development (R&D) tree. The R&D tree focuses on four key areas including: chassis, aerodynamics, powertrain and durability – which can all be upgraded utilising resource points earned throughout the career mode. It’s essentially up to the player on where they would like R&D to focus; however, this can be automatically managed by the game at the click of the button. Having both options is great as Formula One junkies have more control over what happens with their vehicle while casual players can just automatically allocate R&D commands. The addition of these new features also allows the player to compare stats and performance with rival teams and drivers… giving them one of the most complete Formula One experiences to-date.
As F1 2017 is essentially a racing simulation, players will need to keep a close eye on their car’s components as well. During career mode your gearbox will wear and so will your tyres as well as other crucial components in your car. While taking on the career mode, I failed to switch out my gearbox for a new one… This resulted in my McLaren losing access to its fifth gear, which ultimately made me lose critical time and speed when trying to keep up with the car in front of me. Granted, it did correct itself; however, my gearbox kept failing throughout the race. In another race, my engine had seen a great amount of wear and tear, which meant that no matter how hard I pushed I always found myself at the back of the field.
In addition to component wear, F1 2017 also comes with all the rules and regulations that are included its real-life counterpart. During one race I decided not to pit in order to change my tyres, this essentially moved me up from 15th position to 2nd position; however, once I had crossed the checkered flag I was immediately disqualified. In another race, I attempted to strategically cut corners, which ultimately lead to me receiving a penalty. I even went as far as cutting a corner in order to pass my teammate; however, I was forced to give the position back. It’s this type of authenticity that makes F1 2017 the ultimate driving simulator.
When it comes to visuals, F1 2017 is an absolute stunner. The carbon-fibre bodywork on the cars is modelled down to the finest details making it a visual splendour. To add to the visual glory, racing in the rain is also a visual spectacle as the rain drops can be seen, as well as heard, as they splash on the helmet of your chosen Formula One driver. Apart from vehicles and dynamic weather effects, F1 2017 hosts some of the best-looking circuits we have seen to-date. The lighting and detail is off the chart and we couldn’t have asked for a better-looking title.
While I have praised F1 2017 to this point, it does have one major issue which I have noted in past reviews. This issue relates to the relentless A.I, which – even when set on easy/amateur – is notoriously difficult to play against. This may turn new comers away from this title as the A.I is just too difficult to challenge for those starting their F1 2017 journey.
Conclusion:
While F1 2017 is a pleasure to play, it does feature notoriously difficult A.I competitors… even on easier modes. While this may turn some players away, it will, however, test the skills of veteran F1 series fans. Granted, with enough practice you can out drive the competition, but it will take some time to get to overcome the level of difficulty featured within this title.
Apart from difficulty, F1 2017 is a visual masterpiece and one of the best looking games in the series. To add to the accolades, the new engine management system is a welcomed addition and so is the addition of R&D. Overall, if you are looking for the best racing simulator on the market then F1 2017 should be your go to title.
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