It seems like ive waited over 9 years for a good F1 game . . codemasters havent let me down. Woot!
Yes the graphics look like they could have been handled by the n64/GC let alone the wii, but they have done a solid job with dealing with what they have. The controls took me a while to get used to I have to say. First I tried the motion steering which is ok but feels too odd then you have a game where race line is important (I don't have motion plus and not sure if it matters) but the gears and brakes are awkward (oh yeah I only play manual with all assists off). I then went to the classic controller and found the whole experience to be vastly improved but GOD is that pad not made for prolonged play on an active game. My hand is killing me. The play when you get familiar to this is fantastic. Hard is HARD in the game but the time trials are too easy. The control of the car is a bit weird at first as you seem to be able to slide it and as I was expecting braking is far too harsh, I can drive right up to the apex of a corner and brake and still stay on the racing line. On TV you see the drivers braking in straight lines 100m before the turn, this doesn't happen . .as always. This however is a little set back as the whole thing is much better than anything previously released.
Im waiting for the xbox port as at the moment I don't think my hands can take it. There are some good features in this game KERS being one, challenge mode and the fact that you can tune the car to a degree. Career mode is as good as always trying to work your way up from a bottom team but if you are like me driving a low team (bmw I qualified with) I was coming top 3, getting faster cars was seeing me win by loads although it took me ages to get on the pace, over 80 laps of Catalunya Melbourne and Monza but its well worth it, a feeling ive not felt in a acing game since, well last week when forza3 came out. It aint no forza… clearly…. but it's a real challenge and i certainly didn't put my head in my hands like when I bought the ps3 one. Real F1 fans may not have a wii but if they just work on the arcady feel or over the top ease of play mechanics for the xbox or ps3 this is going to be excellent. I feel too much of this game has been toned down to cater for the wii remote. Oh yeah theres no online play on the wii which will be a great addition to the other consoles.
Ive give it a 9 as Codemasters have definitely maximised this game for this console and its controller. Lets hope its transferred with care to the xbox and ps3. Don't get me wrong there are a few sigh aspects but im satisfied with it. Good job codemasters you didn't let me down.
edit - changed to a 7 (14/10/10) the 2010 on the xbox blows this out of the water really, 9 was a score i gave quite quickly after playing a season. Its not really that great . . . noones going to read this review anyway, i dont know why i care