For the first time in years, the F1 grid has been turned on its head. Where the might of Mercedes used to run dominate, Red Bull and Ferrari have begun occupying top slots. But in the virtual world, it’s still the kings of racing who are lifting the trophies, with Codemasters rocking up to the podium with EA SPORTS F1 22.
Yep, EA SPORTS F1 22, because, you know, EA now run the rule over Codies. That’s not to say that our favourite racing development team are holding back though and with F1 22 they are fully immersing the player into the latest F1 season.
Available to purchase and download right now on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5 and PC, with full next/new-gen optimisation on the most powerful of consoles, F1 22 pretty much does as you would expect, throwing you onto the F1 grid and requesting you show off those driving skills that you’ve honed over the years.
F2 is in place too – confusingly the 2021 season of F2 – whilst new to the series this time is the arrival of drivable supercars, including those Safety Cars from Mercedes-AMG and Aston Martin. You know the ones; those that pop up onto the racetrack every time Nicholas Latifi sticks it in the wall.
A full career structure is present, as is the chance to take in some one-shot races or the season of your choosing via the Grand Prix mode. Time trialling is front and centre too, allowing the competitive worlds of F1 to clash as racers go in search of milliseconds, whilst the introduction of Pirelli Hot Laps gives you a reason to get behind the wheel of one of eight supercars, testing yourself through a variety of challenges.
With a multiplayer world that is ripe for reaping (at least if you’re fast enough), the only thing left to consider in F1 22 is that of F1 Life. Our full review of F1 22 on Xbox Series X|S will talk you through everything that the game entails – including the joys of F1 Life – so make sure you get it a read. Failing that, our exclusive interview with Codemasters is worth a peruse too.
“We can’t wait for players to jump into the game, and the trailer perfectly captures the excitement and emotion of competing at the highest level for the World Championship,” said Paul Jeal, F1 Senior Franchise Director at Codemasters. “Players will experience the ecstasy of taking their seat in the new era of Formula 1 and driving the car to the limit and beyond.”
From there, you can go and grab the download of EA SPORTS F1 22 that you need. If you’re reading this prior to July 1st, your best/only option will be that of the Champions Edition. Priced at £79.99 and utilising Smart Delivery from the Xbox Store, this gives three days early access over the usual July 1st street date, the 2 drivable Safety Cars, 18000 Pitcoin (in-game currency) so you can go to town in F1 Life, a Starter Pack and some New Era content. It’s the version we’d choose.
Alternatively, from July 1st, you can also take home the Standard Edition of the game on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5 or PC.
Expect some Pitcoin DLC hits to be frequenting the store too. Do you need them? Not really, but if you must…
The glitz and glamour of the world of F1 awaits in EA SPORTS F1 22. Let us know who you decide to race for.
Game Description:
Enter the new era of Formula 1® in EA SPORTS™ F1® 22, the official videogame of the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship™. Take your seat for a new season as redesigned cars and overhauled rules redefine race day, test your skills around the new Miami International Autodrome, and get a taste of the glitz and glamour in F1® Life. Race the stunning new cars of the Formula 1® 2022 season with the authentic lineup of all 20 drivers and 10 teams and take control of your race experience with new immersive or broadcast race sequences. Create a team and take them to the front of the grid with new depth in the acclaimed My Team career mode, race head-to-head in split-screen, Two-Player Career or in multiplayer, or change the pace by taking supercars from some of the sport’s biggest names to the track in our all-new Pirelli Hot Laps feature.
