F1 2016

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 132 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 103 out of 132
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 132
  3. Negative: 18 out of 132
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  1. MazinroboX2
    Aug 20, 2016
    9
    At last a good F1 game! Thanks Codemasters, it took 6 years to give the fans what they wanted! The amount of features especially compared to its predecessors is stunning, Career Mode, Manual starts and manual braking when entering the pits, Safety Car (although in the actual version it hardly ever appears) and Virtual Safety Car, car improvements in the course of the season,.. ManyAt last a good F1 game! Thanks Codemasters, it took 6 years to give the fans what they wanted! The amount of features especially compared to its predecessors is stunning, Career Mode, Manual starts and manual braking when entering the pits, Safety Car (although in the actual version it hardly ever appears) and Virtual Safety Car, car improvements in the course of the season,.. Many interesting features! I don't like the AI too much, though, because they are not very racey, I hope they patch it in an update, they give up the position too easily.

    All in all, if you are a fan of F1, or race games, this one is a must-have.    … Expand
  2. Skiman
    Aug 19, 2016
    10
    This game is a major step forward from the last game (F1 2015). I have played many F1 games and this is by far the best. You are immediately sucked into the world of formula 1. You know the traffics and game play is going to be accurate, it's the little things can't changes that set this game apart. So many things added that it's to many to mention. Go play. It's awesome!
  3. ShadowCaster
    Jul 23, 2017
    2
    Codemasters still provides the worst racing game AI available as they've done since the release of ToCa Race Driver in 2002 - Drive in a straight line, ignore the player's existence by ramming one off the road like a freight train and completely lose composure (or rather, short-circuit as the primitive robots they are, devoid of any humanlike behavioral features) even against other AICodemasters still provides the worst racing game AI available as they've done since the release of ToCa Race Driver in 2002 - Drive in a straight line, ignore the player's existence by ramming one off the road like a freight train and completely lose composure (or rather, short-circuit as the primitive robots they are, devoid of any humanlike behavioral features) even against other AI drivers if they happen to be off the ideal racing line. Along with the lies (properly referred to as false advertizing, punishable by law that is ignored in this case because it concerns mere games) regarding dynamic weather and track conditions since the release of F1 2010 that have been implemented better in other F1-games since Formula 1 '97 on PlayStation 1 by Psygnosis up until their last effort in 2006 under the moniker Sony Studio Liverpool, not to mention companies like EA and even more so, Microprose,

    Codemasters still provide the same game they do every year simply by updating the visual features, driver roster and tracks while they only verbally address the obvious flaws of the games, giving empty promises of fixing them primarily in an update and eventually for the next game thus coaxing the blind mice to keep on purchasing their future products for maximum monetary gain with the minimal possible effort. On the plus side, the game controls well enough for what it is and looks decent, but that's all it has to give and these two reasons are what prevents me from giving this game a 0/10 review.

    As it is, the AI makes the game absolutely unplayable in single player mode and even multiplayer mode is hindered by the more-arcade-than-arcade -features such as ghosting and the default safety car period length of three laps, neither of which can be adjusted for serious online league racing purposes and both of which also are apparent in the single player mode, taking away any credibility from the claims of this game being an F1-experience per se. As a final notion, all I have to say I've been fooled for the last time by Codemasters and will not purchase any more racing games they release - I'd rather have even EA take over the F1 license as their Shift 2 was a masterpiece compared to anything pumped out by Codemasters during the three console generations of the 2000s, including non-racing releases.    … Expand
  4. SpacedSkunk
    Sep 3, 2016
    8
    Back in 2011 I was gifted a copy of F1 for my PS3, I'm a big F1 fan...naturally have an affiliation with the game therefore...was it any good? No. The career mode was about as engaging as playing poker by yourself, the AI was reminiscent of watching your trigger happy mate play Scalextric and the multiplayer experience was at best a brilliant rendition of the chaos theory meets terribleBack in 2011 I was gifted a copy of F1 for my PS3, I'm a big F1 fan...naturally have an affiliation with the game therefore...was it any good? No. The career mode was about as engaging as playing poker by yourself, the AI was reminiscent of watching your trigger happy mate play Scalextric and the multiplayer experience was at best a brilliant rendition of the chaos theory meets terrible netcode, colliding with other cars that were in parallel universe. It was a confused game, like a person trying to be someone they aren't.

    Skip forward 5 years and has it matured? Oh hell yes. You've got a career mode that engages you on and off track into the world of Formula 1, and presented beautifully. It's a 10 year career mode where you are yourself, which is a welcome feature. You pick from around 15 set avatars mind, and they all look a bit strange, but it's a start. It's the little touches though that take this career mode to the point of polish that I care rarely achieve when spending 3 hours on my shoes. You are engaged with all the sessions of the race as you earn research points in order to develop your car to bring it in line with the top performing manufacturers - it's a really nice touch in order for you to start off on the low achieving team to bring it to a level it can compete with the higher achieving ones (although you can start off with any team you want). I'm not far enough into the career mode yet to say whether it will get dull over time, but so far it's well worth buying just for the single player.

    The AI is now pretty good, the still do daft things mind and until you set it to Legend or Ultimate they seem weak and give positions up too easily, so Codemasters listen; the AI difficult should just be linked to the pace of the player and NOT overtaking, if you are new to the game and have a lower difficulty it removes the reward of overtaking when they just seemingly slow down for you in the corners.

    Multiplayer then. Well this still could do with some polish in all fairness, it still just doesn't feel like a complete feature. The online gameplay though is brilliant now; the netcode has clearly matured from the last one I played and can now handle the speed. There are ranked modes with set criteria to simplify online and allow a 'plug and play' casual race, something with sim racers just aren't brilliant at if you only have 30 mins spare. It doesn't have a bespoke online co-op mode unfortunately, but since Codemasters clearly listened to the customers this year hopefully we'll see that in an update or next years game - this isn't a breaking point for me though as you can force a co-op career mode through the online championships and just make sure you set it to invite only.

    OK, so what about the driving physics and overall on track experience? It's a nice mixture I'd say of sim and arcade. Sim racers I think will still enjoy it, because the car handles as you would expect but you can push earlier, it's very manageable with a controller and it's not too difficult to manage tyre wear or fuel. I haven't really felt a dramatic difference in changing car setups, so people who love to sit there perfecting the setup might feel disappointed. Manual starts, formation lap and manual pit entry all add to the game and bring that drama onto the track - really welcome additions. The tyre strategy is lovely and brings another dimension into this game as you plan your pitstops before the race start and you're guided by your engineer when to pit. Your strategy can be the make or break of the race result and the control it gives you makes it rewarding when you pull it off.

    What parts could be better? Well I have it an 8, not a 10, it isn't perfect. The online modes could have had more polish in line with the single player career with a bespoke co-op mode. The force feedback when I play with the wheel isn't the best, but Assetto Corsa has set a high benchmark for that in all honesty and the game despite supporting the G29 doesn't support all of the buttons, like the brake bias wheel, at least on the PS4.

    Should YOU buy it? If you're an F1 fan, YES. If you like racing games in general. YES. If you like sim racing. Well if you're happy it isn't a hardcore sim but makes up for it in features and tactical play then YES. If you want a hardcore sim and nothing else, then NO.    … Expand
  5. stefan1985
    Aug 21, 2016
    8
    F1 2016 is back and this time dare i say it's.....GREAT. The game does feel and look different than last years game and its all for the better. The graphics while similar do look that little bit better but i never thought the F1 games were ugly anyway. The steering and sound have all been re-worked and the cars now sound pretty close to their real world counterparts. I'll keep it short,F1 2016 is back and this time dare i say it's.....GREAT. The game does feel and look different than last years game and its all for the better. The graphics while similar do look that little bit better but i never thought the F1 games were ugly anyway. The steering and sound have all been re-worked and the cars now sound pretty close to their real world counterparts. I'll keep it short, the game is good and if you are a open wheel fan this is a must buy.… Expand
  6. fridayuk
    Aug 20, 2016
    8
    as always you get morons rate a game on them being stupid...this is not a 9 or 10 far too many bugs let alone the last gen graphics....better then last years time trial game....lots of options and good game play to meet everyone's personal enjoyment let down by lots of bugs and very very poor graphics ill even go as far as saying the graphics are the worst i have seen on the ps4...still asas always you get morons rate a game on them being stupid...this is not a 9 or 10 far too many bugs let alone the last gen graphics....better then last years time trial game....lots of options and good game play to meet everyone's personal enjoyment let down by lots of bugs and very very poor graphics ill even go as far as saying the graphics are the worst i have seen on the ps4...still as there is no competition this is the best f1 game on the current gen......but that is because they have no competition so they can make any garbage… Expand
  7. Aidennl
    Aug 19, 2016
    10
    A positive twist to the F1 genre, finally introducing the career mode which is quite thrilling. A beautiful game with great mechanics and great steering, which assures a fun time in every race! This is by far the best Formula 1 game in years.
  8. Madmaz
    Aug 19, 2016
    9
    Whats with those critic scores? What so called expert gives this game anything less than 80% ??..As a gamer let me tell you this is the best F1 game to date,. All the little things codies missed in last years game are there , safety car, career, etc. Practice sessions now mean something as you get little tasks that can contribute to your R&D for the car.

    10 season career, what more can    Whats with those critic scores? What so called expert gives this game anything less than 80% ??..As a gamer let me tell you this is the best F1 game to date,. All the little things codies missed in last years game are there , safety car, career, etc. Practice sessions now mean something as you get little tasks that can contribute to your R&D for the car.

    10 season career, what more can you ask for. The game has loads of customisation options to play around with , different types of qualifying sessions ie one shot or full, etc Its just brilliant. Whats it like on the track? Awesome, if there is any one thing i would criticise is the steering on pad feels a bit iffy, but you can get used to it! ..if you like F1, go get this game, seriously.    … Expand
  9. AfNino
    Aug 19, 2016
    9
    A great turnaround for the Codemasters F1 series after the farce that was F1 2015. The depth of the career mode is extraordinary. You truly are experiencing as close as reality with all the strategies and tasks on offer. Online is a much better turnaround from last year with the increase to 22-car lobbies. A few bugs that have recurred throughout the F1 series in the online multiplayerA great turnaround for the Codemasters F1 series after the farce that was F1 2015. The depth of the career mode is extraordinary. You truly are experiencing as close as reality with all the strategies and tasks on offer. Online is a much better turnaround from last year with the increase to 22-car lobbies. A few bugs that have recurred throughout the F1 series in the online multiplayer just prevent me giving it a perfect 10 score but I can safely say this is the best F1 game of the whole series. Well worth for any racing fan out there.… Expand
  10. BrankoDeban
    Aug 19, 2016
    10
    Best F1 game ever made !
  11. lizardking420
    Aug 19, 2016
    8
    Mild upgrade but a must have. The new particle effects and physics improvement are nice. Seeing rubber on screen is my favourite improvement but not an accumulation on road unfortunately. Graphically almost the same as last year and much less stable. New be yourself modes is nice. Career suffers from some bad frame rate while in the new area. Rivals and career management are back. TheMild upgrade but a must have. The new particle effects and physics improvement are nice. Seeing rubber on screen is my favourite improvement but not an accumulation on road unfortunately. Graphically almost the same as last year and much less stable. New be yourself modes is nice. Career suffers from some bad frame rate while in the new area. Rivals and career management are back. The wheel simulation i can't mention since my g29 broke.… Expand
  12. SNESStarter
    Sep 6, 2016
    9
    Every dev should take notes from Codemasters, this is how you turn a franchise around after a poor effort. After last years disasters, F1 2016 improves in absolutely every single way. This is THE racing game of 2016 as far as I'm concerned and without a doubt the best racer on PS4.
  13. Hoover72
    Sep 14, 2016
    9
    Best F1 game ever!
    Codemasters have listened to the critics and made a hell of a game!

    Good gameplay, no major bugs (what I have seen), stabil fps for a console game.
    And really fun and good career mode.

    Thanks codemasters for your hard work, will buy next year again if you keep this up.. :)
  14. the_master_13
    Aug 20, 2016
    10
    This is the best F1 game ever made.
    Game play:
    The already good AI from 2015 has been updated to be more realistic. You see less weird moves by the IA. They even added an Ultimate AI, better than the Legend AI. It will ask you alot of practice and concentration to win at this difficulty level. They add-on of manual start is truly changing the starts because you have complete control of    This is the best F1 game ever made.
    Game play:
    The already good AI from 2015 has been updated to be more realistic. You see less weird moves by the IA. They even added an Ultimate AI, better than the Legend AI. It will ask you alot of practice and concentration to win at this difficulty level. They add-on of manual start is truly changing the starts because you have complete control of the car. You can make a false start and get a penalty, a great one and really gain places with it or do a bad one and suffer from it but you are in control, it's not random or anything. The formation lap also add to the immersion. It could have been a little more challenging to make a perfect formation lap but that's no big deal. Also, the handling of the car is harder to master and makes this game feel more like a simulation. You will see the effects of different setups and tires. The engineer making pit stop strategy change suggestion during the race is also a nice add on that make the immersion feel great. One of the biggest add-on is the Safety Car and Virtual Safety Car. Feels great to have it back, well made.
    Content:
    They welcome back of Career mode is the true highlight of the game. You will run R&D development with your team during practice sessions. Having access to all 3 of practice sessions again is also helping feeling more immerse in the game. Running the development of the car like you want is really nice and can help improve what you think is bad about the car you have. The return of Online Championship is also welcome.
    Graphics:
    It is fair to say that the overall graphics are not that great. If you look to the grass for example when the session is starting and it's showing the track from different point of view, it's almost ugly. However, what matters the most looks great. The cars looks stunning. The rain effects are also great. You can see the water dripping from your mirror on the grid or have water splash in the screen just like you would have on your helmet driving in the wet. You can see the heat coming out of the cars. The avatars are a little better than last year and look more realistic even we have seen better. When creating your character for career mode, you can choose between about 20 avatars. That could have been better but at least you can customize your helmet! You chose the overall model and can change the colors.

    Overall it's the best F1 game ever made. It has a great gameplay, great AI, all sort of details that make the game realistic and make you feel completely immersed in the F1 universe. It has great gameplay to enjoy and master and a great career mode to give you a reason to invest time in the game.
    It doesn't have more fantasy modes like F1 2012 and 2013 add nor Classic Content but that is really something that was not the primary request for this games. These are extra that you can add after having a perfect or almost game or other aspects.
    I heavily recommend this game to any F1 fan and every car game gamer.    … Expand
  15. chr1so
    Dec 27, 2017
    9
    I love this game, especially with a wheel. The handling is amazing, graphics are great (although could be improved upon), and it's just a pleasure to drive.
    The only reason I lost interest is because I wanted to get good with no assists, but when you play online, there's no penalty for using assists, so you more or less have to use them to be as competitive as possible.
    It just gave me    I love this game, especially with a wheel. The handling is amazing, graphics are great (although could be improved upon), and it's just a pleasure to drive.
    The only reason I lost interest is because I wanted to get good with no assists, but when you play online, there's no penalty for using assists, so you more or less have to use them to be as competitive as possible.
    It just gave me no incentive to continue working on it and I lost interest.    … Expand
  16. Bolkie
    Aug 23, 2016
    10
    As mentioned by many previous reviews: this is the best F1 game yet. However, I didn't buy the last few as I was disappointed with Codemasters previous F1 games. When I heard they used the same engine as Dirt Rally, I was immediately interested. The handling is great and using a controleer gives you the feeling you do have everything under control. The career is amazing: well balanced,As mentioned by many previous reviews: this is the best F1 game yet. However, I didn't buy the last few as I was disappointed with Codemasters previous F1 games. When I heard they used the same engine as Dirt Rally, I was immediately interested. The handling is great and using a controleer gives you the feeling you do have everything under control. The career is amazing: well balanced, good menu and plenty of freedom to do the things you want to do. I am really enjoying it, this is a game for any racer, you don't have to be a F1 nerd (though they will love this!) :-).… Expand
  17. 325_hawks
    Aug 20, 2016
    9
    I'm not a huge fan of F1,so I can't comment on the authenticity of the drivers and cars (sponsors etc) accuracy really, but I am a fan of racing games. F1 '16 does a great job at simulating what it feels like to be driving 200+ MPH while making hairpin turns and avoiding other cars and other obstacles in your path. I've played roughly 1/3rd of a season in career mode so far and it's beenI'm not a huge fan of F1,so I can't comment on the authenticity of the drivers and cars (sponsors etc) accuracy really, but I am a fan of racing games. F1 '16 does a great job at simulating what it feels like to be driving 200+ MPH while making hairpin turns and avoiding other cars and other obstacles in your path. I've played roughly 1/3rd of a season in career mode so far and it's been an enjoyable experience. The full sim was too much for me so I lowered it to quick weekends just to experience all the tracks and get accustomed to them all. This is where I think the game really shines. It allows F1 fans and people like me who are just racing fans to really enjoy the game. Die hard fans will want a full sim, 100% race length, authentic damage and full customization of your car, more casual fans, or those who just want to jump in and play a quick 5 lap race also have that option. The weather factor is also cool as it greatly affects the tracks and how the car handles just like in real life and you really feel like you're driving on slick pavement. This isn't a game you can just go all out and bounce off the walls and keep going, your car will get destroyed and your race will be over. However, if you're a lead foot, there is a rewind option similar to forza where you can rewind back a few seconds and get a 2nd chance at making that pass or making that turn. The game isn't perfect, there's some minor graphical glitches but those are mostly after race presentations. The crew chief's voice coming through the controller speaker is also a nice touch.… Expand
  18. Espolosin
    Jan 27, 2017
    8
    Este es el mejor juego de f1 de los últimos 5 años, desde el f1 2010 codemasters no había vuelto hacer un juego de f1 de esta calidad.

    El modo trayectoria vuelve este año con una nueva característica con la que da al modo de juego una variabilidad inmensa, que es que podemos desarrollar el vehículo para poder mejorarlo, lo bueno de esto es que no en todas las trayectorias que hagamos    Este es el mejor juego de f1 de los últimos 5 años, desde el f1 2010 codemasters no había vuelto hacer un juego de f1 de esta calidad.

    El modo trayectoria vuelve este año con una nueva característica con la que da al modo de juego una variabilidad inmensa, que es que podemos desarrollar el vehículo para poder mejorarlo, lo bueno de esto es que no en todas las trayectorias que hagamos los equipos no tendrán el mismo rendimiento, dando esto a si mismo mucha vida al juego.

    Lo único a mi parecer que le falta a este modo trayectoria, es que no solo nosotros podamos cambiarnos de equipo, si no que los demás equipos se vallan transfiriendo entre ellos pilotos, esto daría al juego mas variedad.

    El punto mas negativo que tiene el juego es el modo online, al buscar partidas, no hay un parámetro que siga al buscar a otros jugadores esto hace que te puedas encontrar con cualquier persona, haciendo que en las carreras, que la gente simplemente quiere disfrutar se la arruinen los típicos que van solo a chocar, esto frustra much y al final el modo online de partidas publicas no lo juega nadie que quiera ir a correr enserio.    … Expand
  19. Rosario
    Aug 21, 2016
    10
    Best F1 game ever made...really i don´t understand all the "pseudo experts" reviewers given "8" scores...why??? this game have a perfect equilibrium between sim details and arcade fun, is very adjustable and replayable, good dificult, and automatically becames one of the better racing games in this generation (with Dirt Rally). /// Graphics are OK, very smooth and realistic, controlBest F1 game ever made...really i don´t understand all the "pseudo experts" reviewers given "8" scores...why??? this game have a perfect equilibrium between sim details and arcade fun, is very adjustable and replayable, good dificult, and automatically becames one of the better racing games in this generation (with Dirt Rally). /// Graphics are OK, very smooth and realistic, control response is excelent even with a dualshock4 pad ....and the F1 atmosphere are very good recreated. Good job codemasters… Expand
  20. JyroJyro
    Dec 22, 2017
    8
    F1 2016's newly revamped career mode is a joy, with the R&D targets & upgrades being a particular favourite of mine. Whilst the visuals are still some way behind other racing games, sound design is fairly decent (especially considering the puny V6 turbos). I also enjoyed the online modes, which makes me feel a lot faster than I actually am thanks to the vast amount of newbies, proving justF1 2016's newly revamped career mode is a joy, with the R&D targets & upgrades being a particular favourite of mine. Whilst the visuals are still some way behind other racing games, sound design is fairly decent (especially considering the puny V6 turbos). I also enjoyed the online modes, which makes me feel a lot faster than I actually am thanks to the vast amount of newbies, proving just how accessible this game is due to the variable level of assists.… Expand
  21. Lewis-Angelo
    Nov 12, 2018
    8
    gran juego de la saga, un paso adelante desde el gran F1 2013

    aunque los coches pecan un poco de sobreviradores y al final los reglajes tienden a ser demasiado parecidos
    el manejo en condiciones de lluvia es excelente y divertidísimo, una lástima que no hayan incluido coches clásicos
    la IA es un poco loca en algunos circuitos
  22. AndersL
    May 14, 2017
    9
    Relatively late to the game. Was brought back into F1 after the exciting end to last year and the competitive start to this year. The game is the best F1 game i have ever played. The various difficulty levels really lets you grow into the game and even the practice sessions are fun and meaningful. Halfway through the first career season and I see this aspect of the game perhaps being a bitRelatively late to the game. Was brought back into F1 after the exciting end to last year and the competitive start to this year. The game is the best F1 game i have ever played. The various difficulty levels really lets you grow into the game and even the practice sessions are fun and meaningful. Halfway through the first career season and I see this aspect of the game perhaps being a bit of a grind, but I guess it should be.… Expand
  23. Blood8282
    Feb 23, 2019
    9
    F1 2016 is a major step forward from the 2015 edition. The visuals and car handling are improved, but most of all, the career mode is back at its best. The online experience is also a brilliant and addictive experience, with up to 22 players in a race! The changing weather conditions are also very well done. The game features an awesome 21 race tracks, including the new and tricky BakuF1 2016 is a major step forward from the 2015 edition. The visuals and car handling are improved, but most of all, the career mode is back at its best. The online experience is also a brilliant and addictive experience, with up to 22 players in a race! The changing weather conditions are also very well done. The game features an awesome 21 race tracks, including the new and tricky Baku street circuit. Codemasters have almost created F1 gaming perfection!… Expand
  24. aaronnmp96
    Feb 1, 2023
    6
    Perhaps in races and the Gameplay very well, although I was left wanting the split screen.

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best PS4 Game of 2016
61
#61 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 49 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 49
  3. Negative: 0 out of 49
  1. CD-Action
    Nov 18, 2016
    85
    At last F1 is a game it should have always been – a feast for both hardcore Formula 1 fans who expect a proper simulation and those who want to pick up such game for the first time. It’s unbelievable that Codemasters’ series needed six years to reach the level of MicroProse’s unforgettable Grand Prix 4. [11/2016, p.52]
  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Oct 16, 2016
    80
    This year's career mode has everything else you could want. [Nov 2016, p.94]
  3. Games Master UK
    Oct 3, 2016
    83
    Complex and rewarding, this is modern F1 on a disc. It makes F1 2015 look like a demo. [Oct 2006, p.69]
See all critic reviews »