by Saher Sabbagh
A game which many believed to be the savior that will put an end to the ‘glitch era’ that the previous Codemaster F1 games suffered from, here’s a little review from an F1 gaming expert’s point of view.
On the first start up, you’ll realize that the major change that lifted this game off its predecessors is the main menu; they’ve added a darker sense to the menu, with a Dark Knight-style soundtrack and several transitions between shots of a random F1 car (usually a Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, or the current team you race with in Career Mode); this will let you realize that what you’re going into is a different thing, because it looks much less ‘peaceful’ than the previous ‘in-paddock’ menus of F1 2010 and F1 2011.
However, the great option in this game is that it allows you to develop your skills anytime you want, with its all new “Young Driver’s Test” mode, you’ll be able to take several driving lessons (or tutorials), and it’ll also help you get into the world of Formula 1, even if you know nothing about it.
There are several game modes as well such as Season Challenge which gets you into a 10 race season series and allowing you to choose a certain rival; beating that rival 3 times will get you an instant contract for his team.
Champions mode which puts you in head-to-head challenges with each of the current world champions, each challenge has its certain objectives where you feel as if you are racing against the real veterans.
Time attack mode will allow you to choose a circuit and post as many fast laps as you can, and watch yourself go up and down on the global leaderboard.
And last but not least, Career mode, the ultimate game mode in F1 2012, allowing you to play full seasons, and experience the busy life of an F1 racer; this game will never let you rest, and will always keep your engine roaring.
Buy or Pass: Buy
Resale Value: Low
Positives: Awesome car feel, brilliant graphics, great menu screen, advanced presentation for each track.
Negatives: Confusing glitches, Corner cutting doesn’t count in some circuits, safety car rarely appears.
Rating: 09/10