This year's F1 2021 introduces a lot of new features, options, and modes. Those who were fans of the 2020 game will most likely enjoy the latest in the series. In general, the game is not much different than the F1 titles of the past few years. Each uses the same engine, and most of the in-game mechanics and animations are unchanged.
One of the main improvements this year is graphics on next-gen consoles. The potential for 120 hertz and 60 frames greatly improves the look and feel of the game. While these new additions are positive, there are plenty of things that can make the game even better. This list will cover ten changes that would unquestionably improve the user experience.
10 A New Game Engine
F1 2021 is still running on the same engine as F1 2015. This presents a lot of limitations for developers, who likely want to push the limits of realism.
While the punctured tires are a nice touch, the series will be limited until a new engine is used in development. With a next-gen console or decent PC, the game will look slightly better, but very similar to previous titles. Improved frames on next-gen are a positive improvement, but not enough to make the game revolutionary.
9 Braking Point Is Underwhelming
The new mode in F1 2021 is not as exciting as many in the community were hoping it would be. Some of the races feature interesting challenges and handicaps, many of them are just short F1 circuits. Many would assume that the new mode would have unique objectives in each race, but that is not the case.
There are a few different teams to choose from, but apart from that, gamers do not have much control over drivers and customization. Braking point needs more variety to keep the gameplay interesting.
8 More Realistic Damage
It was stated that the damage system in the game got a re-work, but it doesn't seem to be a good one. The rear spoiler can survive head on impacts, and structural damage is rare in a minor collision. This is a departure from the feel of the previous titles, which heavily penalized reckless driving. F1 2021 has a less detailed damage system than some of the PS3 F1 games of old. This is certainly an area that could have been better.
7 Short Circuits, Classic Cars, and Championships
Many F1 2021 players loved these modes, which were scrapped for the singular Braking Point mode. Yes, it does provide a story experience and something new to the franchise. However, these three modes are what many believe made F1 2020 a great installment in the franchise.
Getting just one mode for three does not seem like a fair deal. Anyone who liked these modes in the previous game will probably be disappointed with this year's game. It is always possible that these modes are added into the game at a later time. For now, gamers have Braking Point.
6 Longer Story Mode
As it stands, F1 2021's main campaign will only take a few hours to finish. In total, there are seventeen races players need to compete in from 2019-2021.
Re-playability could be better. It seems like the story is more of a beginner guide than a traditional campaign playthrough. The developers could have made the game more like a championship run that spans more seasons. The new cutscenes look good, but there is just not enough story content for seasoned players.
5 Two Player Career Is A Deluxe Edition Exclusive
One of the top features in the game is a two-player career mode. People can hop on and go through a career with their friends, adding a refreshing experience in a racing game. Co-op modes are almost always single-player exclusives.
It is a letdown that this feature will only be available to those who spend more for the upgraded version of the game. There are plenty of features that could have been reserved for deluxe purchasers instead.
4 Lip Synching And Animations
The cutscenes in Braking point are decent in general, but the character animations can use some work. The characters' lips often do not match up with the dialogue and that can have an impact on how immersive the story feels.
Couple that with a handful of generic sequences, and there is certainly more work to be done. Braking Point was a bold attempt at a linear storyline, but it leaves something to be desired. This is the first attempt at creating such a mode, so we can assume it will get better over time.
3 Penalty System Can Be Inconsistent
Sometimes a small tap will result in a penalty, and for others a blatant collision is not even addressed. This can be frustrating on expert difficulty because a small penalty will be the difference between a win or a loss.
Any impact should be at least a marginal penalty if it alters the path of the car in any way. This did not seem to be a problem in last year's game. Hopefully there is a fix in the work for this recurring and annoying issue.
2 More Customization Options
Every year, more options for customization are added to the game. Still, the number of things that players can change on their vehicles, driver, etc. are quite limited. Other racing games on the market have far more detailed options for look, feel, and performance.
F1 2021 was a step in the right direction, but there is definitely room for improvement. Even though it is a simulation game, the developers can give players a few more options.
1 Expert Difficulty Could Be More Challenging
Expert difficulty is hard, and those new to the series will have trouble keeping up. Still, it would have been easy to add a few more levels of difficulty. The difference between the lowest difficulty and expert is night and day.
There are currently only three difficulties in the game. Expert or hard mode should be the ultimate test of skill and precision. Only the experienced drivers should be able to control the car and compete with the AI. Making the hardest mode accessible to a wide range of the player base increases the likelihood that people may lose interest after mastering expert gameplay.