Formula 1 2011 PC Games

Formula 1 2011 Product Details

Released on TBD

• First details emerge for F1 2012

  Codemasters has revealed the first details for F1 2012, the latest entry in its official Formula One racing series, which will debut in September 2012.

  The new Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC game aims to be the most fully-featured instalment to date, with improved visuals, refined gameplay and the inclusion of all the official teams, drivers and circuits from the 2012 F1 season.

  This will include the debut of the Formula One United States Grand Prix in Austin, as well as the reintroduction of Germany's iconic Hockenheim circuit.

  Meanwhile, F1 2012 will also introduce a new Young Driver Test mode, an ultra-authentic series of tutorials that will coach players on how to get the best out of their racing machines before earning their place on a team.

  Up-and-coming British F1 racer said: "I think Codemasters have done a super job of giving regular people a proper insight into what a Formula One car is like."

  Codemasters recently extended its deal to continue making its acclaimed official F1 games for the next few years, with a brand new racing game designed especially for younger players set to be revealed soon.

  Published: 20/03/2012

• Codemasters secures deal for future F1 games

  Fans of the recent official Formula One games from Codemasters will welcome news that the gamemaker has secured rights to create further games based on the high-octane sport.

  The British publisher and developer has extended its partnership with Formula One World Championship Limited to create more new F1 games across multiple platforms in the coming years.

  Having snagged the official F1 rights back in 2009, Codemasters produced the hit Wii and PSP title F1 2009, before following it up with the acclaimed F1 2010 and F1 2011 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

  The latter game also received handheld releases on Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita earlier this year.

  2012's official F1 game is currently in development at the Bafta-winning Codemasters Birmingham studio, while a brand new title aimed at younger racing fans is also in the works.

  F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone said: "Codemasters has created some of the best and most successful F1 games to date. We and the teams work closely with them and look forward to creating more award-winning games together in the future."
  

  Published: 14/03/2012

• F1 2011 to introduce safety car feature

  Developer Codemasters has provided details of the new safety car feature that has been introduced in its new racer F1 2011.

  This year's instalment of the popular Formula One series will be the first to include this real-life event, in which a slow-moving vehicle will emerge on the track to regulate speed during caution periods.

  Its introduction will add a whole new tactical dimension to races, as players will be able to time their entrances into the pit lane when the safety car appears, allowing them to get a lap advantage over their competitors.

  Drivers will also need to consider the distance they will need to keep between themselves and other cars, while performing weaving sequences to keep their tyres hot.

  Stephen Hood, chief games designer on F1 2011, said: "Safety car - a lot of people have been asking us for it. We'd always said we'd only do it when it was absolutely right."

  F1 2011 is out this week on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, while special handheld versions are also being developed alongside Sumo Digital for PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS.

  Published: 21/09/2011

• Formula 1 2011 Review

  Tune Up

  When you first start playing F1 2011 (Xbox 360, PS3) it will probably feel like little has changed since last year's F1 game. Developer Codemasters did the major building work for the series ahead of the launch of F1 2010 and the same framework supports the latest game too, but if you take a closer look under the bonnet you'll uncover a range of exciting new additions and more subtle tweaks. F1 2011 represents an evolution of an already winning formula rather than a revolution, but it improves on its predecessor in almost every respect and is undoubtedly the better game if you're looking to get into the genre.

  What's clear from the off is Codemasters' dedication to authenticity, a quality that may be lost on some casual players but one that will certainly be apparent to F1 fans. As well as all of the teams, drivers and circuits from the current F1 Championship, safety cars and mechanical failures make their debuts in the game. The former can be switched off if it's not your thing, while the latter occurs as a result of overly aggressive or careless driving. This season's real world re-introduction of KERS, a boost which refills each lap and can be spent in bits or all at once, also makes the cut, as does DRS, which opens your car's rear wing for a huge speed increase that's only usable in specific sections of each course.

  The Wheel Deal

  On the track the handling model has been tweaked too, delivering a great mix of heavy in the corners, twitchy on the straights driving, meaning you won't simply get away with tearing around the track like a lunatic. Races feel pacey and dangerous as they should, and on the whole computer controlled opponents have been adjusted for the better too. They're stronger at holding their racing line and are generally more competitive, although on occasion their aggression can sour races on the tighter circuits like Monaco where pile-ups seem to occur a little too regularly.

  Again responding to fan feedback, Codemasters has improved the game's multiplayer experience by extending competitive online races to a full grid of 24 drivers, with 16 human players battling it out with up to eight additional computer controlled ones. The introduction of two player split-screen play allows you and a friend to play simultaneously on one TV, while a brilliant new co-op championship mode lets two players form an F1 team and play through the season together.

  Something for everyone

  While the meticulous and repetitive nature of real F1 driving has limited the sport's audience, exciting additions like KERS and DRS aren't the only features that will appeal to casual race fans. Visual improvements mean you can now see when you need to get your tyres changed simply by looking at the condition they're in mid-race, while the engineer's voice barking at you over your car radio helps you make more informed decisions than was previously the case.

  F1 2011 strikes an almost perfect balance between fantasy and reality. Less experienced players can enjoy the game on easier settings with the auto-aids switched on and they'll find it to be an exciting, dynamic racing experience, while F1 fans can up the difficulty and realism levels, turning it into a more strategic, challenging affair. Whichever way you choose to play, this is the best F1 game this console generation.

  GAME's verdict

  Good:
  + An F1 fans' dream game.
  + Multiple improvements over F1 2010.
  + It looks and feels great.

  Bad:
  - Not the best racer for non-F1 fans.
  - Can take a while to learn the ins and outs.
  - Computer racers can be overly aggressive.

   

  Review by: Tom 'Pace Setter' Ivan
  Version Tested: X360
  Review Published: 20.09.11

  Published: 21/09/2011

• F1 2011 for PlayStation Vita unveiled

  The PlayStation Vita version of the forthcoming F1 2011 has received its first public outing at this week's Tokyo Game Show.

  Codemasters has revealed that the new Sony handheld's conversion of its Formula One simulation will be a fully-featured experience that has been specially tailored to the capabilities of the hardware.

  As in the home console version, players can expect to see all of this season's official teams, drivers and courses as they compete over the course of a full season, take part in time trials and live the life of an F1 superstar.

  New to the PS Vita edition will be a special Challenge mode that is perfect for portable play, while a selection of four-player options - including two vs two cooperative contests - can be enjoyed via online and local wireless connection.

  The sequel to last year's chart-topping F1 2010 is to make its debut on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 later this month.

  Meanwhile, the PS Vita and Nintendo 3DS editions, which are developed in cooperation with Sumo Digital, will arrive at a later date.

  Published: 16/09/2011

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