A new year means a new Formula 1 video game, and F1 23 is the latest release from Codemasters and Electronic Arts. The game follows F1 22, which had some post-launch instabilities, inconsistent handling, and superfluous supercars that did not provide the expected virtual driving experience. One of the new features in F1 23 is Braking Point 2, a continuation of the story mode from F1 2021. The fictional racers, Aiden Jackson and Devon Butler, return alongside new additions like Devon’s father, Davidoff Butler, who is the majority investor in the Konnersport team that fields the duo. Additionally, Callie Mayer, a Formula 2 driver, who is also part of the Butler family, is another new addition. Players follow the cast’s plight through cutscenes in between set on-track driving challenges. However, Jackson’s character barely develops this time, almost bordering on unlikeable. Instead, the Butler clan takes the lead, with Devon stealing the show. Although Braking Point 2 is fun for those who have watched the latest Drive to Survive season, it is somewhat perfunctory. Previous Madden NFL games have shown that it is possible to create non-linear narratives within a yearly sports franchise.
F1 World: A New Main Hub
F1 World is another new feature in F1 23, building from features in last year’s title, such as F1 Life and Podium Pass. It combines most of the game under one banner with aspects reminiscent of a smartphone app. It is similar to FIFA Ultimate Team, but players earn car parts and engineering team members. The upgrades contribute to an overall tech score that determines performance. Although purists may not like some elements, such as increased downforce at American tracks or reduced weight if you set a quick first sector, players do not have to spend real money to succeed. It looks like the only items received from buying Pitcoin or buying into the Podium Pass are cosmetic. XP boosts are the only elements that paid-for in-game currency can be used for that assist advancement. F1 World also has a new license system, ranks A through D, where once a level is unlocked, players can race others at the same performance any letter beneath. This sits alongside a list of goals, which unlock more things in the hub, such as further car upgrade opportunities or historical F1 images for a sticker book compendium. F1 World seems aimed at bringing in and maintaining a younger audience, and although it does hook players in, not much has changed in the My Team managerial career mode, which historically is the main draw. There’s a nagging feeling that players would prefer more of that and less of F1 World.
Core Driving Experience Dramatically Improved
When it comes to the core driving experience, things are dramatically improved in F1 23 from F1 22. Although the game still punishes players for poor driving, that razor’s edge experienced 12 months ago has been dulled. Players can catch a slide thanks to greater feedback through a steering wheel, and with a controller, more precise steering inputs. There’s generally more grip through what feels like higher levels of downforce, although for those who like to tinker, the set-up window has increased. The game has also included Losail and the stunning Las Vegas Strip. Most tracks outside of that remain the same as they have been, for better or worse. The revised Red Bull Ring and tweaked kerbing at Silverstone are two tracks players seem to like, along with the latest Barcelona-Catalunya layout change. However, the ageing Spa-Francorchamps is not a favorite among players. Marina Bay is set for an update later in the year. Besides the schedule, the 2023 lineup of drivers and teams, the added (paid-for) career icons, and updated rankings, the rest of the game remains familiar. That’s not to say it’s a bad thing, actually; it may be a strength. Outside of F1 World, the game maintains an authentic experience for racing diehards, and the online, cross-platform, multiplayer options are as plentiful as ever, only now with a new licensing system.
Overall, F1 23 is more of the same, yet crucially better on track, and that is what matters most. Players are likely not to play F1 22 again soon for the same reasons they will probably get deeper into F1 23 this year. The driving experience makes it enjoyable, and players can enjoy racing at their personalized pace. Even if Braking Point 2 or F1 World may not be for everyone, there’s enough intrigue there to at least try them. It remains to be seen how F1 23 will stand when many players hit the online servers, but hopefully, it will be more stable than the previous version.
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