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F1 games have been around for many decades and are often regarded as some of the best racing titles on the market. While there have been many releases over the years, certain games have stood the test of time and managed to capture fans' hearts many years or even decades after they were first launched.
This article lists seven of the best F1 games of all time, stretching back to the days of the PlayStation 2 to the relatively recent 2020.
Note: The article is subjective and solely reflects the opinions of the writer. The entries are listed in no particular order.
Also read: Every Codemasters F1 game, ranked
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7 of the best F1 games of all time
1) EA Sports F1 2002
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F1 2002 was released for the PC, PS2, GameCube, Xbox and the Game Boy Advance. The game recreates the 2002 Formula One season, featuring the official lineup of drivers and tracks. However, it is not to be confused with another similar-sounding title called Formula One 2002, which was created by Sony and also released in the same year.
F1 2002's handling model was praised heavily, as was the emphasis on vehicle physics, realism, and faithful recreation of the season. In addition, the AI in the game is also appreciated for the challenge it provides players while racing on the track.
2) F1 Career Challenge/ F1 Career Challenge '99-'02
Featuring content from four Formula One seasons (1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002), F1 Career Challenge remains one of the most expensive and ambitious F1 games to date. The title boasts official driver lineups from all these seasons, reflecting real-life changes in drivers and teams. The track roster is also updated according to each year's season.
Additionally, the game’s modding capabilities allow its PC version to receive fan support well beyond its intended timeline. Its challenging handling model makes it a must-play for classic Formula One enthusiasts.
3) Formula One Championship Edition
Formula One Championship Edition was released as a launch title for the PS3, marking the final F1 game developed by Sony's Studio Liverpool. It recreates the 2006 season, offering players the official track and driver roster for that year, and an engaging career mode where they can even become test drivers for teams.
Unique features include a formation lap, a feature not seen again until F1 2016, a detailed damage model, realistic weather effects, and a shortened version of the winning driver’s national anthem on the podium in Career and Grand Prix modes.
4) F1 2010
No official F1 games were released between Championship Edition and F1 2010 except for the quirky F1 2009. However, F1 2010 burst onto the scene with its debut on the PS3, PC, and Xbox 360 in September 2010 as an official recreation of the 2010 season.
F1 2010 features driver motorhomes seen between sessions, as well as press conference interviews after podium finishes in Career mode. Often seen as the genesis of modern F1 games, this title is a must-play for fans of the sport and the series.
5) F1 2013
F1 2013 was rather unique as it featured not only the official roster for the season but also brought classic cars and tracks into the mix. The game also had a Career mode and two classic tracks. An additional two tracks and even more classic cars were purchasable via a DLC.
A notable aspect of F1 2013 was that players could drive modern cars on classic tracks and vice versa. This remains the last official F1 game to allow such flexibility. The game also marks the final appearance of the beloved V8 engines.
6) F1 2017
Despite a lukewarm reception for F1 2015, its sequel was well-received, setting the stage for F1 2017, which introduced classic cars for the first time since 2013.
With a revamped visual palette, detailed R&D systems for cars, and new Career mode additions, F1 2017 is a marked improvement over its predecessors. The game has immense replayability value even in the modern age, making it ideal for both new and seasoned Formula One fans.
7) F1 2020
F1 2020 recreated the unique COVID-affected season, featuring the full driver roster and original circuit lineup for the year. While Formula One visited circuits like Mugello and Nurburgring in real life, the game included venues such as Hanoi, which has yet to host a Grand Prix.
Though it has a vast roster of classic cars in addition to modern 2020 machines, F1 2020's biggest strength remains its handling model. Along with its introduction of the MyTeam mode, this feature helped the game maintain its status as a fan favorite more than four years after its release.
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