Players will encounter one of the game's most important new features when starting up F1 2014 for the first time. The game allows players to complete a one lap race during which time the game will determine the player's skill level and make appropriate changes to in-game options and assists. The Young Driver Test from F1 2013 has been replaced with the improved Driver Evaluation System that seems to do a much better job of matching players with the appropriate difficulty settings. One lap still can't perfectly match the options for players though, so additional settings can be changed before a race begins.
F1 2014 features several different ways to race. Fans of Formula One will be interested in the new career modes that includes 7, 12 and full seasons. Players will progress through series of races with real life drivers and cars from the sport. The game also adds new tracks including the Spielberg in Austria and Sochi Autodrom in Russia. F1 2014 has been updated to include all new drivers, and the most dedicated fans won't be able to pass up on a chance to experience all of the new rule changes and additions made to the new game that match that of the real life Formula One modifications.
Some players will be more interested in single races and online matches. F1 2014 supports split-screen races. Players can also head online for races featuring up to 16 players in a single match. Additional options allow players to add an additional 6 AI racers to games to get the full Formula One experience with 22 car circuits. AI opponents are smart and ruthless; players will need to remain at the top of their game for the duration of a race in order to overtake skilled players and AI controlled racers as well.
Scenario Mode returns in F1 2014 to offer players a chance to relive some great moments from recent Formula One seasons or strive for all new and completely original objectives. The race types in this mode include recovering from a spin out to win a race and outlasting an opponent to win in the last remaining laps of a race. The mode is a lot of fun and has now been improved to be more accessible while including more scenarios than was seen in previous releases.
One other important change for F1 2014 comes in the game's new and improved controls and handling for the Formula One race cars. The title controls a lot better now whether using a racing wheel setup or console controller. New speed animations and handling makes races feel much more realistic while making the game much more difficult overall. Players will need to learn to brake and accelerate with proper timing like most other racing games, but it's also important to pay close attention to how hard pedals are being pressed during races. The game's graphics haven't improved much for the new release, so players will be more likely to find better looking racing games on next generation consoles.
F1 2014 is an improved game from its predecessor that includes new features and enhanced controls that makes the title easily enjoyable with any controller setup. F1 2014 doesn't make a ton of important improvements, such as new game modes, but there are enough minor changes to make the game feel fresh and worth a pickup for fans of the sport and Codemasters' franchise. New tracks, drivers, cars and racing scenarios are included in F1 2014, so players get enough fresh content to hold them over until the launch of the Codemasters' series on next generation consoles next year. F1 2014 is out now for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.
F1 2014 is now available for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC via Steam. F1 2014 is rated E by the ESRB. For more information on the game, check out the official F1 2014 website.
Game Features:
- Online Multiplayer 1-16
- Exciting Formula 1 Racing Action
- Online Leaderboards
- DLC Support
- Trophy/Achievement Support
Game Information:
Developer & Publisher: Codemasters
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 (reviewed) & PC
Release Date: October 21, 2014
