LATEST FORMULA ONE GAME IS ON THE PACE

FIRST TEST F1 2016 video game

Price: From £32.99 Rating: ★★★★ Available for: Xbox One, PS4, PC

TO coincide with the return of Formula One after the summer break, developer Codemasters has released its latest F1 video game – and we’ve played it.

Accuracy is vital with any sport-based franchise, and F1 2016 doesn’t disappoint with the full line-up of cars, drivers and tracks – some feat when this is the longest season ever, with a total of 21 rounds.

The game has also revived the career mode lost in previous versions, allowing you to take your character to the grid and race your heroes. You can also focus on car development throughout the season, while practice sessions have a new-found meaning with mini games helping you rack up points to reinvest into R&D.

Out on track, though, is where the game really shines with accurate and consistent car physics. You’ll flatspot tyres if you’re too heavy on the brakes, while aggressive driving will wear tyres and leave you with a choice to risk a blow-out or pit early.

There’s also a safety car, parade lap and clutch/rpm-based start procedure that all add realism. The computercontrolled cars seem less erratic than in previous games, making wheel-towheel racing easier, plus you can switch strategy, brake bias and fuel mix on the fly to stave off the pack.

Disappointingly, it’s very much a single-player game as there’s still no multiplayer splitscreen – you can only race mates online – and while all the drivers, cars and tracks are present, the graphics don’t have the detail, quality and beauty of rivals like Forza.

Still, hooking up the perfect lap gives you a real sense of achievement; F1 2016 rewards proper racing and is the best Formula One game yet.