F1 2012

F1 2012 isn't without a small amount of bugs and areas to improve on (which Codemasters may have already addressed by the time this hits the site) but whether you're a current owner of an F1 title or are looking to jump in, this year's release is an easy sell.

Additions like local weather and longer races seem simple changes, but make F1 2012 even more realistic. Racing is so intense that it isn't hard to lose yourself in F1 2012. Not every mode is as elaborate and there are some minor faults, but F1 2012 is simply too complete to worry about that.

Overall F1 2012 is a great step forward for the F1 series. It's extremely fun and highly addictive and with the amount of game modes available, it even caters for the recreational gamer. Although the AI could do with some beefing up, this is a racing game that should definitely be on your 'to get list'. I'm off to set some lap records in Monte Carlo.

F1 2012 is racing at its finest and it successfully manages to be a serious simulation and available for new players at the same time. Those who take the time to understand the games mechanics will be rewarded with one of the best racing games of this generation.

All the polish, options and new modes are all well and good, but without a precise handling model and intelligent AI, then F1 2012 wouldn't be worth the upgrade, so the fact Codemasters have managed to spend the year getting that aspect right, plus improve all the bells and whistles is just so refreshing to see.

There's no doubt F1 2012 is the best game in the series, in both content and execution, but it still feels to me like this franchise needs a year off.

It's hard to see how core F1 gameplay can be done better on current-gen and there's a wealth of gameplay challenges to explore. If you passed up F1 2011 because it was too similar to F1 2010, you'll find F1 2012 a massive leap forward.

Codemasters has tweaked the driving physics to work surprisingly well with a stock Xbox 360 controller.

It's a title that demands skill and tactics over thoughtless speeding, and as such will likely lose the interest of less committed players.

Another podium-worthy effort from Codemasters that deserves to be doused in expensive champagne once more. F1 2012 is the best Formula One game Codies has made to date, welcoming newcomers with open arms, while refusing to dial down the realism for the established fans. A tough balancing act that F1 2012 pulls off with aplomb.

Codemasters Racing's typical attention to detail and presentation values continue. This is a good evolution of the F1 series and the most enjoyable F1 game I have played since 1997's F1:CE.

Codemasters once again proves their worth in the racing genre with undoubtedly the best of their F1 series to date.

An evolutionary step in Codemasters' series, with great improvements in almost every area. Unmissable by every Formula One lover.

This installment of F1 series is another great hit from Codemasters. Few new features enhance the global formula, while the gameplay remains adaptive and funny.

F1 2012 provides licenses, tracks, new modes and the usual high demands to players. The racing simulation consolidates its claim to be the best F1 game on the market.

Breathless, edge-of-the-seat racing from the five red lights to the chequered flag. [Nov 2012, p.78]

The most authentic F1-Game to date - with improved gameplay and graphics. The AI might not be perfect and sometimes you can take a shortcut without being punished, but all in all F1 2012 is a great game with tons of content and options.

While the driving in F1 2012 is as tough as ever, quicker modes and a greater emphasis on driver rivalries make it easier for a broader audience to get into. There's still plenty of room to make for a more exciting depiction of the sport, reflecting the trends of a given season, but Codemasters continues to push its strengths to create demanding and detailed racing gameplay.

F1 2012 is the best Formula One simulator in the present generation. You can feel the car every time you turn and the new modes are very entertaining and demanding. In F1 2012 you really are a Formula One driver.

For hard-core auto racing gamers, especially those that love Formula 1, Codemasters once again has a fuel-charged and totally immersive, realistic racing simulation in F1 2012 that has everything a F1 fanatic could want.

As a Formula 1 simulator, there really is nothing better on the market, and the dichotomy between the desires of the hardcore and the casual gaming market has been balanced exquisitely. Credit must be given to Codemasters for refusing to rest on their laurels like some annual releases and making an effort to give us a new game rather than adding a few minor tweaks and releasing what amounts to a glorified expansion pack.

F1 2012 is a racing game with guts. It rewards players that invest time in practicing, but those who'd want to take it to the extreme receive even more. Codemasters could've put some more time into providing the game with some new elements though.

Thrilling racing and a friendlier approach to newcomers make F1 2012 the best entry in the series yet.

F1 2012 is truly an example of master craftsmanship in the world of simulation racers.

Definitely a step forward, but still it doesn't surprise. This is the common problem of the annual series, but we need to make it clear that this episode means an improvement compared to F1 2011. Now, if you have the last episode it's up to you to decide whether the new one is worth it. If you don't, it's a wonderful racing game and the best F1 title we've seen in years.

This year's F1 game delivers something for everyone. The feel for the driving is as deep as you want it to be. [Oct 2012]

Codemasters continues down the path of evolving and improving its most recent racing franchise. And, with the 2012 edition, almost everything seems to be in its proper place.

While F1 die-hards will no doubt spot inaccuracies or missed opportunities, as a casual fan and observer of the sport, I was impressed by it. If you have even a passing interest in Formula One, or happen to be a race sim junkie looking for your next hit, F1 2012 won't steer you wrong (see what I did there!?).

There's so much care put into making the game accessible that it's always fun in instances where it could be unnecessarily punishing. If you're a F1 junkie, don't hesitate to play this-and try getting a non-fan to take it for a few laps, too.

The best the series has ever been at welcoming newcomers, but veterans might find the improvements lack impact.

F1 2012 is a must-play for Formula 1 enthusiasts who also count themselves among the ranks of racing game fans. The feature set is simply too rich, the attention to detail too great to turn it down. More casual racing fans will have a harder time justifying a purchase. It's a steep learning curve, and quite an investment of time to function at high levels. Either way, it is certainly an achievement.

While Codemasters did lean more towards attracting casual players with F1 2012, we can't help but feel that those most familiar to the series – or the sport in general – will be better catered by it.

All in all, a very nice mix between arcade game and simulator.

The subtle improvements are almost invisible to an untrained eye, but F1 nuts will find immeasurable satisfaction in taming and tuning this year's cars to performance perfection.

F1 2012 is an example of a franchise maturing and growing as it becomes more established and successful.

Racing cars of this magnitude is not like hitting the streets with some jacked-up sports car. F1 cars are a special breed, and Codemasters has done a great job conveying that. Some of the racing moments are challenging and exciting the likes of which you won't find in other titles. A little more depth in the series' career mode could go a long way into making that portion of the game just as special.

The experience on the track is more refined and better than ever. But why am I restricted in a lot of areas, e.g. game modes? Why can't I just take Michael Schumacher and go for the eighth championships? If you don't need the up-to-date license you might as well go back for last years' version.

F1 2012 produces an excellent race, but we've seen it all before.

A good game, but a familiar game. [Issue#90, p.84]

Depending on the player's level of experience with the series, F1 2012 is either a sincere virtual representation of the world's most technical sport in a substantial package, or a finely-tuned forward and sideways step in the reinterpretation of F1 2011.