They say that Formula One is the fastest circus in the world. It is incredible that the drivers are capable of handling the demanding tracks at that speed, but F1 still has that off-track element of showmanship you cannot ignore. F1 2018, the latest release in a franchise designed by Codemasters, tries to capture both on-track excitement and all the other things that follow before and after the race. Let’s see whether this year’s installment is better than the previous ones.
Beware of the Press
The core of F1 2018 is the career mode. Once you run it, you will get the opportunity to pick your favorite team and try to take them to the top. After choosing the squad, your agent will introduce you to Claire, a media representative that will be in charge of the interviews. You can expect her to appear several times during the race weekends and ask you various questions. The rest of your team will listen to your answers and you may affect their performance this way. Unfortunately, the time allowed to reply is extremely short and, in most cases, you won’t even have time to read the potential reply options. It is a shame when you see a part of the R&D team underperforming just because of the time limit for answers.
Timing Is Crucial
The driving experience in F1 2018 is, in a word, complex. This is a racing simulation made for Formula One lovers and it greatly manages to resemble the challenge of handling beasts like these vehicles. I advise you to use a steering wheel and pedals for the ultimate experience. Even if you use a gamepad, the timing of the moves will be essential. Each maneuver needs to be done at the exact right moment. There are practicing sessions that will be useful to learn the course and try out different adjustments. When it comes to tuning up your vehicle, you can be as detailed as you want or leave things to the pros. However, once on the course, you will need to drive like a professional if you are to stand any chance for success.
Oh, That Sound of Engines Roaring
The level of detail in F1 2018 is impressive. The graphics are amazing, but it is the sound that will knock you off your feet. Once you hear the engines roaring, you will be sucked into the racing world and trying to be better than other drivers. The weather can change during the race and you will need to adjust accordingly. Purchasing car parts is done by spending the Research Points earned rather than money. The game resembles reality so much that parts can be damaged during the delivery and become unusable once you receive them. It is not that I was thrilled when this occurred to me, but it is what happens in the real world. Aside from the career mode, you can also try your luck in the Event mode that is making a return in this installment.
