F1 2009, Starting from the grid this Autumn ‘09.
by Reece Heywood - April 24, 2009
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A new generation of F1 video games featuring Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel was announced today by Codemasters, the developer who brought you Colin Mcrae titles such as DIRT and the latest speed racer Race Driver: GRID.
The first title in the series will debut on Wii and the PSP this autumn. It will deliver an authentic and accessible recreation of the current F1 season, including, for the first time the stunning Singapore night race.
Extending the experience to further gaming formats, it was also announced that F1 2010 is in development at Codemasters and will arrive mid 2010 for the Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. The sim race will be using Codemasters’ EGO Engine technology, which most recently powered Race Driver: GRID.
Talking about the partnership with Codemasters, Bernie Ecclestone, CEO Formula One Management Limited, commented: “Codemasters has a great heritage when it comes to racing games and their reputation is second to none. We’re working very closely together on the upcoming F1 titles and are very impressed with what we have seen.”
Rod Cousens, CEO, Codemasters, said: “F1 is the pinnacle of motorsport. For many, it embraces a lifestyle and its audience is far reaching and growing. We are producing a series of games that will deliver the passion, glamour and exhilaration that fans deserve and we know how to do that. F1 2009 is the start of something very special for Codemasters and will set the standard for the high definition versions that will follow in mid 2010.”
“Our studios are working extremely closely with Formula One Management Limited and the teams to produce the most authentic and thrilling experience possible. We are delighted with the level of support and access afforded to us so far, enabling us to get as close to the sport as possible. It is this level of support, understanding and working in partnership that enables to deliver superb FORMULA ONE games for whichever platform players choose to race.”
In addition to bringing F1 to Wii for the first time, F1 2009 marks Lewis Hamilton’s debut in a videogame and will enable players to take to the wheel of his MCLAREN MP4-24 car and battle to retain his F1 Championship crown. The new Champ promises it will be most exciting and closely fought, thanks to new regulations on aerodynamics, slick tyres and the introduction of the KERS boost system, which is designed to aid overtaking. The rule changes, including KERS, will be reflected in F1 2009 to deliver a truly enthralling racing experience.
Setting new standards for immersion and authenticity on Wii, the game will offer a variety of race modes, including a full F1 season and individual arcade-style challenges. Customisable driver aids will be offered to individual players, so both novice and expert drivers will be able to keep their car on track. In the game’s multiplayer mode, driver aids will enable friends and families of different abilities to play together in wheel-to-wheel split screen co-operative and competitive multiplayer races.
The PSP edition of F1 2009 will have players racing against each other wirelessly in addition to engaging and challenging single player modes exclusively tuned for portable play, including competing in full championships.
With F1 entering its most exciting season yet, F1 2009 will take Wii and PSP players as close as possible to racing in the world’s most spectacular motorsport when it launches this autumn; F1 2010 will follow for Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and Games For Windows in 2010.
