F1 2022 review

A new F1 season means the arrival of F1 2022, but is there enough of change to bring fans over from F1 2021, lets find out.

The first thing you’ll notice apart from Fernando Alonso looking like he is surrounded by drivers half his age is the introduction of F1 Life, a rather odd hub where you can decorate a social hub to your tastes all while showing off a supercar collection worthy of a F1 driver. All of these items can be bought in the games store using, supercars can be unlocked using tokens earn from completing challenges such as driving a certain amount of miles. Your hub can also be used as a multiplayer lobby so you can show off your hard work to your mates. To be honest it all feels it a bit lifeless and a bit of grab to get you spending for cosmetics that aren’t needed, you’ll love my lampshades and I won’t be paying any extra!

The supercars can actually be driven on track to compete in challenges ranging from time trials, drifting competitions and Pirelli Hot Lap challenges, it’s cool being able to jump in the safety car to experience a different view. It takes a bit of getting used to because of the huge difference in the way the F1 cars handle themselves on the circuits, however its a welcome distraction from the rest of the game.

In terms of circuits, the Miami International Autodome has been added and its a great drive, not only do you get to race around the Hard Rock stadium complex, but with 3 DRS zones its designed for some really exciting racing.

Existing circuits have also had some changes made to them, with lots of changes to turns and camber, as well as improved graphics. Which all adds to the authenticity of the game.

That's right, @Circuitcat_eng isn't the only circuit with updates coming to #F122game at launch ?

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— EA SPORTS F1® 22 ? Now w/Cross-Play (@Formula1game) May 23, 2022

Audio has also been improved, first of all, no more Jeff! I sort of miss him but I’m sure we’ll grow tired of his replacement soon enough. The commentary has had a big improvement with brand new commentary recorded with teams across multiple regions as well as dynamic music on-track which you can pick up while racing.

Moving to the on track experience, there are a host of improvements that create a greater experience for drivers no matter what you ability is. A new adaptive AI reacts to your speed and lap times by increasing or decreasing the difficulty of your opponents, it works really well and gives you a real sense of being competitive.

This year also see the introduction of simulation formation laps, giving you the chance to get warmed up before attempting to park as accurately as possible. As you approach the line a coloured indicator changes colour, the better you line up, the better your start is when the lights go out. Pit stops have also had a slight change, with a timer prompting you when to dive into your garage. The outcome is more noticeable here with an impact on the overall pit time based on how good your timing is. Both take a little bit of getting used to but are worth having enabled.

All of these options can be turned on and off in the excellent settings menu that really allows you to customising your racing experience to the finest detail, this continue to be one of the games biggest strengths as it completely determines your experience.

The cars look brilliant with their new front and back wings, as well as the huge new tyres and all of the cars new handling has been reflected into the game, the cars feel heavier and take just that little bit longer to brake, so even veterans of the game will take a little time to adjust to the cars. There are lots of new cut scenes which all add to the broadcast experience which as you would expect from an EA sports title.

Unfortunately the FIA still seem to be in a bit of disarray with some of their judgements in game defying logic. I’ve been wiped out (and wiped opponents out) by AI without consequences, yet have been given the dreaded 5 sec penalty for minor infractions. It’s all stuff that can be patched up no doubt.

My Team has had a good new feature added with the ability to specify what sort of backing your team has from the owners, teams pushing Red Bull and Ferrari will get given more cash and R&D changes already implemented giving you that extra edge. While lower team will start with less cash and resources. Once you are in and playing however the mode doesn’t feel significantly different.

All the regular games modes are still present and for those of you who are extra brave the Multiplayer and eSports modes are there so you can take on the world via leagues and competitions. There is also the Podium Pass which unlock all sorts of cosmetics for you driver, cars and items that can be used in F1 Life. The pass come with challenges that include targets such as setting a certain lap time in Time Trial, achieving a one-two finish in My Team or completing three online races without incident. If F1 2022 is your main game then having the Podium Pass is definitely worth it.