It’s easy to pass off F1 2012 as an iterative sequel and be done with it, but deep down there is a hint of maturity in the third release of the series. Although the core mechanic remains the same, Codemasters have tightened the screws and added enough extra content to make F1 2012 more than a simple racing game with short term appeal and try to extend your knowledge of a sport they clearly adore. The core mode of Codemaster’s F1 series has always been the career mode and while there are fringe benefits littered around the edges, this is still the case for 2012. In career mode you progress through a drivers career (preset, or of your own design) from the first steps into Formula One, to lifting the title at the end of the season. Every race and driver of the Formula One 2012 season is on show in great form and as always, F1 2012 is a great way to showcase new circuits yet to be reached in the actual race calendar to fans of the sport. The driving feels crisp and reactive under your control as the car slides and stumbles across the circuit begging for that extra grip. The changing feel throughout a race, as your fuel depletes or your tires degrade, is excellent and is an added challenge if you start to race longer than the minimum laps. Plotting your pit stops and trying to make your tires last longer than the competition becomes a dangerous game of cat and mouse as you juggle speed with efficiency. After the season you’re probably going to be looking for a new challenge and there is now multiple modes to fill your time with, the best of which is Champions Mode. This new mode pits you against the best drivers in some of the worst conditions imaginable. Sometimes you’ll have three laps to gain 6 places and overtake your rival, while in others you will just have to hold your position in the pouring rain. It’s an extremely difficult challenge with the standing water puddles on the track that send you spinning off into the grass. It’s worth noting that the water is excellently modeled and really changes the way your car handles in corners and straights. Overall this is a great feature and does more than offer you a challenge, it strives to make you a better driver and so, in a way, is training you to think different and react to certain situations in differing ways. This will have you considering everything you’ve achieved to this point and will make you a better overall driver within the game as you begin to react fluidly to changing conditions. Some of these challenges will pass you by and you’ll consider yourself a true legend within F1 and some will infuriate you beyond belief but that is the true beauty of the mode, constantly challenging and allowing you to feel great while always lurking in the back, ready to…
