F1® 25: Racing to the Future with a Few Pit Stops

A thrilling ride with a few unexpected detours

Launch Day Larry

Ah, F1® 25, the latest installment in the high-octane world of Formula 1 gaming. It’s like the developers took a pit stop, refueled with innovation, and then forgot to tighten a few bolts before hitting the track. But hey, who doesn’t love a little chaos at 200 mph?

Gameplay: A Smooth Drive with a Few Speed Bumps

F1® 25 has taken the wheel and steered the franchise into a new era of realism and excitement. The handling is a dream, especially for those of us who prefer the comfort of a controller over the intricacies of a steering wheel. The physics engine is so well-tuned that you might start believing you’re the next Lewis Hamilton—until you remember you’re sitting on your couch in your pajamas.

The game offers a buffet of modes, from the cinematic “The Movie” to the narrative-driven “Breaking Point S3.” The latter is a standout, with a storyline that could rival any soap opera—complete with dramatic character arcs and enough plot twists to keep you guessing. However, the removal of the beloved compendium feature has left some players feeling like they’ve lost their sticker collection.

While the gameplay is generally smooth, a few bugs have decided to join the race. Cars falling through the track and incorrect race winner announcements are just a couple of the gremlins lurking under the hood. Multiplayer lobbies could use a tune-up, and some players have reported phantom inputs and crashes, particularly when using specific hardware. But let’s be optimistic—future patches might just be the pit crew we need.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Performance Hiccups

Visually, F1® 25 is like a high-speed art gallery. The graphics are stunning, especially with ray tracing and path tracing turned on. It’s the kind of eye candy that makes you want to pause the game just to admire the view. However, this visual splendor comes at a cost—namely, your frame rate.

Performance issues are the unwelcome guests at this graphical party, with frame rate drops and crashes making an appearance, especially on less powerful hardware. VR users, in particular, might feel like they’re racing through a Monet painting—beautiful, but a bit blurry. The game demands a beast of a machine to run at its best, and even then, compatibility issues with NVIDIA drivers can throw a wrench in the works.

Story: A Narrative Lap Worth Taking

In a genre where story often takes a backseat, F1® 25’s “Breaking Point” mode is a refreshing change of pace. The narrative is engaging, with Devon Butler’s character arc providing a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s a tale of arrogance, vulnerability, and redemption that might just make you forget you’re supposed to be racing.

While the story mode isn’t the main attraction, it’s compelling enough to warrant a replay. The writing is solid, though the lack of motion capture during interviews can make some scenes feel a bit wooden. Despite these minor setbacks, “Breaking Point 3” is a narrative triumph that adds depth to the game and might even entice players to check out the upcoming F1 movie.

Final Verdict

F1® 25 is a thrilling ride that pushes the franchise forward with improved handling, stunning graphics, and an engaging story mode. However, it’s not without its technical hiccups and performance issues. If you’re willing to overlook these bumps in the road, you’ll find a racing experience that’s both challenging and rewarding.

Score: 8/10