F1 24 Review: Almost Perfect, But Not Quite There

Introduction

F1 24 is the latest instalment in the Formula 1 gaming franchise, and it comes incredibly close to being a perfect game. With stunning visuals, realistic gameplay, and fun career mode features, this is a game that both hardcore fans and newcomers can enjoy. However, a few frustrating design choices keep it from achieving perfection. 

What I Loved

1. Stunning Graphics and Immersive Visuals On the PS5, F1 24 is a visual masterpiece. The track surfaces are beautifully detailed, the cars look as sleek as their real-life counterparts, and the driver models are incredibly lifelike. The weather effects—especially rain—are breathtaking. Whether it’s a sudden downpour or a fully wet race, the graphics set the stage for an immersive racing experience.

2. Excellent Gameplay Mechanics This game nails the racing simulation experience. With full realism settings, F1 24 offers a truly challenging experience that rewards skill and persistence. The handling is superb, and the controls feel responsive and refined. For newcomers, assist features like braking assist and racing line guidance are great tools to ease into the game. As you master the controls, you’ll feel like a true Formula 1 driver.  

3. Engaging Career Mode The revamped career mode is a standout feature. Whether you choose to play as a real-world legend like Lewis Hamilton or create your own driver, the experience is thrilling. I started by chasing Hamilton’s elusive eighth championship and later retired after achieving greatness with Ferrari. The career mode’s development perks—like unlimited resources after the second season or tinkering with rival teams’ upgrades—add an exciting layer of strategy. 

4. Solid Online Multiplayer The multiplayer experience is as competitive and fun as ever. Even if you’re not the best driver (like me!), the online mode is a fantastic addition that challenges your skills and keeps you coming back for more. The developers have perfected this aspect over the years, and it shows. 

What I Disliked 

1. Repetitive Cinematics in Career Mode. While the career mode is fun, it’s bogged down by repetitive and boring cinematics. Every season after the summer break, we’re forced to watch the same cutscenes about silly season, and the pre-season car reveals feel like an agonizing waste of time. The developers need to add more variety or give us the option to skip these entirely. 

2. Gimmicky Contract System. The new contract system, which involves “secret meetings” with teams, is meant to sound exciting but feels more like a tedious gimmick. Negotiating with one team at a time slows the game down unnecessarily, making the process frustrating rather than engaging. 

3. F1 World Feels Unnecessary F1 World, a feature meant to add another layer of gameplay, just doesn’t hit the mark for me. While some players might enjoy it, I found it to be a distraction from the game’s core strengths. The developers would be better off focusing on making the career mode even more dynamic and engaging. 

In Conclusion

F1 24 delivers on what it does best—racing mechanics, stunning visuals, and realistic gameplay. However, it’s let down by repetitive cinematics and unnecessary gimmicks that detract from the overall experience. That said, the addition of legends like Michael Schumacher and the immersive career mode make it a must-play for any Formula 1 fan. 

Final Verdict

With a few tweaks to its career mode and the removal of some gimmicks, this game could’ve been perfect. Still, it’s a solid 8/10 and one I’d recommend to casual players, newcomers, and hardcore fans alike. Who wouldn’t want to see Schumacher back in a Ferrari, chasing his eighth title?