While FIFA goes into its summer break, F1 22 kicks off.
However, before it goes with the racing car on the track, EA SPORTS directly shows the first innovation: F1 Live. This is to replace Breaking Point – the new story mode introduced in the last sequel is taking a break this year.
Look only, do not touch
This means that the new feature does not tell a story, but is a player hub. In it, you can dress your driver or furnish your home with a not-too-luxurious amount of furniture. More and other decoration options can be unlocked – not surprisingly, microtransactions are included.
Once you have chosen your furniture and displayed your trophies, your friends can visit your home and take a look. Although this brings the glamour lifestyle into play, it does not have much added value for the player himself. This is also due to the fact that only scene changes are possible – the environment cannot be walked around, as in NBA 2k, for example.
Gran Turismo feeling
The new supercars have significantly more play value. Currently, ten of them can be parked in the hub – EA SPORTS will possibly expand this fleet with updates. However, neither Porsches nor Lamborghinis can be found there, instead there are only manufacturers that are also represented in Formula 1.
In addition, these cars are not just there to look at. In fact, you can take them out on the track in Time Trial mode, but also in specially created challenges. As in Gran Turismo, you receive medals upon completion. EA SPORTS creates some variety with this, but if you want to race with such cars, you are much better off with other racing games. The supercars are much more sluggish and cumbersome to control, especially when drifting.
Nothing for casual drivers
Get out of the supercar, into the Formula 1 car – that’s what it’s all about. However, the next problem is waiting there: the sticks and shoulder buttons are clearly too sensitive. Starting too quickly, which causes the car to turn, and rather jerky steering are the result. The former can be prevented by a complete traction control, but this reduces the approach speed so much that the opponents just whiz past you.
With the steering wheel, on the other hand, the driving is much more pleasant. Exciting duels with the AI ensue. The only downer is that it is too aggressive, which leads to more collisions and accidents.
Conclusion
Connected the steering wheel, found the settings, F1 22 makes a solid impression. The career mode remains exciting, but could have used some innovation. Apart from the Pirelli hotlaps – the supercar challenges – most of it is old news.
F1 live and Supercars are nice ideas, but that’s about it. All in all, it would have been better to put this time into the career mode and add new features here. At least the microtransactions don’t affect the game. Those who want to compete with their friends in terms of fashion and furnishings will enjoy it. Those who don’t can safely ignore the mode.
