Not only will we see the return of Braking Point, the immersive story mode starring Aiden Jackson and Devon Butler, but the new game is also set to include new improvements to the physics, and importantly, the full roster of drivers, teams and tracks for the 2023 Formula 1 season from day one.
FULL 2023 SCHEDULE, PLUS SOME EXTRAS
As we hoped and expected, the full calendar for the 2023 edition of the Formula 1 schedule will be included with the new game. That will include new venues such as the new Las Vegas Strip Street Course in the US and Losail International Circuit in Qatar from launch.
Las Vegas is brand new to the fold this year. In previous iterations of the F1 games, newer tracks (such as Jeddah in 2021) were added post-release. Losail has been on the schedule before—in 2021. However, that was so late in the season that it was never added to the game. So, this will be its debut in F1 23.
There will be three bonus tracks that are not on the 2023 schedule but have been used in previous seasons. Those tracks include Circuit Paul Ricard in France, Shanghai International Circuit in China and the Algarve International Circuit (aka Portimão) in Portugal. We suppose since they already exist, it helps to add to online multiplayer variety.
RED FLAG RE-INTRODUCTION
The last Codemasters-developed Formula 1 game to feature red flags, which were triggered after a pileup, was F1 2014. They’ve been absent ever since, however, last year’s F1 Manager 2022 by Frontier did include them, and would be something that a more loyal F1 fan might request.
How it will work will likely be something similar, although we have seen red flags in the real-world action for less than a multi-car pileup in the real-world recently, so it will be interesting to see how frequent or infrequent they become, or if there will be options available.
HANDLING IMPROVED? MORE PREDICTABLE, AT LEAST…
EA Sports F1 22 included a new tyre model and a ‘more true to life’ handling system. This will be further improved as the series releases its 23 edition. The cars of F1 22 would have a snap oversteer sensation, resulting in unsuspecting drivers going for a loop more often than not.
It was hard to gauge the sensation of an impending spin even through a direct drive steering wheel, and even harder, in our opinion, with a wheel that was gear/belt driven. EA says these improvements should deliver more ‘predictable’ characteristics. We shall see when we go hands-on with the game at a later date.
This sits alongside what EA is dubbing Precision Drive – all you need to know is that gamepad users should have an easier time.
IS PODIUM PASS GETTING REVISED WITH F1 WORLD?
Podium Pass has been in the Formula 1 games since F1 2020, and has remained largely the same since. It includes optional challenges across Grand Prix and Time Trial modes that dish out XP. That XP levels you up, and when you do go from one level to the next, you unlock cosmetic items such as car liveries or driver outfits. In F1 22, this also included furniture for ‘F1 Life’ as well.
The announcement has no mention of Podium Pass, but F1 23 is set to include an F1 World hub. It sounds oddly similar but offers some distinct differences from what Podium Pass used to be, specifcaiiyl a new progression system and some form of car upgrades will be achievable. How it ends up being monetised is yet confirmed, but we can say that PitCoin, the virtual currency within Podium Pass, is returning, at least.
BRAKING POINT CONTINUES WITH BRAKING POINT 2
Remember back to F1 2021, when we were introduced to Aiden Jackson, the young new teammate to the grizzled veteran that was Casper Akkerman? Two years later, the story continues for young Aiden as he’s moved on to a brand new team, Konnersport Racing Team. His teammate has already been announced—Devon Butler.
“The return of Braking Point allows players to immerse themselves in a racing story, which provides a unique look at F1 alongside the authentic race features our players know and love,” said Lee Mather, Senior Creative Director at Codemasters.
Jackson and Butler return, and the premise of the story will feature a fictional F2 champion in Callie Mayer, who just happens to be the sister to Devon Butler. Really interesting dynamic at play, as Callie is gunning for a seat at the table, but the new Konnersport F1 team will have to decide if she gets her brother’s seat or Aiden’s seat.
For what it’s worth, F1 22 did NOT have a story mode at all. Braking Point 2 will surely be a welcomed addition and provide more gameplay to get into.
EA SPORTS F1 23 RELEASE DATE
The Standard Edition of EA SPORTS F1 23 is set for release on PC via EA App, Epic Games and Steam, as well as on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S on 16th June.
The digital exclusive of EA SPORTS F1 23 Champions Edition will be available for three days in Early Access, on 13th June and includes a barrage of digital extras:
- Time-limited Las Vegas content (pre-order before 31st May 2023)
- Max Verstappen Race Wear Pack
- Braking Point 2 Icons and Vanity Item Pack
- Dual Entitlement
- Four new My Team Icons
- XP Boost
- F1 World Bumper Pack
- 18,000 PitCoin
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