F1 2012 Demo Preview
F1 2012 will be the third game in the Formula 1 series by Codemasters. It’ll also be the second title to be released on the new Codemasters Racing label. The new game will include all the official teams of this year’s Formula 1 season. (2012) The demo is available to download on all PC, Xbox 360 and PS3. The full game will also be available on these platforms too. We’re going to give you an insight into what the demo contains and our thoughts so far.
Once you’ve installed and undergone the setup process you are greeted with the Young Drivers Test, team choice screen. McLaren is the only team that is available to choose in the demo build, however Red Bull Racing and Ferrari will also be available in the final version.
The real young drivers test allows drivers from lower ranked racing tiers the chance to try out a Formula 1 car. It also gives the teams the opportunity to try out some experimental parts for the cars, as well as, more importantly, keep an eye out for potential drivers of the future.
Codemasters however have decided to use the test as a tool to introduce beginners to Formula 1 racing. The tasks that have to completed include, Braking distances, Hairpin turns and sector turns. The full title will also include a second day for the young drivers test. Which will be made up of a number of other skills that’ll be useful to know when racing.
Once all the tasks for day one are completed you’re able to drive around the full Abu Dhabi circuit, in either dry or wet conditions, setting as many lap times as you want. This is a great way of practicing and can really help sharpen your skills.
The only other gameplay option that can be found in the demo is a Career challenge. (Found under Career>Career challenges on the main menu) You are given the Williams FW34 Formula 1 car and are tasked with a Quail lap then a 5 lap race around one of Italy’s most prestigious track. Monza. In the pre-menu to the challenge you are able to choose a rival. It can anyone apart from your team mate. Beating your rival will earn you a congratulations and a contract offer to be your rivals team mate for the next season. The contract offer is obviously not available to accept as this is only the demo build.
Once all the menus are past and you’ve set up your car you are thrown into a one shot qualifying lap. With no preparation or practice. Where you qualify is where you’ll start for the race.
This year Codemasters have tried to reconfigure the experience to make it a whole lot more realistic.
Here’s a list of new features that have been added to the title.
Here’s a list of thing that seem to have improved.
As this is only a demo build we will not be reviewing the title, however when the full game is released you can expect one within a few weeks of its release.
From what we’ve seen already we believe that Codemasters have done a fantastic job at making an accessible yet realistic experience for everyone to enjoy. We definitely recommend you pre-order the title especially if you’re a big F1 or racing game fan.
However if you are neither you may want to sit this one out.
If you’re still not sure, why not download the demo, available from all online gaming stores. Or wait for our full game review when the title is released.
Once you’ve installed and undergone the setup process you are greeted with the Young Drivers Test, team choice screen. McLaren is the only team that is available to choose in the demo build, however Red Bull Racing and Ferrari will also be available in the final version.
The real young drivers test allows drivers from lower ranked racing tiers the chance to try out a Formula 1 car. It also gives the teams the opportunity to try out some experimental parts for the cars, as well as, more importantly, keep an eye out for potential drivers of the future.
Codemasters however have decided to use the test as a tool to introduce beginners to Formula 1 racing. The tasks that have to completed include, Braking distances, Hairpin turns and sector turns. The full title will also include a second day for the young drivers test. Which will be made up of a number of other skills that’ll be useful to know when racing.
Once all the tasks for day one are completed you’re able to drive around the full Abu Dhabi circuit, in either dry or wet conditions, setting as many lap times as you want. This is a great way of practicing and can really help sharpen your skills.
The only other gameplay option that can be found in the demo is a Career challenge. (Found under Career>Career challenges on the main menu) You are given the Williams FW34 Formula 1 car and are tasked with a Quail lap then a 5 lap race around one of Italy’s most prestigious track. Monza. In the pre-menu to the challenge you are able to choose a rival. It can anyone apart from your team mate. Beating your rival will earn you a congratulations and a contract offer to be your rivals team mate for the next season. The contract offer is obviously not available to accept as this is only the demo build.
Once all the menus are past and you’ve set up your car you are thrown into a one shot qualifying lap. With no preparation or practice. Where you qualify is where you’ll start for the race.
This year Codemasters have tried to reconfigure the experience to make it a whole lot more realistic.
Here’s a list of new features that have been added to the title.
- Brake Bias: This is huge for that F1, or sim racing fan who just wants a little more control over their vehicle in the race. Codemasters have made the feature easy to access as well as keeping it simple for those who aren’t too sure about it.
- Menu Layout: This year you won’t the find the typical paddock and interview layout, instead the developers have changed things around to make the menus a lot more stylish, easy to navigate and most importantly quicker. You’re now able to change through game modes without wasting too much time in the middle.
- Stats: Last’s years waiting screens allowed you to see some of the stats from your Formula 1 career. This year it’s very much the same, however it’s interactive. You’re able to cycle through your stats picking the one you want to see the most. Maybe hiding the most embarrassing one from your friends, while showing them one of your best.
- Camera’s and Angles: One of the most improved features over last year’s instalment is the refinement of the cockpit cam. You’re able to see over the front of the nose, while sitting further back in the car. Immersing you in the experience. Overall it’s easier to use, and will help disprove the stat by Codemasters about their upcoming title Grid 2. (5%)There is also a new camera that can be chosen both on the fly and In the replay mode. This is closer to the real life cam that can be seen in use on the T.V and in on-board laps. It’s been given the name TV Pod (Offset).
Here’s a list of thing that seem to have improved.
- Graphics (Even on PS3)
- Physics are a definite improvement over last year’s title
- Help (for beginners)
As this is only a demo build we will not be reviewing the title, however when the full game is released you can expect one within a few weeks of its release.
From what we’ve seen already we believe that Codemasters have done a fantastic job at making an accessible yet realistic experience for everyone to enjoy. We definitely recommend you pre-order the title especially if you’re a big F1 or racing game fan.
However if you are neither you may want to sit this one out.
If you’re still not sure, why not download the demo, available from all online gaming stores. Or wait for our full game review when the title is released.