F1 2012
Dec 20, 2012 14 years ago
As well as the new young driver test mode, F1 2012 features a new "Champions Mode", in which the six World Champions competing in the 2012 season — Kimi Räikkönen, Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher — will be styled after traditional end-of-level video gaming bosses, with the player challenged to beat them while racing in conditions that suit each driver. Another new mode introduced, is the "Season Challenge" mode. Feedback given to Codemasters was that players only played the game when they had a few hours to play. In response, Codemasters brought in this mode so that players could simply play for a short amount of time. In this mode the player will start as a team lower down the field, and over a ten race season the player will move teams mid-season, depending on their ability to beat rival drivers and objectives. Codemasters also introduced "One-Shot Qualifying", whereby a player has a single lap to qualify for the race. The three stage knock out session is still an option, however the single 20 minute session is no longer available in career mode. There is no longer an option to include all three practice sessions in a race weekend, but instead only a single hour session is available.
What it’s like
F1 2012 delivers a high-fidelity simulation of the 2012 Formula One season, prioritizing authentic handling and technical depth over narrative flair. The experience is defined by its rigorous management of physics, fuel consumption, and tire wear, demanding precision from players who value realism. A standout feature is 'Champions Mode,' which gamifies the career structure by pitting the player against legendary drivers like Schumacher and Hamilton in tailored scenarios, adding a unique strategic layer to the standard circuit racing loop. The introduction of 'Season Challenge' addresses pacing concerns for casual players, offering condensed ten-race campaigns that allow for quicker engagement without sacrificing the core competitive integrity. While it lacks traditional storytelling, the game excels in replicating the tension and technical demands of professional motorsport, supported by a robust multiplayer ecosystem that extends its longevity significantly.
Strong in Simulation / ManagementCo-op / MultiplayerDifficulty / ChallengeGameplay / MechanicsProgression / ReplayabilitySystems Depth / Build Variety
Keep in mind The simulation curve is steep, potentially alienating casual racers who prefer arcade-style accessibility. Additionally, the visual presentation, while functional, feels dated compared to modern standards, lacking the graphical polish expected of contemporary titles.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from ign.com, gamesradar.com, metacritic.com, gamespot.com, eurogamer.net, gamerant.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Sep 17, 201214 years ago |
| PlayStation 3 | Worldwide | Full release | Sep 21, 201214 years ago |
| Xbox 360 | Worldwide | Full release | Oct 04, 201214 years ago |
| Mac | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 20, 201214 years ago |
