F1 fans rejoice! Your favourite motorsport is heading to your favourite games console this June…and it looks gorgeous. Codemasters, the developers behind many previous F1 videogame outings, have finally announced the award winning series is coming to Xbox One and is to be distributed by Namco-Bandai Europe.
Promising jaw-dropping graphical fidelity thanks to a brand new version of Codemasters’ proprietary EGO game engine, and a whole new physics-based handling model, gamers will feel more immersed than ever before in the worlds most prestigious motorsport. The new handling model is to offer improvements in over 20 areas on previous games, designed to be inclusive for both seasoned players and those new to the series. Engine and transmission, aerodynamics, fuel tank, force feedback, suspension and most notably a brand new tyre physics model, to recreate the breathtaking handling characteristics of the world’s fastest and most responsive racing cars.
F1 2015 aims to replicate the unique race day experience from a real life Grand Prix. There will be an all new ‘broadcast’ presentation style, complete with podium ceremonies and grid sequences. Using voice recognition technology available for Xbox One console, players can become immersed in the cockpit, engaging with their race engineer through in-game voice commands with Kinect. Players will compete as their favourite Formula One star in the all-new Championship Season and push themselves to the limit in the challenging Pro Season mode.
In a press release Paul Jeal who is the Game Director commented “F1 2015 marks an exciting new chapter for Codemasters and FORMULA ONE; it’s a shift in direction for the game series, on new formats and our brand new game engine, with the game set to be released earlier in the season, launching this June.”
“The handling is a vast improvement from our previous games. In particular our new tyre model is a superb step forward towards realism, letting you explore where the limit is and allowing you to instantly feel much more connected with the car. You can now experience the changes in grip caused by temperature changes, wear, car set-up, debris and weather conditions. Our improved vehicle dynamics much more accurately convey the difference in performance and the feel between mechanical and aerodynamic grip. The new Force Feedback system adds to the feeling of connection with the car and track surface. The more natural and realistic nature of the game physics also serves to ensure that the racing experience is more accessible, enjoyable and rewarding for players of all skill levels.”
“With the second race of the 2015 FIA Formula One World Championship this weekend in Malaysia, the team is busy modelling the new 2015 cars and drivers in readiness for the game’s summer launch. You can see a tease of our first signed off 2015 content in our debut screenshots, as well as an early glimpse of the Mexican circuit. In addition to the 2015 season, we are also delighted to be able to offer the 2014 season as a bonus selectable season*. Even this far out from our games release they truly show the power of our new game engine. ”
Are you looking forward to F12015? Will you be picking the game up on launch? Please feel free to leave a comment below, or like always hit the forums.
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Liam (@XboxMadUk)
Liam (@XboxMADUk) contributed 10 articles to ICXM in 2015, covering Xbox news with a focus on hands-on impressions and verified-source reporting. Their bylines on the site span the Xbox One’s first full year of post-launch coverage, including the early days of Backwards Compatibility and Windows 10 gaming. They post on X as @xboxmaduk.