F1 2011 Review for Xbox 360 - Cheat Code Central

System: Xbox 360, PS3
Dev: Codemasters
Pub: Codemasters
Release: September 20, 2011
Players: 1-16
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Mild Lyrics

Multiplayer options are also varied. This year's edition allows for a full grid in online races—16 live players and 8 A.I. racers. The Custom Grand Prix mode that's available offline is also available in online multiplayer, and players can even go through the entire career with a friend in the Co-op Championship mode. Even local split-screen and LAN multiplayer options are supported, with a wide variety of options for both.

F1 2011 Screenshot

Visually, the game is a bit of a mixed bag. It never actually looks bad; it even occasionally reaches that hyper-realistic level we've come to expect from Codemasters' games. (See the DiRT series for proof.) It only really looks fantastic during replays, though. Other than that minor complaint, the sense of speed is almost palpable, and the way weight transfer and level of grip are communicated to the player is excellent. This is especially noticeable in the cockpit view.

The audio—from the paddock to the garage to the track—is also good. Tires screech and squeal, and engines whine in up to 7.1 surround sound if your setup supports it. The music isn't bad by any means, and generally only plays during replays and in menus. Controls are tight and fully customizable, though a good wheel setup would probably be the best way to go if you're going to play seriously.

Other than the fact that there's already a software update available, the only real problem I have with the game is that it's very serious, and that's actually more of a compliment than anything else. It stands in direct contrast with DiRT (the "party" part of Codemasters' racing mullet) but it's easily just as good. Fans of Formula One can finally rejoice that their favorite sport is being faithfully represented in the video game realm, and fans of racing games get another great series from a great developer. It's a perfect 1-2 finish.

By Patriel Manning
CCC Contributing Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.8

Graphics
Good but not great overall. Rain looks stunning, and the sense of speed is excellent.

5.0

Control
Extremely good and fully customizable. A good wheel setup is recommended.

3.7

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
F1 cars are brought to life. The soundtrack isn't terrible.

4.5

Play Value
Playing through the career with moderate settings will take the average player a good chunk of time to complete.

4.6

Overall Rating - Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

All of the rule changes from the 2011 FIA Formula World Championship are included to give players the authentic Formula One experience.

KERS – Kinetic Energy Recovery System – gives players an acceleration boost to launch out of corners.

DRS – Drag Reduction System – adds acceleration for overtaking in specified zones around each circuit, and the new Pirelli tires affect performance and handling of the cars on track, changing qualifying and racing strategy.

Players are able to race against 16 players online plus 8 A.I. cars to simulate a full 24-car grid, team up with a friend, or enjoy multiplayer racing from the sofa in split-screen mode.