F1 2017 – PS4 Does the formula still fit?

Licensed games for Formula 1 are highly dependent on the Formula itself. This year, the cars have intentionally been made more extreme, and this is reflected in the game. Another factor that these games encounter is, despite being based on a sport, they’re not sports games in the truest sense. They are driving games and compared to other driving series, it is highly commendable.

F1 2017 is more of an iterative change from last year than a complete redesign. What makes it feel different are the cars themselves. Previous years’ low-drag designs have been ditched in favour of high-grip, high downforce models more in line with older cars. Tyres have also been modified this year to last longer, so it’s an entirely different experience than before. Fuel management is still key, where using more fuel grants higher speeds but less efficiency in long races. These long races can be reduced to short distance, and can always be saved when you need a break. Practice is more important than in previous iterations, as it nets you resource points to use in a truly massive development tree. This allows you to model your car to better suit your driving style or to focus on what is important in the character of the next track. While complex, this is a great expansion on 2016’s offering.

Classic cars are also featured. They each handle in their own way and are filtered into career mode through invitational events, which offers a good respite from the demanding career mode.

Outside of the career, there are time trials and series to enter which offer special scenarios such as extreme weather conditions. There is also a specific event section which offers a scenario based on the race happening during the week you play.

A noticeable change has been in the more vibrant colour palette, but the human animation leaves a lot to be desired. It’s nice to have podium celebrations but when they haven’t changed in 3 years and fail to express driver personality, they bring down the experience.

The game also falls down by leaving out other minor touches. There is no recognition bar a text box that you’ve won the world championship, no interaction with the press at all (which was one of the series’ main draws 7 years ago) and the missed opportunity of not using pre-season testing to bring new players up to speed. In February, teams meet at a track to test before the season starts. This could have been used to introduce the new practice programmes and earn extra resource points to start development for experienced players. This is less a skill-barrier as there are loads of assist options, but understanding of things like car set-up and tyre wear are as important in the game as they are in reality.

F1 2017 is saved by the real world sport’s new regulations and having some of the greatest tracks in the world, but it still has rough edges from the game engine change made in 2015. However, if you’re a fan of the sport it is a worthy purchase. Even as a driving game fan, you’ll find nothing quite drives like these cars.

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