First F1 2012 review arrives, Demo out now

The first F1 2012 review is now out in the wilds courtesy of the latest issue of GamesMaster.

In its review the mag issues the Codies racer a solid 88% score and says it is "more of a strategy game than a racer" but still offers "wheel-to-wheel action".

"The Champion Mode challenges and arcade-y Season Challenge (ten five-lap rounds against a rival of your choosing) offer instant-thrill action, but the Career is mode is long and uncompromisingly tough," says the review.

It goes on to say that "mastering F1 2012 takes time" since "parts must be tested and earned, practice and qualifying sessions must be completed, goals met and, of course, races trounced" before describing it as the "punishing Dark Souls of the racing world."

a drivers game

Im downloading the demo now

Well just from the demo you can tell this is a much improved game, Alot more depth and variety this time out.

The handling model is once again superb, easy to get to grips with yet very hard to master

The new challenge season is a nice addition offering a more arcadey 10 race season where you pick a rival before each race, If you beat them then you join that team for the next race with the objective being to top the table in the top car, The qualifying in this mode is pure "squeeky bum time" as your given just one lap to get as high as possible....

It actually looks and plays pretty good however I remember the reason racing games aren't for me as after the 3rd lap i got bored and started playing demolition derby

Played the demo last night and enjoyed it. The problem I find with these sort of games are that they require alot of time and patience to master them to get the best from the game.

I never played 2011 but is there that much of a difference between the two ?

From what I've played of the demo it's more unforgiving than 2011 although that's probably more down to the driver aids.

The games have a large variety of aids with varying degrees of use that make playing a HUGE amount easier and it did feel like a couple were turned down a little for the demo, That being said I still think this will pose a little more challenge than 2011.

Anyone buying this on Friday ?

£29.99 at Blockbuster if you sign up for free to be a VIP gamer on there website

Going to hammer the hell out of Tekken Tag Tournament 2 this week and probably trade it in for this next Sat

I enjoyed 2011, not sure I will get this though