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F1 2009 Updated Hands-On

We tackle the monstrous Suzuka Circuit in our latest look at Codemasters' F1 game for the Wii.

We're not sure if our blow-out victory at the Japanese Grand Prix today while playing Codemasters' upcoming F1 2009 for the Wii is a good thing or not. After all, F1 is supposed to be the pinnacle of motor racing--where the finest drivers in the world compete in the most technically advanced cars on earth. Who are we to think we can step in and even compete in such vaunted company, much less dominate at Suzuka?

At least part of the reason for our victory was the AI drivers, which seemed to be set--for Tokyo Game Show 2009 demo purposes--at their lowest level of aggressiveness and competency. As a result, while whipping around the turns of Suzuka in Fernando Alonso's Renault, we were able to easily pass the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, and even current world championship leader Jenson Button like they were standing still.

The other reason for our success was the game's controls--which work surprisingly well at first blush. We played the game with the Wii Remote and Nuchuck in combination--with the B button acting as gas and the Z button acting as the brake. Steering was controlled with the Nunchuck's analog stick, and we could activate a limited amount of boost (via the game's reproduction of the KERS system) by pressing the C button.

Learning the controls was easy--and we were happy to see that the cars were responsive under braking and in the turns and, in true F1 fashion, were demonic on the straightaways. There seemed to be some basic steering assist to help us navigate some of Suzuka's trickier curves, and there didn't seem to be much in the way of damage modeling engaged--still, our laps weren't perfect. Giving it too much gas when coming out of the long curve that precedes the Crossover straight, it was easy to get the nose out of shape, slowing us down considerably.

After three laps of Suzuka, we had a race trophy under our belt and a decent impression of where F1 2009 is heading on the Wii. What remains to be seen is whether the game's approachability on the console will be supplemented by enough challenge to keep serious race fans interested for the long haul. We're keeping our fingers crossed because the game is looking good and running at a solid frame rate. Besides, it has been too long since F1 fans got their video game fix. Stay tuned for more on F1 2009 in the coming weeks.

20 Comments

  • psychobrew

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 12:46 pm GMT

    Dasim64, Logitech makes a wireless speed force wheel for the Wii, and I believe this game is compatible with it.

  • Dasim64

    Posted Oct 15, 2009 7:14 pm GMT

    I just wish there was a steering wheel for the Wii that incorporated pedals for gas and brake.

  • Solidsnake13_2

    Posted Oct 13, 2009 8:50 pm GMT

    I love F1 Racing, to me its better than NASCAR, I think this game is promising, 8.5/10, I wanna see more, gameplay video would be so nice to see

  • dwd_27

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 11:16 am GMT

    it looks good i would give it 8/10

  • wiibhoy

    Posted Oct 3, 2009 6:18 am GMT

    There is only one racing game on the WII that is actually playable with the wheel (Mario Kart) I want to be able to use classic- game cube controller which Nintendo don't want to give us, but then it didn't help need for speed undercover, Nintendo should leave racing game to the pros (Xbox, PS3)

  • G_W_X

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 6:33 am GMT

    Having played the Gamecube games. I know this game should look much better than this running on Wii.
    But what can I do eh...I love the motion controls for steering wheel. I enjoyed that with all the previous Need For Speed Wii games(just for example). Even though in some racing games that supported it(1?) the Logitech steering wheel is also fun and as or even more immersive arguably than the Wiimote turned sideways NES style to steer your car;..it is the most simple pick and and play way if you dont own the Logitch steering wheel and it is fun IMHO.

    Its a shame devs dont put more effort into what the Wii CAN do visiually is all am saying when clearly it CAN do more even a bit). They rather bother about those HD graphics on the 360/PS3 which you will get a big dose of in 2010 version(HAVE FUN). But use the Wii to the max? Nahh we dont care(devs attitude?)

    tsk...ah well.. In any case I am still going to get it though with that F1 STEERING WHEEL GRIP pack in which should go well with not only the F1 game but also Excite truck, Excite bots, Mario Kart and Need for Speed games or any racing game in general.

    At least it will be good for somthing.

  • adrianfbuan

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 5:10 am GMT

    they need to improve the graphics of the tires. the rest or good. :-bd

  • bringersbob

    Posted Sep 29, 2009 9:20 am GMT

    wii motion plus? am putting the hours in on rfactor and gtr for my open wheel fix, but i have wheels for these. this needs motion plus and not some naff analog stick.

  • bringersbob

    Posted Sep 29, 2009 9:20 am GMT

    wii motion plus? am putting the hours in on rfactor and gtr for my open wheel fix, but i have wheels for these. this needs motion plus and not some naff analog stick.

  • adrianfbuan

    Posted Sep 29, 2009 2:42 am GMT

    they should polish the graphics.

  • drewster264

    Posted Sep 27, 2009 4:37 pm GMT

    This game looks like it will be awful.

  • artofshreddin

    Posted Sep 26, 2009 12:30 pm GMT

    Can't wait to get F1 for my PC in 2010!!!!!! till then playin F1 mod for GTR2

  • kwarteltje

    Posted Sep 24, 2009 9:48 pm GMT

    Nice stuff! F1 2009 meet my Wii

  • gpuFX16

    Posted Sep 24, 2009 7:31 pm GMT

    Seems OK... I think I'll wait for 2010 and it's potential 19-round season, though. Also, Singapore practice tomorrow!

  • ukogmickey

    Posted Sep 24, 2009 5:18 pm GMT

    If anyone seen the anthony Davidson commentary lap of Monza a few weeks back on this game it looks awful. Ive been following the games progress very closely since Codies aquired the official licence and was eagerly awaiting the 360 version until it was put back. I really hope the PS3/360 versions next year are very much simulation and nothing like this arcade piece of garbage. Honestly if theres any sim racers reading this check that vid out and youl see what I mean. It looks horrible from a sim aspect. I really had high hopes for this. Also Im hoping they dont add this stupid rewind feature like most of the latest racers are using. It takes away the whole meaning to racing realisticly.

  • SadPSPAddict

    Posted Sep 24, 2009 2:39 pm GMT

    Might give it a rent on the Wii and looking to buy on PSP. Really looking forward to 2010 though!

  • rgame1

    Posted Sep 24, 2009 12:43 pm GMT

    cool

  • godek

    Posted Sep 24, 2009 10:44 am GMT

    Yeh cant wait for 2010, and it will be better on the pc by far, mods ect. Cant wait bring on 2010 XD

  • gazabaza posted Sep 24, 2009 10:07 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    gazabaza

    Posted Sep 24, 2009 10:07 am GMT (hide)

    GETTING 360 IF I DO WELL AT SCHOOL THEN I WILL GET 2010