Codemasters F1 2010-2011

Grand Prix 2010 was a masterpiece of a game and in September, the new F1 2011 will be released.

I've lost many hours playing F1 2010 even though it had it's faults, it was an amazing first attempt by Codemasters to provide we F1 fans with a game that didn't just provide us with a taste of what it's like to drive an F1 car, but they also included a feel of what it's like to face the camera's and answer question's from the media by add their 'Live the Life' adaptation of a F1 driver's life at the track. The media side does become a little monotonous after going through the same question's time after time, but the thrill of attending a Q&A session after getting a podium position is a great sense of achievement.

I use a Logitech G25 wheel and once you have the settings for force feedback and other wheel setting's suitable to your driving style, the game comes alive and you're ready to set off to Bahrain on your first drive in a full 24 car race.

If you've never driven a F1 circuit, either in real life or via a PC game, it takes practice, patience and tenacity to try and keep up with the rest of the field in your first race.

I believe it was over two weeks of regular game-play before I felt comfortable behind the wheel and could provide a decent challenge, but the satisfaction is amazing once you've achieved your first podium finish.

And then just when you think you've cracked it and got a 'talent' for driving a F1 car, Codemasters throw in dynamic weather, which produces either light rain or a monsoon and all of a sudden you're back to square one as the beast of a car you thought you could handle suddenly refuses to stay on the track and if you do manage to stay on tarmac, you can't see anything further than the front of you visor and attempting to keep up with the pack becomes a whole new challenge.

If you've ever thought of buying a racing sim... I certainly can recommend Codemasters F1 games if you're willing to take the time and effort to hone your driving skills.

Codemasters F1 games are not for the 'part time banger' race driver's who simply want to get behind a wheel and see how many other car's they can destroy in the shortest period.. you need to devote time and energy and only then will you thoroughly enjoy their games.

I would strongly recommend you book your copy of the new F1 2011 release and be ready to lose quite a few hours learning to drive.

The video is one of my very early attempt's around Monaco.. I believe there are guys now hitting lap times of 1:12....amazing!