EA F1 23: A question of expectations

EA F1 23 is a great game and a worthy update from last year’s offering. But looking beneath the surface, the real verdict is more difficult to quantify.

F1 23 sees the return of a beloved mode as well as the addition of F1’s new track in Las Vegas. The new track is simply incredible, and will build understandable hype ahead of the event in November. F1’s return to Qatar, has also been included, as well the modified final corner at Barcelona in line with this year’s race. Fans will enjoy these small improvements and additions.

Braking Point 2 will receive a strong reception. But it is only part of the wider experience. Fans are now accustomed to My Team mode, online multiplayer and more. All of these have made their customary return, but the focus of the game now lies elsewhere.

Codemasters had transitioned its F1 games into stable and exciting prospects for fans by the time EA bought the studio in 2020. The introduction of the My F1 store divided fans, but the micro-transactions were no worse than other titles.

F1 23 is the first game to get the full EA treatment, and players of other titles from the company will recognise a formula that exists across a number of its titles.

How does the final build stack up ahead of release? This review focuses on the main features of the game. Our preview build review looks in detail at the enhanced handling and mechanics.

Braking Point 2: High expectations, and a twist

After the preview build of F1 23, the expectations were high. A strong narrative underpinned the first three chapters. The introduction of new team Konnersport is an intriguing premise. Post-race questions with Natalie Pinkham are back, with slanging match options still very much available.

On the surface however, Braking Point 2 appears to be an extended version of Aiden Jackson versus Devon Butler, with the ominous presence of Devon’s father looming over the team.

The full game reveals all, and it is not as simple as Devon versus Aiden. One word describes the plot of Braking Point 2, expectation. Specifically, the weight of it on F1 teams. Players get to continue the journey of Andreo Konner, exploring team dynamics and politics involving an expectant title sponsor, as well as Aiden’s quest to tolerate Butler’s antics.

But Braking Point 2 throws a curveball from its mid-chapters. The story takes a sudden and brilliant twist, shifting away from Aiden versus Devon, and Konnersport. Braking Point 2 actually focuses on the Butler family itself and its struggles with the team. The change is subtle, but by the time the story diverts, the Butlers sponsor Konnersport, Devon drives for the team, and father Davidoff is attempting to influence results.

Players will find themselves both surprised and conflicted as they play as the titular villain in races, particularly those who played the original Braking Point from 2021. Rather than just a question of beating Aiden, we see Devon’s struggles with the weight of expectation on his shoulders.

It is a fascinating dynamic, that turns playing the game on its head. Further twists come as players progress through the chapters, but the tease seen in the preview build of a strong storyline very much delivers. The drama only increases as the story continues, entertaining players for many hours. Braking Point 2 is not a short story, it has many chapters across the 2022 and 2023 season. Buckle up for a long ride. Do not be surprised if past allegiances are questioned or changed.

Familiar faces also return. Casper Akkerman, Aiden’s teammate from the 2021’s edition, is gradually re-introduced into the game, first via email, and cutscenes, before becoming a central focus in the story.

Braking Point 2 is the first mode seen in the menu and has clearly been the focus of EA. While the drama may prove to be a bit close to a soap opera for some, the appeal to a wider demographic is obvious. The level of emotion in Braking Point 2 surpasses the original by a considerable margin.

It is EA’s focus on politics and topical issues that is to be hugely applauded. Family involvement in F1 teams is a current talking point in F1, creating a story that dives into multiple elements of this dynamic is a bold move that looks to have paid off handsomely.

Callie May: A female protagonist

Not content on tackling one talking point head-on, EA’s greatest achievement in EA F1 23 is the introduction of a female protagonist. Callie May is first seen in F2 like Aiden and Devon were back in 2021.

After guiding her to the F2 title, the story shifts back to the antics at Konnersport. But later chapters see her arrive in F1. Callie has to overcome adversity, the weight of expectation as well as other pressures from both inside F1 and closer to home.

Chapters see Callie May enduring the same growing pains as any F1 driver, and dealing with prejudice of being a woman on the F1 grid. Callie is a fantastic character, and players will cheer her on as they race her through the game.

Although W Series sadly collapsed last season, the new F1 Academy series seeks to carry on its legacy, providing a platform for women drivers to move into elite motorsport. The inclusion of a female character winning the F2 title and jumping into F1 during a season is a vitally important addition to EA F1 23. EA stated that former W Series Champion Jamie Chadwick had involvement in developing the character. This shows.

It shows a level of understanding from EA and promotes a message that is getting ever stronger, women drivers in F1 are coming in the future. This increases EA’s game appeal and strengthens and reinforces the goal for women to reach F1. Callie May’s inclusion is commendable, and will hopefully become part of F1 game’s DNA moving forward.

F1 World

EA F1 23’s other modes have been given a new look, but ultimately with few new features to boast of. Players have expectations of long-standing game titles, and F1 23 is no exception.

F1 World is now the central hub for players away from Braking Point, housing the majority of other game modes. While not a replacement of F1 Life from 2022’s game, it is more of an evolution.

All the usual features reside here. Multiplayer, single-player races, Supercars, and time trial all live under this new banner. Unsurprisingly, the same customisable options for your driver, including the micro-transactions for outfits, have been ported across from last year. But none have received any noticeable upgrades, other than new legacy drivers for the Champions edition. Fans of a certain age will enjoy debating between having 1990s legends as a teammate.

F1 World truly excels in multiplayer mode. Rather than a standard mode containing lobbies, F1 23 instead offers a variety of different multiplayer options. Daily, weekly, and seasonal content is offered as well as an overhauled Licence Level system that rewards players for completing scenarios.

The biggest introduction to F1 World is the concept of unlocking car upgrades for completing series and events. The more series you complete, the faster your online car becomes via ranked, unlocked upgrades to increase your Tech level. This mode effectively ports over elements of My Team into multiplayer. As your tech level increases, you become more competitive.

In addition to car upgrades, players will also start hiring team members. A Team Principal follows after the first series is complete, with others following. Players can then assign them goals, met through playing through the various online modes and scenarios.

A question of expectations

F1 World is an interesting addition to F1 23. This and Braking Point 2 are the biggest positives in the game. The word “expectations” is at the core of F1 23’s offering. Braking Point 2 explores expectations of teams, families and the cut-throat environment of F1. The new F1 World hub and series mode warp fan and player expectations, with the open question of whether fans will accept them.

F1 23 gets many things right. A politically charged story mode that tackles current talking points, including the very welcome addition of a female racing protagonist for players to get behind.

The game has no intention of reinventing the wheel. If fans are expecting a refresh, with all aspects of the game enhanced, the experience will be fun. F1 23 is in essence like a smartphone upgrade. You want it, you need it but know ultimately your new device is not going to be revolutionary. That said, there is more than enough for fans to enjoy.

F1 23 Champions Edition 3-Day Early Access starts on June 13. Full release on Playstation, Xbox, and Steam follows on June 16th.

Feature Image Credit: EA F1 23