F1 2011 - a pretty good game

F1 2011 is based on the success of Codemasters, by developing their most impressive characteristics and fixing many of their flaws. Car handling and visual details are significantly better, and the new Co-op mode makes the Championship to present an exciting new way to experience racing together with friends. The complete driving physics and the rules can become frustrating for a newbie in the racing field, but fans of Formula 1 will enjoy this incredibly faithful representation of the sport.

Visual improvements are over the previous game, Formula 1 2010, being strikingly high at first sight. As some are fans of Force India, Mercedes, Ferrari to McLaren, Codemasters have made some changes to the pilots (I don't remember exactly, but from a few teams enough pilots retired until the launch of the game in 2011).

A lot of attention has been given to cars as well. Each team has now its own wheel design, complete with custom animations for changing gears and other functions on the steering wheel. Circuit marshals can be seen waving flags and the warning lights with LEDs are on the steering wheel above all controls, warning pilots if it's yellow flag (accident), black flag (if they are disqualified).

Car handling in F1 2011 leans heavily towards simulation. You can choose from a variety of assists such as traction control, breaking help, and a line of dynamic racing, but the series doesn't have a tutorial to help beginners feel comfortable with the incredible acceleration, strong breaking system and the other many options.

Graphics can be a disappointment on PlayStation 3, but the audio part is the best. Sounds of the engines are now more aggressive, such as changing the sound effects and the sound of a crash car. You can even listen to the sound of tires on the road to predict the wheels from locking under heavy braking. Improved sound experience gives players more feedback and so they can understand better the behavior of their car.

Formula 1 2011 is a good game to play, a good simulation game, also an improved game, but players are not that satisfied with it because all these improvements are not so special compared to the previous game.