F1 2013
- October 3, 2013
- Codemasters Birmingham
- 53h median play time
The developers of F1 2013 should be commended on the amount of realism they have incorporated into this racing simulator. With a variety of different gaming modes, detailed graphics and gameplay that is almost flawless.
F1 2013 is a sport game that offers various game modes, including local multi-player for 2 players and single-player. It boasts sensational gameplay, amazing visuals, and expanded classic content from the 1980s and 1990s. The game features all the teams, drivers, and circuits from the 2013 FIA Formula One World Championship, making it the most comprehensive simulation of a Formula One season. Play in split-screen and online multiplayer, and experience new enhancements, improvements, and game modes for a thrilling racing experience.
Reviews
- The game features a complex physics engine that closely simulates real F1 car handling, making it satisfying and challenging to play.
- The inclusion of classic cars and tracks from the 80s and 90s adds a nostalgic and enjoyable element to the gameplay.
- The graphics and sound design are exceptional, enhancing the overall immersive experience of racing.
- The AI can be frustratingly aggressive and often leads to unfair penalties for the player, detracting from the overall experience.
- The career mode lacks depth and variety, making it feel repetitive over time.
- There are issues with online multiplayer, including a lack of players and connection problems.
- graphics93 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received high praise, with many users noting stunning visuals, smooth performance, and impressive detail, especially on high settings. While some reviews mention slight improvements over previous versions, the overall consensus is that the graphics are top-notch, contributing significantly to the immersive racing experience. However, a few users feel that the graphics, while good, do not represent a substantial leap from earlier titles in the series.
“I recently got a powerful gaming laptop so was able to really max out the graphic settings in this game - it looks great and runs so smooth.”
“Absolutely phenomenal if you want a fast-paced, white-knuckle racing game with very intelligent AI and stunning graphics.”
“The graphics are simply amazing, being on PC they look magnificent with antialiasing.”
“So with that said it's really not worth it, the 2015 game puts this title to shame in car simulation, handling, braking, graphics, and really every single aspect of driving.”
“The game is nice, pretty much a carbon copy of F1 2012 with some minor graphical changes.”
“I've played the console counterpart and the graphics look pitifully bad, jaggies everywhere.”
- gameplay40 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of F1 2013 is generally praised for its solid mechanics, enjoyable driving experience, and the addition of a classics mode that enhances replayability. While the handling and physics are well-executed, some players note issues with track surface mechanics and a lack of AI mistakes, which can detract from the overall challenge. Despite minor frustrations and a few design oversights, the game offers a fun and engaging racing experience, especially for those willing to invest time in mastering its nuances.
“I've found almost everything I love in a racing game, combined with surprisingly good gameplay.”
“The gameplay is spot on and the classics mode is fantastic.”
“With a variety of different gaming modes, detailed graphics, and gameplay that is almost flawless.”
“Low and behold, the track surface has built-in cheat mechanics that cause the physics, control, brakes, and steering to not respond to the user, making the car 'freak out' and become momentarily unresponsive.”
“Gameplay and driving physics are very solid, although it can sometimes feel very 'on rails' as the car doesn't move around much vertically under normal load.”
“If you like to feel like you're a good driver, then play this. Codemasters have obviously moved away from making anything realistic and are focusing on total arcade gameplay. Driver input is at a minimum, and it's almost impossible to lose control. If you enjoy arcade games that hold your hand and don't give you proper control, then this game is great; however, as a decent racer, it is sorely lacking.”
- optimization10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while it performs well on high settings for most computers and offers great graphics and handling, users report significant performance issues on Mac systems and some poor optimization compared to its predecessor. The car performance is realistic, but the balance between different teams can feel off, with some cars being notably slower or faster than expected. Customization options are appreciated, allowing players to tweak their car's performance for better results.
“The first time you drive for a top-tier team (Red Bull / Mercedes / Ferrari), you'll find the difference in car handling and performance to be staggering.”
“There are a few customizability options - you can fully tweak your car's performance, which is great if you're a racing enthusiast and want the best times possible.”
“The game also suffers from some very poor optimization compared to the last game.”
“Anything that happens that isn't right you spin; apart from when you crash into the wall. All the cars are to 2013 performance spec, which means that the McLarens are abysmally slow and the Red Bulls are just too quick for everyone else.”
“The performance of the car is very real, but car damage is not good enough.”
- story5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game, particularly in career mode, receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the immersive racing experience and team dynamics, while others feel that the narrative lacks depth and could benefit from a more developed campaign. Overall, it serves as a solid foundation for racing enthusiasts but leaves some players wanting more in terms of storytelling.
“To cut the story short, after spending many hours in F1 games, I've become more adept at F1 racing and I couldn't help but buy F1 2013 at full price after reading it was the best of the series.”
“Great racing sim teaches you the basics and then lets you have your own little story of being traded upon teams and much more. If you like racing, buy this game or even test it.”
“Storyline/career: 6/10”
“I wish there were more of a story/campaign mode to keep you occupied.”
“Great racing sim teaches you the basics and then lets you have your own little story of being traded upon teams and whatnot.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely appreciated, particularly in the online mode where players find the antics of less experienced players amusing, even when they cause frustration. While the core gameplay remains entertaining, some users suggest that those unfamiliar with the game might want to hold off for improvements before diving in.
“The career is very funny.”
“Great game, so funny to play online.”
“The online part is so funny with all the noobs just diving down your inside; even if they crash you out, it's still hilarious (mainly because you can rage at them during the race!)”
- monetization3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized for feeling exploitative, with players alleging that the game manipulates controls to create a frustrating experience, which seems designed to encourage additional spending. Many users perceive this as a cash grab by the developers, suggesting a lack of genuine support for the product.
“So in short, this seemed to be just a cash grab by Codemasters who had no intention of supporting the product.”
“Feels like my controls are constantly being manipulated by the game - rubberbanding definitely exists (I've seen the XML). The game adds engine power to AI based on how much throttle you are giving and how far behind the AI is.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's online stability is marred by occasional bugs and glitches, including issues with AI behavior and inaccuracies in car setups and track designs. While such problems are common in many games, they can detract from the overall experience.
“It's a shame that the online side is still a little buggy.”
“There are occasional rule glitches, and some lapped AI can be a pain or even get you out of the race.”
“Some tracks are a little off from real life, with incorrect turn banking and missing or incorrect elevations.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, capturing the essence of real-world Formula One with great graphics and a range of game modes that cater to both casual and simulation players. Despite some bugs and unpolished animations, the competitive AI and overall immersive experience contribute to a nostalgic and enjoyable gameplay reminiscent of classic racing titles.
“The atmosphere is there; the competition against a decent AI brings back the nostalgia of classic games, allowing players to enjoy every second.”
“Pros: atmosphere, easy to advanced handling from simmers to casuals, great graphics, and amazing out-of-the-box value.”
“With different game modes and difficulty/assist options, it gives you the opportunity to find your own balance between simulation and arcade while always being representative of the atmosphere of real-world Formula One.”
“Some bugs might occur, some animations clearly seem really unpolished, but the atmosphere is there. The competition against a decent AI seems to capture the essence of the classic Grand Prix games, allowing players to enjoy every second.”
“With different game modes and difficulty/assist options, it gives you the opportunity to find your own balance between simulation and arcade, while still being representative of the atmosphere of real-world Formula One.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its high replayability, with multiple factors contributing to its value, making it a must-have for fans of F1 and racing games alike.
“I can see that this game has a lot of replayability.”
“There are many reasons more, but only these two give you a lot of replay value!”
“The game offers quite a bit of replayability and is a must-own for any F1 fan or fan of racing games.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game emotionally engaging, noting that its forgiving nature allows for a deeper investment of time, which in turn amplifies the emotional highs and lows experienced throughout gameplay.
“The emotional highs and lows this game can generate simply from time investment is amazing.”
“Rather than spin out easily from touching the grass slightly, or making certain mistakes, the game is forgiving.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game enjoyable, particularly in co-op mode, though some express frustration with the tedious menu navigation and the lack of mouse support.
“The menus are tedious - why can't I use a mouse!?”
Critic Reviews
F1 2013 PS3 Review
The developers of F1 2013 should be commended on the amount of realism they have incorporated into this racing simulator. With a variety of different gaming modes, detailed graphics and gameplay that is almost flawless.
90%F1 2013 Review
To say that Codemasters has rested on its laurels with F1 2013 would be something of an understatement. Most of the new content provided in the game could have been provided as DLC for F1 2012, and although all the new season’s liveries and driver changes have been reflected, there’s not enough here to recommend this as a must-have upgrade - not by a long shot. It is still an enjoyable game and easily one of the best racers out there, but it isn't any more enjoyable than last year's version, which is available for half the price now. If you’ve never tried one of Codemasters’ F1 games before, now is as good a time as any to jump in and take on what is a truly teeth-gritting experience. Previous owners may need to think twice.
70%F1 2013 Review
F1 2013 has excellent gameplay, but some minor frustrations and a barebones Classics mode hold the game back from classic status.
80%