F1: Formula One Championship Edition Reviews

• Released incomplete but provides fun

  
  By A3CIBGAVEF2913 on 2007-04-12
  The game was released incompleted, packaged just with the basic funcionality for F1 game. SOME flaws:
  
  1) No replays, unless during the race, we can't get a save not even for one lap.
  2) No Pace Car and poor managing the accidents events.
  3) Pit stops are dummy, we need to press the 4 controler buttons, when it should be done for itself.
  4) No race delegates with flags anywhere, not even crossing the line for chess flag, nobody waving a flag there, just a symbol in top of screen, very poor.
  5) Running outside the track and eating the sand or grass don't bring much trouble to car speed or performance.
  6) Chase right in back of another car don't shows very good air tunnel effect.
  7) Multiplayer: US version DON'T allow on-line play with EURO version and vice-versa !?!?
  8) Crashed cars (our ours) disapear from track moments after accident or other event that not allows to proceed in race. Big flaw. If we see one accident, in next lap the track is completely CLEAN, not a clue if any accident happen there. (I raced one lap where I saw one car engine blowing in front of me and when I turn I saw it disapear and I got up one position in race, not realistic at all.
  9) I tested Logitech Wheel (Driving Force Pro) with it, no Force Feedback at all.
  ...and many others flaws, not to forget its based on 2006 championship, not allowing us to update/customize drivers or team names.
  
  ...BUT, the game is the best F1 game ever, provides lots of fun and is addictive, mainly because PS3 power provides it, visualy and speed almost make us forget the flaws. This game need to return to dev time and should came a new version as UPGRADE for F1 owners, as its really incomplete.
  
  My 4 starts goes mainly for the addictive fun we can get from it. Gameplay = good but imperfect, Simulation = far form reality.
  
  We can just hope the 2007 version with all the flaws fixed and some extra bonus for all people who got this dated 2006 version.
  
  
  
  
  

• A warning for people with actual friends

  
  By AIXOW7I9BP2BF on 2007-03-24
  Just wanted to make sure that people are aware that the only way to play this game with other people is to play them online or through a "lan." There is no way for two people to play if they are in the same room with each other and you have one console with two controllers.
  Seems weird for a game to discourage playing with people with whom you might have a genuine relationship and to encourage playing with people who you are less likely to know. Actually, seems kind of stupid. Just an FYI.
  
  

• Technical Paradise

  
  By A3K5NZJWQPX6S6 on 2007-03-06
  After a long wait, F1 is finally back to the US in the best format available: PS3. A lot has been sad of graphics and sound, but when it comes to recreate a sport that is son technical, Sony has done an outstanding job. By now, it is obvious that this is no arcade game. I've tried several F1 games in the past, but none capture the essence of the sport, specially when EA sports was in charge of licensing. Car setup is very detailed. I haven't seen this amount of options available since the PC game Gran Prix II from Micropose, back in 1992. Starting from the downforce all the way down to manage individual gear ratios, this game takes the simulation to a next level.
  
  Unlocking classic race cars from the past was my favorite feature. Driving a Lotus and just enjoying the sound of those V8 engines is simply priceless. Great detail too!
  
  Minor details could be improved, such as more commentaries from the pits and commentators, a better celebration at the end, or a more interactive pit stop. None of these however, will change the fact that the game rocks.
  
  One thing that could improve though, is the multiplayer options. There is no mic option available, and the interface is a bit confusing. Trying to get realistic is a challenge, for example, if somebody ignores a pit stop and rans out of gas, he will just be re spawned in the track with more gas. The lenght should be bigger, I know there are several fans dying to try a full scale race, with the actual qualifying session. For what the games costs nowadays, multiplayer support should be something to keep in mind. Anyway, this games is 99% solo game, career mode is quite a challenge. Simply the best F1 simulator out there.
  
  PROS
  - Sweet Graphics
  - Great Sound
  - Incredible attention to detail
  - Very technical
  - Addictive multiplayer
  
  CONS
  - Multiplayer rules and interface could improve
  - No voice chat option
  
  

• I have died and gone to racing heaven !!!

  
  By A1SBTYSRVCJI1D on 2007-03-02
  I am addicted, plain and simple. I am a big NASCAR fan. I don't follow Formula 1 on TV, but when I saw the demos for this game and the graphics of those demos, I was hyped to give this a try. I was not disappointed. The look of this game is AWESOME, the physics of the game are AWESOME, the adaptability and varying modes for this game are FREAKIN AWESOME !! There are so many options that make this game appealing to hardcore racing sim lovers and newbies alike !! I am so used to EA's cheesy NASCAR games where cars flip 4 times and recover with no damage and finish the race. This may sound weird, but having experienced that, I was thrilled when I braked late in this game and destroyed the front of my car. BAM and I am out of the race, the way it oughta be !! Now, that may frustrate me later, but right now, the realism is exciting.
  
  Another cool point...I was driving and made a turn going down a straightaway and I suddenly found myself mad at the game because I couldn't see hardly where I was going because the sun was in my eyes...but then I thought....holy cow, the SUN IS IN MY EYES !! Like it would be in a real driver's eyes !! Talk about realistic !!
  
  The speed in this game is also very realistic, you actually FEEL just how fast you are supposed to be going. The sounds and environment are great also.
  
  Bottom Line: This is one of the games to use to show off your new PS3 !! We had to wait a bit for this game, but it was worht it. If you are a fan of racing games at all, then stop reading, grab the wallet and head to the game store to get F1 Championship Edition !!
  
  

• Almost Perfect

  
  By AIVQJMVNPEHG8 on 2007-09-21
  Unlike other reviewers, I'm going to base my rating on what the game offers, not what could have offered.
  
  Positives:
  1 The game offers a bunch of driving aids for n00bs.
  2 The graphics are fantastic even though the output is only 720p you will be amazed when the rain starts to pour down.
  3 The tracks and the environment around them are perfectly detailed.
  4 The presentation is 99% TV- like. Including displays, commentary, camera angles, etc.
  5 You can set up the car just the way you want. You can change more than 15 aspects, including the basics (tires, wing, brakes) and advanced (camber, gear ratio, brake bias).
  6 The online mode is really entertaining. There are a bunch of options that allow you to enjoy the race without getting bothered by n00bs or a-holes.
  7 You can earn rewards like tracks and cars by playing the different game modes (career, single race, time trial, etc).
  
  The only negative thing I could find is the difficulty mode. Easy mode is too easy, and medium feels almost impossible, forget about difficult, you'll never see the cars infront of you again. And also, when racing in the dark, either dusk/dawn, the track is almost impossible to see, even in hd. You'll have to guess your way around the track for the career mode tests.
  
  Of course as an avid f1 fan I would have liked to see more things included in the game, the pace car, corner workers, marshalls, etc. But that will not stop you from having a heck of a time with this game.
  
  
• Formula 1 = highly engaging
  By A3JIT75BQDXEWQ on 2007-03-01
  I've never really been into racing games and on that note, this is actually the first racing game I've bought since GT3 (unless you count Burnout or Full Auto). From the moment I played my first quick race just a couple hours ago, I've been glued to my ps3. I actually had to turn of my ps3 because my thumb started to hurt from pressing on the gas button so much. This game is highly engaging and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I spent almost ten minutes in one race alone battling this one stupid car for third place. I can't remember the last time I had this much fun with a racing game. I just love how many options that are available in this game. There's several different play modes to keep you busy, as well as being able to select from doing as little as three laps, to up to 70. Along with three difficulty settings, there are a number of "driving aides" you can turn off and on, like traction control, steering assist, etc... in order to make gameplay more "realistic". Being a novice when it comes to racing games, I opted to leave all of the aides on and my car handled beautifully. Hell, there is even a green guide line that you can turn on that shows where your car should be on the track in order to get the optimal time. Graphics are excellent. Car models look superb, love the games' physics and the environments look great too. No hiccups whatsoever. Controls are very simple, yet more than adequate. In case some of you are wondering, yes, this game does have tilt functionality as well. I tried it once and all I have to say is, if you're looking for a challenge, try using the tilt. Sound is great. Cars sound quite realistic and the announcer is a pretty decent voice actor. No cheesy commentary in this game. Dont' expect much musically though. There really only is music in the game when you are on the main menu. I have no problem with this but others may. I have not tried this game online however, I'm positive that this game's phenomenal fun factor will only increase during online play. Overall, a must have game for any racing game fan and anyone looking for one heck of a ride.
  
  
• All the great features feel useless with steering this bad
  By A3G0GWZEVLAMPS on 2007-07-09
  I'm offering my opinion as someone who has spent a great deal of time getting 100% completion on both GT4 and NFS Most Wanted. I too agree this game is a must for F1 fans who already own a PS3 system. The audio and visual effects are outstanding (although I frequently wish I could adjust the engine noise level of my car to be louder than surrounding traffic), and the physics are close enough to please simulation fanatics, for the most part.
  
  However, after several sessions of playing, the one feature that consistently takes me right out of the game is the extremely poor steering response. No force feedback is a huge issue if you own a G25 or a driving wheel of similar quality - you feel completely disconnected from a crucial component of the handling. Even worse, the steering barely turns 90 degrees to either side, and nearly every circuit has at least one tight turn where 180 degree wheel rotation is needed (haven't these people spent any time watching cockpit view pole laps??). This is extremely frustrating - basically the car feels even more twitchy than it already should be, yet tight corners constantly feel like you are understeering. I even feel as though the response time of the steering has some lag at times, which needless to say is completely unwelcome when driving a formula car.
  
  I haven't been able to race longer than 5 minutes at a time before realizing the pointlessness of practicing with a car that doesn't handle properly, so now I only run slow solo test laps to familiarize myself with the GP circuits (except Monaco and Suzuka, which are in GT4). Not exactly the kind of excitement I expected from this title.
  
  My suggestion is that there should be an option of "arcade" or "simulation" style play - or at least the game should detect when you are using a driving wheel and adjust accordingly. Accessibility to a variety of gamers is all well and good, but I can't imagine that anyone who plays with a DFP or G25 would want anything but a straight up simulation experience.
  
  
• Formula One is Back in America!
  By A1250POFZL8U1B on 2007-03-01
  Plain and simple, this game is for anyone who loves F1 racing. It's been years since an F1 title has been available in the US, but this one is worth the wait. The graphics are superb, the sense of speed is increadible, the sounds are right on, and the game itself is awsome. Hop right into a car and race, or start the new 'career mode', in which you have to earn your way. Many reviews claim that this game may be too technical for the average player not already into F1 racing to just pick up and play and I may have to agree, but, like I said in the beginning - if you love F1 racing and have been waiting for its return to the Playstation, this game does NOT disappoint!
  
  
• The Most Realistic Racing Game Ever
  By ASDP39VYB1AVX on 2007-03-02
  First off, the graphics are phenomenal. No jaggies, no slow down, good framerate, beautiful weather effects, and camera views that are just like real broadcasts. Most F1 games are only for diehard F1 fans but this one adds all sorts of Driving Aids to help newcomers adjust to the gameplay. Since these can be turned on and off however you like, the difficulty suits you however you're comfortable playing. Another huge feature is the Virtual Racing line, which is helps to let you know when you should brake, slow down, and accelerate using different colors and also shows the best position for making turns. This can be turned off as well. The online is addicting and features 22 cars with half being computer AI to add more realistic racing. You cannot crash into the AI cars so you are basically in direct competition with live people. The career mode and the World Championship mode are pretty much exactly what a real F1 driver goes through in a season. You can adjust every aspect of the car including fuel, gear ratios, tires, parade laps to warm up your tires, adjust oversteering, etc. The career mode is more the F1 enthusiasts but newcomers will enjoy the WC and Quick Race mode. It has all 18 official F1 courses, and drivers. The only problem is that the roster is out of date for the upcoming 2007 season. The game is a showcase for the PS3 and is a must buy for any true racing fan, or any PS3 owner looking for something new.
  
  
• Awesome!!! The realism is outstanding!
  By A285IHXQ4XE117 on 2007-03-01
  If you're a Formula 1 fan, you will finally enjoy the 18 tracks and all the drivers from the 2006 season, which means the great Schumacher is still aroun to win some races for Ferrari. The game is entirely customizable in every way, the sense of speed is huge and the frame rate is super solid. Even if you're not a Formula 1 fan, you will enjoy this game not only because of its online features but the gameplay and the beautiful graphics that really pushes the boundaries for the Playstation 3. If you want to show off your system, this is the game to do it with.
  
  
• I wish I had more time to play it
  By A1D6HK3TIREJ8 on 2007-03-19
  If you want to feel like you are actually driving an F1 car, this is as close as you are going to get to that via a video game. The sensation of speed is awesome, the detail is amazing, and ultimately it combines to create a great game.
  
  * Unlocking cars gives you some fabulous historic cars to drive
  * Tracks are excellent renditions of the actual circuits
  * Having driven a real car on some of these circuits, I can assure you it is very similar in terms of feel
  * As with all PS3 games, it is slow to load however
  * Pit stops and similar do not quite hit the right note, but a necesary part of the race/game
  * Very Accesible for non racing game enthusiasts
  
  Personally, I love it and wish I had more time to play it.
  
  
  
  
• I have no words to expres how amazing is this game
  By A2Z1BQL5CTB2QK on 2007-03-21
  This game is really amazing. The realistic of this game is wonderful. You can configure the car as you want (suspension, tyres, fuel, etc). Also you can test past car legends. A game that all F1 fanatics and non fanatics must have. You wont have free time after you have this game.
  
  
• Great Formula 1 game
  By A3J2BEEEMQEK20 on 2007-05-14
  Finally a console F1 game similar to GP4 for PC. Excellent graphics, incredible sound, perfect rendering of the tracks, good physics, deep technical set ups, the sense of speed is amazing... This is a great game for any motorsports fan. Please do not compare this game to Motorstorm, they are so different ! F1CE is a simulator the other one is just a good arcade racer.
  
  
• huge dissapointment
  By A3AUQGZ164AA82 on 2007-08-08
  I hear non-stop praising of the graphics capabilities of the ps3, so I finally buy one for the single purpose of driving simulators, as I did with the ps2. since gt5 is yet to be released, I forked out 60$ for f1 ce as I am a huge f1 fan. graphics are amazing, the sound is accurate, the tracks are accurate, but as a simulator, this is the worst game I have ever played. there is at least a .3 second lag between control input (with a logitech dfp wheel and the sixaxis). this makes the cars close to impossible to drive as I am used to both the feel of a real car and the instant response of gran turismo. despite the graphics and getting to drive tracks like monza and suzuka, I find this game miserable to drive, and I end up playing the free gran turismo hd demo instead after getting bored struggling to keep the car on-line. if you want an arcade game, go ahead an buy this, but if you are looking for a realistic simulator, your only choice seems to be gran turismo.
  
  
• Spectacular racing game for the PS3.
  By A2VC04FIQBYPVL on 2007-08-27
  I wouldn't consider myself a fan of F1 racing, I'm more of a NASCAR kind of guy, but this game fills that craving to go fast on the Playstation 3. The graphics are incredible, but you won't get the best experience with them unless you have HDTV and a HD component for the PS3. The career mode for this game is rather difficult for a beginner, I put the settings on Medium and was unable to complete the challenges required to get a ride in the series. I have yet to try it on Easy but I hope it makes it a bit easier to be successfull. The World Championship mode is very addicting. Putting the car damage on and trying to squeeze into turn one at any track at the start of the race is hair raising. I've already had a few DNFs for loose wheels and lost rear fins. The AI are done pretty good (better than NASCAR 08 AI) and give quite a challenge even on medium settings. Overall I think this is the best racing title on the PS3 thus far, and I can't wait to see the next version if they come out with one.
  
  
• Awesome !!
  By A2GN82I592BUD6 on 2007-03-01
  Great for anyone who loves high speed racing! Especially Formula 1 fanatics! It becomes more difficult and challenging when turning off all "assist options". A great F1 sim game! Beautiful graphics, especially when racing in the rain! Haven't figured out if using the PSP as a rear view mirror is still possible.??
  
  
• Great for beginners
  By A3A1HTSU7KZO1K on 2007-03-04
  To compare with EA's F12001(PC and XBOX versions), the last F1 games I played, this entry is more beginner and medium level racers friendly. Different from EA, Liverpool kept in mind clearly is that this game is for console with a analog controller only. So it doesn't need high level of precise control and subtle change of pressure on any button. Both turning and break assistances has only on and off, not like EA's off/low/medium/high setting. Even with the assistance off, the driving feels still like a game. It definitely lack of space for high level racers to explore.
  
  In terms of graphics, F1 is not the kind of racing type that is to show off. Actually, right on the contrary, more real, more difficult to drive. I find even on sunny days, some tarmac is hard to differentiate from grass. I guess it is what the drivers see in the real cars. No mirrow is very annoying. I heard the function of using PSP as mirror is dropped. But I wouldn't buy a $199 mirror for this game anyway. The shadow effects are very real under the sun. but in the rain, computer game feeling comes back. Also, circuit racings always lack of astonishing landscape to appreciate. The best way to really enjoy the graphics of this game is watching replays. From air looking down the track and packs of cars are breathe taking.
  
  After waiting for 5 years, this new F1 game definitely worth a try. I am not regret to buy a PS3 just for this game.
  
  
  
• Good, Almost Great, Racing Game
  By A16NNL6TW5IMEL on 2007-03-07
  As an owner of a PS3, Wii and Xbox360, I have no bias towards a particular system and therefore believe I can objectively rate video games. I bought the F1 game based on the demo and because there are no other PS3 racing games which do not involve "sliding" (see RidgeRacer7). I am not a F1 fanatic, but do like NASCAR and Indy Racing. I am really impressed by the graphics and sound of this game. Sitting in our Pyramat Rocker, I almost feel like I'm in an F1 car. I have played the Quick Race, Time Trial and Career Modes. The Career Mode is addicting, going through the car set up, practice, qualifying and finally the race itself. The one thing thing would make the game better is a feedback controller so you could feel the rumble strips all over the tracks (based on some blogs, this looks like it may happen in the future). One change I made that made game more enjoyable was adjusting the controls so that the R2 and L2 button control the accelerator and brake. Give me some more seat time and I will try the online mode and provide an update.
  
  
• As good as Grand prix 4
  By A2RTM7T44VS02V on 2007-04-06
  I have played grand prix 4 on my pc for years and think it is the best race sim on the market. That is until I got my playstation 3 and began playing formula one chanpionship edition. It is great. heat waves comming off the rear of the cars in front of you. when racing in the rain I am tempted to pause it so I can dry off my LCD set. I perfer very realistic gaming sims and this gives you that. You need a good steering wheel and a good flat screen with 1080p althought it game uses the 720p settings. turn up the sound and hang on, awsome game.
  
  
• great game for a F1 fan...
  By A18XA4UNPX66C0 on 2008-02-15
  the reason why i bought my PS3 is because of this game. I thought I'll be disappointed cuz of the reviews but when you start playing it, WOW!!! thats all I can say... Hope SCEA will make a new F1 game again. FERRARI SCUDERIA forever!!! go KIMI!!!... you guys won't regret this game.
  
  
• Great Game for F1 Fans
  By A33KOI9H4HE5YZ on 2008-02-25
  If you're a F1 fan, this game is great. It's not 100% accurate, but captures many of the F1's particulars - standing starts, pits, fuel strategy, etc. The detail is awesome if you're on HDTV. Driving in the rain you see rain splash and rooster tails.
  
  
• I just fell in Love
  By A1RADT09G2U8CD on 2008-04-19
  I bought this game a year ago. It was the only F1 game on the market for a console and I immediately fell in love with it. From the physics to the realism. At first I missed my rumble. But last week I bought the Dual Shock 3. That made me want to play the game all over again. But today I fell in love with this game all over again. I bought the new Logitech wheel for the PS3 "Logitech Driving Force GT". It was designed for Gran Tourismo. I cant stop smiling and laughing as I make seemingly ridiculous turns with such struggle. It truly brings the game to life. If you don't have a wheel for this game then you have not actually played the real game. Get a wheel and start having some fun. This is now my favorite game for the PS3 and yes I have already tried the wheel with GT Prologue, Dirt and Nascar as well and they all are amazing with this new wheel. Get the wheel play the game it just plain rocks.
  
  
• Not as good as it could have been
  By ABV3V7SXXQ3PY on 2007-03-06
  There are quite a few F1 games out there and this is probably the best F1 game I have seen. BUT, there are a number of things that make this not the game it could have been most noteably Graphics is only 720p and No support for the force feedback function on Logitech wheels (but the wheel works to control the cars)
  
  It would have been nice if this game really exploited the capabilities of the PS3.
  
  I would put this as game on par with GT4 on the PS2 !
  
  Roll on GT4 for the PS3 !
  
  
• Great Speed
  By ASG74EE6BN3HE on 2007-03-24
  This game is fast! A good TV is best for this game because of the graphic's.I also was glad that my PS2 steering wheel works this game. I use the GT by Logitech. I just wish I had broadband for online play.
  
  
• Awesome speed
  By A3IZRH1AX7R68Y on 2007-04-03
  Easy to get into the game as a beginner, but gets hard quickly, very technical. Graphics looks awesome with the rain effects. Real sense of speed and realism, especially with the career mode where you have to work your way up.
  
  
• Just amazing!
  By A8THOBHCFKF0Y on 2007-05-12
  This is one of the best games you could ever play, is very complete, and with the new aids features, the learning curve is really fast. One thing is for sure, this game is only real fun for F-1 fans.
  
  
• a MUST HAVE for formula 1 fans!!!!!!!!
  By A323706U421ZOX on 2007-07-21
  the reason why i bought a playstation 3 is for 1 sole purpose to play this game. sony is the only computer entertainment system that has bernie ecclestone's (boss of Formula 1) approval to make a formula 1. microsoft's xbox 360 will never release a formula 1 game because sony was the only one that has the copyright permission. if you love formula 1 as much as i do, do yourself a favor buy a ps3 and buy this game. i guarantee you will love it.
  
  the details of the cars is still in the early season trim. the ferraris wont have their aerodynamic shields on the rear rims or BMW Sauber's airbox "horns" or Renault's new front wing from the german grand prix. the nicest thing about this game is the graphics, its hard to be dissapointed. i have been playing the ps3 for about a year now and had only played this one game and im always happy, it puts a smile on my face to be racing against michael schumacher's ferrari or kimi's mclaren. the details is what makes thsi game perfect. also for the technical jukies, yes you can adjust tire pressures, wing set up, camber and all the stuff you need.
  
  overall this game will go far, formula 1 games are pretty scarce nowdays since sony is the sole manufacturer of it in the gaming world. just make sure not to miss out.
  
  
• Fun and Fast but little room for error
  By A2QRQS7QOXHIFX on 2008-03-03
  Overall, a fun, very realistic, fast (try full driver's view at Monaco), and somewhat addicting game. My favorite feature is the qualification format. There are three qualifying sessions per race. This gives you three chances at the pole. Each session is about 10 minutes long allowing for about 5-6 timed laps. I only have two areas for improvement:
  1. 2 players would be nice. I know most PS3 games are solo but racing
  should be the exception.
  2. Don't penalize so heavily for spin outs and minor wrecks. These can be overcome in Easy, but a single error on Medium or Difficult-You Lose.
  
  
• Vrooom!
  By AJUN0FH5RS5HC on 2008-03-18
  This is a great racing game.
  The play action is sophisticated and realistic.
  The experience isnt as ridiculously exaggerated as it is in some of the PS3 racing games.
  It feels more serious.
  You feel more like you are actually training rather than just crashing into things and drifting out for no good reason.
  As an adult I dont feel like a mindless idiot when Im doing F1 Championship.
  
  When you use the six axis controller set to motion control and put your feet up on an ottoman in front of you, it really feels like you are in the cockpit.
  
  
• Best F1 game ever
  By A2KU4YX8R3Q2M8 on 2007-05-06
  It's a nice raicing game but you may get bored.. For the F1 fans it's the best ever..
  
  

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