I've been waiting for an engaging F1 game, finally here's one that gets you excited!
The main feature is in no-doubt, the carrier mode, this spans three seasons, you starts off with offers from BMW and TR. Once you are with a team you race the rest of the season with them. Like previous games you can take part in all the Friday and Saturday practice sessions, but unlike earlier versions there is no tedious out-laps to do!
There are also a large number of challenges to complete when you want a break from normal racing, these are surprisingly engaging (thanks to the steering). The AI racers are an improvement over previous AI's, they show some skill when driving, but even on hard they continually drive into the back of you under heavy breaking. This becomes increasingly annoying when you turn damage on, you can loose you rear wing in the first corner which will completely ruin your race.
The game play is surprisingly good, thanks to the wii remote, if you buy the wheel as well then you will be in for a treat, the handling takes no more than 3 laps to get the hang of and once you have it will continually reward you. The graphics are better than I expected but there is a noticeable amount of lag in the frame rate at one or two points in every circuit. But this is quickly forgotten as the sense of speed you get from the game is the best from any racing, on or off-road, I have ever played.
The two player mode is decent with a good frame rate and graphics. Although if you only have one wheel someone will fill they have drawn the short straw!! Using the wheel adds a new level of depth to the game; I can't recommend getting the wheel enough! The game play is by far the best aspect of this game, the steering is responsive and accurate, the sense of speed.
F1 09 is not just the best racing game for the wii, but probably the best Formula 1 game ever. Easily the racing game of the year for the wii!