Formula One Championship Edition

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Feb 27, 2007
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 55 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 55
  3. Negative: 2 out of 55
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  1. Play.tm
    74
    Championship Edition is super-realistic. Perhaps too much so for its own good. For F1 buffs it is ideal, but if you want an adrenaline-pumping ride on PS3, there's another game, with a big desert and mad vehicles, which does it all much better I'm afraid. One for the fanatics, then.
  2. GameTrailers
    73
    It’s great to see Formula 1 come back to the North American gaming scene, and Championship Edition is a very solid entry. But it’s a bit disappointing that, outside of the shiny new PS3 graphics, F1 still has all of the same problems we were seeing in these games years ago.
  3. Game Almighty
    73
    The online play is fairly impressive, with a field of up to 11 human competitors that’s rounded out by another 11 AI opponents. The only real problem with this game is that it’s just not fun.
  5. IGN
    72
    Things aren't perfect. The Career mode requires that you leap over a rather large hurdle before you can jump into a race, and things like the collision-free online play may irk some.
  6. Gaming Horizon
    72
    The game doesn’t feature spectacular crashes or a significant ability to modify your vehicles. Instead players are forced to perfect laps and drive very accurately meaning the title is either a hit or miss, there’s very little in between.
  7. GameSpot
    72
    Though its presentation is rather dry, Formula One Championship Edition is a good racing game that straddles the fine line between being accessible to newcomers yet deep enough for longtime fans of the series.
  8. Play UK
    72
    Whilst playing it on the hardest difficulty seems pointless to anyone but the most hardened of fans, the game has seen a significant hike in quality and fun since the last one. It's just the balance of the difficulty that isn't quite right. [Issue #150, p.76]
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  9. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    72
    Yeah, F1 looks great, but I felt more like I was guiding the camera around the track on a flyby than driving a 19,000-rpm racing beast. [Apr 2007, p.84]
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  10. PSW Magazine UK
    70
    Championship Edition is super-realistic. Perhaps too much for its own good. For F1 buffs that's ideal, but if you want an adrenaline-pumping ride on PS3, there's another game, with a big desert and mad vehicles, which does it far better.
  11. Kombo
    70
    The biggest downfall is the racing itself. Aside from Quick Race, you have to do more solo practice laps than I cared to do. I wanted to fight for position and not try and constantly beat my old time by me being the only car on the track. When the big race finally came, I was bored of the track and wanted something else to do.
  12. GameDaily
    70
    F1 Championship Edition will only disappoint those expecting a quick and easy ride. The game was built to challenge throughout each lap, with a demanding Career Mode and its uphill learning curve. On the other hand, those who want something more out of their racing games should find it a valuable investment.
  13. WHAM! Gaming
    69
    Formula One: Championship Edition is clearly aimed at real racing game fans and those people, whether they're playing a simple quick race or time trial, in career mode, Grand Prix Weekend, World Championship or with others online, should certainly be satisfied here.
  14. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    68
    Formula One Championship Edition is a weak debut for F1 on PS3, trying to hide its complete lack of progress and innovation behind a high-def exterior; but it’s not all bad.
  15. G4 TV
    60
    The tweaking and decent gameplay salvages things, but the caps the game's developers put on things leaves you struggling to have fun instead of it coming naturally.
  16. Eurogamer
    60
    It doesn't contain any real surprises and it does exactly what you'd expect a Formula One game to do. It's a faithful simulation of the sport: just like the real thing, it's mildly diverting, good for soaking up a hangover at the weekend but goes on far too long.
  17. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    60
    Formula One is far from terrible, but it simply can't compete with the balls-out brilliance of "Motorstorm." [May 2007, p.88]
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  18. Gamestyle
    60
    Players who put in the time and effort will receive a stimulating and demanding experience.
  19. The Sydney Morning Herald
    60
    Fortunately, if you are an F1 purist, you will discover a comprehensive and challenging simulation that offers long-term appeal.
  20. games(TM)
    50
    It’s tedious to keep referring to this latest F1 release with the words, 'as in previous versions', but unfortunately that’s the generic and clichéd approach that has been taken with the latest in the series. [Mar 2007, p.121]
    All this publication's reviews
  21. Detroit Free Press
    50
    How well can you follow a big green line? The game shows you the shortest distance around the track -- a green line to follow. The line turns briefly red when you come to a turn, but don't ease up on the throttle, because the game slows your vehicle down for you. How boring is that?
  22. Gaming Age
    50
    There's a bit of a high learning curve to get over in order to find much enjoyment or excitement in the game, although fans of the genre or sport in particular will likely not mind at all.

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best PS3 Game of 2007
23
#23 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2007
42
#42 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 78 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 78
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 78
  3. Negative: 9 out of 78
  1. JamesJensen
    Nov 11, 2008
    10
    The reason the "professional" game reviews are relatively low is because this game is HARD. Guess what? So is driving an F1 car. This gameThe reason the "professional" game reviews are relatively low is because this game is HARD. Guess what? So is driving an F1 car. This game appeals to die hards like me who enjoy having to run an error free race just to barely win by 2 seconds. Career mode is fun, but full of conceptual errors, such as when you are promoted to first driver, the original first driver is relegated to test driver (why would Renault bench Alonso rather than Fisichella???). During the race, it's also annoying how you are the only one who will ever spin on oil. And in the rain, it's aggravating how all the other drivers are only a few seconds off the dry pace while remaining on the dry racing line. But all in all, this is a great driving game, and a must have for anyone who takes their driving seriously.… Full Review »
  2. ItsHimAgain
    Sep 12, 2010
    10
    This is one my all-time favorite racing games. In fact, I had never even watched an F1 race prior to getting this game. I enjoyed it soThis is one my all-time favorite racing games. In fact, I had never even watched an F1 race prior to getting this game. I enjoyed it so much, I actually now follow the F1 series in real-life and enjoy it.

    If you are into "simulation" type racing you will not be disappointed with this one. I would recommend that you definitely use a racing wheel however as that is much better than trying to control your car with a regular controller.    … Full Review »
  3. ScottR.
    Mar 31, 2008
    10
    I wasn't totally sure what to expect from this game as I had never played an F1 racing game before. I chose to ignore the critics I wasn't totally sure what to expect from this game as I had never played an F1 racing game before. I chose to ignore the critics reviews and base my decision to purchase the game on the user reviews which scored the game 8.9. I am very glad I made that decision. I am practically obsessed with this game. I love the realistic driving physics and damage. The visuals are incredible and the difficulty has so much customization that you can keep turning off the driving aids as you get better at the game so the challenge is always relative to your skill level. This is the best driving I have ever played.… Full Review »
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