F1 2011 is fun but is disappointing for a Formula One fan.
Many people may buy this game without playing Codemasters first release, F1 2010 and take this as a game that you can jump straight into and have lots of fun.
This is most certainly the case if you use all the driving aids such as traction control but having the driving aids off is much more rewarding at the end of the race.
F1 2011 accurately mimics the handling and reactions of a typical Formula 1 car and performance varies from team to team.
Codemasters has done a stellar job with the visuals. Each cockpit cam is unique and the steering wheel is extremely detailed.
The visuals have definitely taken a step forward from F1 2010.
Playing a season with any car, you will become familiar very quickly with how the car handles and how it reacts through slow and fast corners.
For example you will realize without traction control you cannot bury the throttle while exiting corners otherwise you will leave yourself stationary in a cloud of smoke.
AI do not defend their position and are too easy to overtake even on professional difficulty. This is very frustrating for a person that follow Formula One as a sport closely. I played through a season with Williams and as an avid F1 fan I know that the Williams Cosworth car is unable to out brake/ overtake a Ferrari.
Codemasters assumes you have a lot of previous Formula One knowledge as a sport such as tyre/ pit stop strategies which you can alter before the race so you can choose to go for a longer stint on certain tyres.
You may find it difficult to start off without ABS as you can lock your brakes easily without practice but it is best to start without any driving aids right from the start so that you don't receive a shock because this game has a steep learning curve if you have the driving aids off.
The key is to gradually but firmly apply the brakes so you do not lock up into corners. If you have a steering wheel and pedal set then it will be so much easier to master the handling.
Crash physics are still as dull as ever.
Crashes do not produce enough debris.
Most of the time you will only damage your front wing and occasionally puncture a tyre.
Crashes should be a thing that you should try to avoid but when you do crash it should be spectacular.
Even when you purposely go head on into a barrier at 300 Kilometres an hour it is still boring.
The introduction movie at the start is something that is not in many games these days and F1 2011 definitely did well with the intro movie.
The audio is definitely one of the best things about this game,
even the DRS flap has a noise. And when you hit that KERS button the noise reminds you that you are in complete control.
DRS is difficult to coordinate at first but when you get it right it produces good, realistic overtaking opportunities.
The "extended paddock" hardly extended from F1 2010.
Lotus and HRT do not have KERS so be wary when selecting your team for your career.
There is a constant need to re configure your controls which makes things very frustrating and this is a big let down for me as I am a gaming enthusiast and I know how important it is for a game to save your settings.
Safety cars is an exciting addition to this game as you have to come up with ways to keep your tyres warm.
Your race engineer gives you valuable information such as changing fuel maps and aero maps.
Multiplayer co-op lets you play with a friend on the same team which is a brilliant feature in F1 2011 which works well in this game.
Penalties can be very harsh, so if you find that you have received a 10 grid spot penalty in free practice because you have FAIRLY re joined the track after spinning out, then do not be afraid to put the rules and flags on reduced.
New driver celebrations are very well done, although the champagne celebrations should be included.
F1 2011 has not taken many improvements from its predecessor except for the visuals and audio and a new multiplayer mode.
This game can be fun at times but also disappointing in some important areas.