After too much anticipation, EA has finally released the reveal trailer for F1 23. With plenty to talk about, does the video alone warrant excitement for the game? Here’s my take.
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Yesterday evening, EA Sports launched the reveal trailer for F1 23. The game, scheduled for release on 16 June is set to bring many new features and much called for improvements compared to previous titles.
Whilst the new-for 2023 changes all look like a step in the right direction for the F1 game franchise, it’s the launch trailer that provided the buzz yesterday. An action-packed montage of racing sequences and Braking Point cut scenes makes for a thrilling Drive To Survive-esque video. But is it enough to kick off the hype train towards the game’s launch next month? Join me on a dive into the clip to work out just how excited we should all be.
A Good F1 23 Reveal Trailer?
The F1 23 reveal trailer is very much in the same style as Drive To Survive clips and videos. A few brief pieces to camera are peppered in alongside on-track action shots and fictional paddock conversations. Most of the characters in the video are those that will feature in the Braking Point game mode. Although we do also see a ‘live action’ Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen at parts.
It’s clear to see from this initial F1 23 trailer that the team behind the game is particularly happy with how Breaking Point 2 is coming along. However, as a Formula One fan that has little to no interest in the Drive To Survive era of the sport, it’s difficult for me to get excited about the trailer.
By extension, the Breaking Point formula is not one that grabs my attention. And with such focus on the game mode, the trailer somewhat alienates those with a similar opinion to mine from the hype train.
Compare this video to announcement trailers of games gone by and I feel like EA and Codemasters have made a step backwards. Games like F1 22 and F1 2021 had a title sequence feel to their reveal trailers that excited fans about the game itself, not just one specific aspect of it. This was largely thanks to the lack of any in-game shots.
The 2022 title’s initial teaser was all about the new era of cars, akin to the title sequence of Sky Sports F1 last year. Meanwhile, the 2021 reveal resembled a James Bond film with its collection of statues in a dark, misty environment.
Improvements Incoming
Along with the reveal trailer, EA Sports also announced many new features and improvements coming to F1 23. From new tracks to the return of an important race mechanic and a much asked for change, it seems the game itself is enough to interest sim racers.
One main complaint F1 game players have had for several years concerns the physics. The series has always tried to toe the line between making its handling model accessible to pad play whilst giving wheel racers a realistic experience. The result of this attempted compromise has traditionally resulted in poor handling for both camps.
What F1 23 aims to do is provide more predictable handling in all aspects. The developers seem to put a lot of emphasis on the feeling for those that play on a pad. Whilst this is a smart choice given the majority of console players will be running on a gamepad, it begs the question; will wheel users will suffer from this change?
That being said, the racing teams have reportedly worked closer with EA this year which should benefit everyone. As it stands, I don’t want to jump to conclusions before seeing how the game truly handles. Once we see in-game footage of F1 23 rather than reveal trailer action and the and the public starts to get their hands on it, then we can judge the improvements’ success.
F1 23 gets New Features
The next pair of added features that caught my eye was the claim that several tracks that aren’t on the 2023 calendar will join the game. These include the likes of Portimao, Shanghai and Paul Ricard which will join the 23 other venues. And to many fans’ delight, the calendar’s new additions of Qatar and Las Vegas will feature in-game at launch.
The addition of three off-calendar tracks goes hand in hand with the announcement of a new race length. Between the 25% and 50% race lengths will now sit a 35% race distance. Whilst similar to the 100km, or 33% Grand Prix distance Sprint races, these will still require the use of two tyre compounds. As someone who loves to recreate races but at a shorter distance, another race length option is always welcome.
Often, a half-distance race doesn’t quite fit into a day’s schedule, but a 25% race feels pitiful. So this new option might be perfect for running races during a busy week. Furthermore, I can see this tying in perfectly with the new tracks to prolong the game’s life span. With more track and distance combinations, I for one will stay entertained for longer.
Do we really want Red Flags?
A big talking point in the Formula One season so far is the race director being trigger happy with the red flag button. During the Australian Grand Prix, we saw a record breaking number of race suspensions which certainly got on fans’ nerves.
With the controversy surrounding the event, it will come as a shock to many that EA is planning to bring red flags back to the franchise. Having previously featured in the games, the race mechanic has been absent for a number of years. What I’m wondering is why on earth anyone would want red flags in sim racing.
When it comes to red flags in the real world, I’m of the opinion that they should only fly in critical scenarios. Large crashes during which debris covers the width of the track. Life or death situations requiring emergency medical attention. Heavy damage to track-side furniture such as barriers or catch fences. None of these situations apply to the world of sim racing, so why do we need them?
In offline racing, the effect of a red flag is negligible. They will be very rare against the AI. But when they do happen, it will just break the flow of a race and destroy all sense of immersion. When it comes to online racing however, I can just see the carnage now. Drivers that spend the first portion of a race at the back of the pack lacking pace will see restarts as the one opportunity to make places. A divebomb up the inside is sure to take out half a dozen competitors. At least then the game will truly reflect the chaos of the 2023 Australian Grand Prix.
The first thing I’ll do upon getting my hands on the game is turn this feature off.
Am I Excited for F1 23?
Overall, it’s impossible to say just how much of a step forward the next title will be. A simple reveal trailer is never enough to judge a game like F1 23. However, it is what will build anticipation for the game with Formula One fans and the sim racing community.
In my personal opinion, this trailer alone simply doesn’t do that. The focus on Braking Point 2 is far too intense for my liking. And with many of the game’s cinematic capabilities already on the table, I’m not looking forward to future trailers to come. So I think it’s safe to say I’m part of the F1 23 hype train just yet.
However, that’s not to say I don’t see the positives to come from the announcement. More realistic physics and greater playability in the long term mean I’m certainly as excited as I’ve ever been for an F1 game.
What do you make of the F1 23 reveal trailer? Tell us on Twitter at @OverTake_gg or in the comments down below!
