F1 2021 Review

The F1 series has been relatively stable over the past decade, but things have changed a little since EA acquired Codemasters last years. Fears that the new publisher will ruin the experience are not valid. F1 2021 is basically the same game as the predecessors, with the exception of one mode, some refinements and a few microtransactions.

The series' last entry, My Team, was an attempt to broaden the gameplay. It added new modes to the Career and introduced My Team. This mode puts you in the position of both team principal and team owner and gives you the responsibility for managing the organisation on and offline the track. My Team is back, but this time there are a few more options and features for players to explore.

My Team functions in the same manner as the previous installment. The player is responsible for the development of the car, financial management, and selecting the second driver. You can also manage special events such as interviews to improve the morale of some sections of the team. You can simulate tiresome practice events with the main changes, without having to sacrifice resource points or access to a more detailed R&D center. This gives you a lot more information about each upgrade and how it will affect your car.

The standard Career Mode is also available, which is almost unchanged from the version fans were able to enjoy five or six years back. This allows players to continue a Formula 2 season, but it also includes the quality-of life improvements to My Team through the R&D simulations and practice simulations. This is the most important advancement. You can now play Career Mode online multiplayer with one player. You can either compete as a team or individually. This adds a lot of spice and makes it more competitive, as you're not just facing AI drivers.

F1 2021 is different from its predecessors in that it includes a story mode, similar to FIFA's The Journey. Codemasters tried in the past to add story elements to F1 games, but their efforts failed to impress players. The developer has made a huge investment in story mode this time, with proper cutscenes and commentary that was recorded for the action.

Braking Point draws its inspiration from Netflix's Drive to Survive. It focuses on three drivers. Devon Butler, the antagonist, returns to F1 2019 alongside Aiden Jackson, a youngster, and Casper Akkerman (an experienced Dutchman). The story centers on Jackson's relationship with Akkerman, as well as the politics of the pitlane. This is a fun story that incorporates gameplay well. You will be able to take on the role of a driver in specific situations, rather than entire races. This keeps the story front-and-center, rather than being sidelined. You can also complete shorter challenges based upon what's happening in the plot.

Braking Point does a better job of telling a story than Codemaster's earlier attempts. The narrative is quite engaging, even though it is predictable at times. It ends too soon, ending the story just as it gets interesting. This is the main problem. It's a good indication of the direction the developer is going in and it's certainly promising.

Codemasters seems to have made F1 2021 easier to play than the predecessors. It can still feel like a simulation, with all the AI difficulties turned up and the AI assists disabled, but there are more options and an emphasis on driving at a level that you are comfortable. If you prefer arcade racing, F1 2021 can also be played in a more traditional style.

The driving experience has not been significantly altered, but it is more responsive and fluid. There have been other big changes. The track has made car damage more realistic to make it easier for drivers to experience problems. This can happen as often as in real racing. You will need to be more flexible and be able handle certain situations that may arise during a race.

It is possible to damage the side pods and barge boards, which can affect the aero balance as well as the top speeds in corners and on straights. F1 2021 is a more realistic version of the real weather, which you can see moving slowly over the track.

The series sounds and looks even better, with Braking Point's cutscenes being a highlight. You are immersed in F1's world with more variety in engine sounds and tyre screeching. There has been a significant improvement in the track environment, particularly around the race track. Even the grass and landscape look a lot better than they did last year.

One problem with the presentation is that Career Mode and My Team still use the same animations for certain people that have been around for many years. It is a detriment to the experience to watch interviewers and camera operators move exactly the same as they did in F1 2017. It's concerning that Codemasters continues so casually to reuse assets despite all the improvements in other areas.

What about those Microtransactions?

F1 2021 microtransactions take the form Pitcoins. This virtual currency can be used to buy cosmetic items in-game as well as a special Tier of the Podium Pass. Some items can be unlocked by spending Pitcoins, but some items are only available through microtransactions.

Seasons of the Podium Pass are priced at 9,000 Pitcoin. The currency can be purchased in bundles starting at 2,000 for PlayStation1.69 and ending at 50,000 for PlayStation28.99. Each season of the Podium Pass will cost approximately PS7.

Another negative aspect is the addition of the Podium Pass for the 2nd year in a row. This is F1 2021's equivalent of a Season Pass in battle royale games. It unlocks cosmetic gear that can be used in the various modes. There are two tiers: a free and a paid. The game also has specific items that can be bought using Pitcoin. Pitcoin is a virtual currency that cannot be bought with real-life money. These microtransactions, although they were introduced last year, now appear more prominent and obvious, something most gamers will not like.

F1 2021 is without doubt the most beautiful and best-sounding Formula 1 game Codemasters has ever produced. It's a worthwhile purchase for all fans of the series, thanks to the small improvements in gameplay and game modes. It's not just a game that updates the roster and livery. This makes it essential for anyone who doesn't want to miss any other entries. The extra assistance and the option to reduce the simulation elements make it more accessible for racing fans who don’t need all the details of modern F1. This makes it appealing to both casual and serious racers.