25.2 hours played
Written 10 days ago
F1® 23, developed by Codemasters and published by EA Sports, delivers a refined and immersive racing experience that strikes a strong balance between authenticity, accessibility, and spectacle. Building on the foundation laid by its predecessors, F1® 23 makes key improvements in gameplay, physics, and presentation, while also reintroducing and expanding the fan-favorite story mode, “Braking Point.” With updated teams, tracks, and cars for the 2023 season, the game captures the high-speed drama and technical complexity of Formula 1 in a package that appeals to both long-time sim racers and newcomers alike.
At the heart of F1® 23 is its deeply satisfying driving model, which feels noticeably more polished and predictable than in F1® 22. Improvements to tire behavior, traction, and handling provide a more intuitive and responsive feel on both controller and wheel setups. Car behavior under braking and acceleration is more consistent, especially in wet conditions or on corner exits—areas where previous entries could feel overly punishing or unrealistic. The reintroduction of the red flag system adds a welcome layer of strategic depth and immersion, especially in longer races where weather and incidents can now dynamically alter the course of a Grand Prix.
“Braking Point 2,” the story-driven campaign, returns with enhanced writing, improved pacing, and more meaningful decision-making. Players once again follow fictional drivers Aiden Jackson and Devon Butler, whose intertwined narratives unfold amidst the politics and rivalries of the F1 paddock. The production values have taken a step up, with more cinematic presentation, dialogue choices, and branching outcomes that add replay value and emotional weight to the narrative. While some of the storytelling still veers into melodrama, it’s an entertaining mode that successfully bridges the gap between simulation and narrative gameplay.
Career Mode remains a core highlight, offering a robust, customizable journey through multiple seasons either as a real-life driver or a created persona. Team management elements—such as R&D development, staff upgrades, and contract negotiations—remain largely unchanged, but are still satisfying for players who enjoy long-term progression. MyTeam, Codemasters' original team-building mode, continues to shine as one of the most engaging experiences in the franchise, allowing players to create and grow their own F1 team from the ground up. Improvements to AI driver behavior mean races feel more dynamic, with opponents defending more aggressively and responding more realistically to track conditions and strategic changes.
Multiplayer also receives attention, with better matchmaking, more stable servers, and a new “F1 World” hub that connects various game modes—including ranked multiplayer, time trials, and daily challenges—under a unified progression system. F1 World introduces upgradeable car parts and a persistent performance level, which some fans may find controversial due to its potential impact on competitive balance. However, the rewards-based system encourages engagement across multiple modes and adds a light RPG element to what has traditionally been a pure racing experience.
Graphically, F1® 23 impresses with sharp car models, detailed circuits, and atmospheric effects like dynamic weather and lighting that elevate realism. Tracks such as Las Vegas and Qatar are newly introduced or updated with great attention to detail. The audio design, including engine roars, team radio chatter, and immersive broadcast elements, further enhances the racing spectacle. Commentary, though serviceable, remains one of the few areas that still feels a bit static and could benefit from more variety and context awareness.
While F1® 23 doesn’t completely reinvent the wheel, it refines nearly every aspect of the experience to deliver one of the most complete and enjoyable entries in the series to date. Its blend of realism and accessibility, paired with improved physics, a richer narrative mode, and a cohesive content ecosystem, makes it a standout installment for fans of the sport. Whether you're chasing milliseconds in time trials, managing tire strategy in a 100% race, or battling rivals in a dramatic storyline, F1® 23 offers something for every kind of racing enthusiast.
Rating: 8/10