F1 2019

The Story of F1 2019 introduces narrative elements in its Formula 2 (F2) career mode, which many critics acknowledge as a notable step forward for the series. Reviewers like 3DJuegos, COGconnected, and Gameblog.fr praise the inclusion of character-driven scenarios, such as rivalries with fictional drivers like Lukas Weber and Devon Butler, and the impact of player choices on relationships and career progression. Vandal highlights improved character development and contract negotiations, while TheXboxHub commends the immersive journey from F2 to F1, emphasizing rivalries and interactions that add depth. These elements create a more engaging solo experience compared to previous entries, with some critics noting the use of cutscenes and scripted events to simulate a "story-like feel" (e.g., Metro GameCentral). The F2 mode is seen as a creative attempt to blend simulation with narrative, offering players a sense of progression and personal stakes. However, the narrative’s shortcomings are widely criticized. Many reviewers, including BaziCenter, DualShockers, and Game Revolution, argue that the F2 section feels underdeveloped, more like an introductory tutorial than a meaningful story. The lack of continuity is a recurring issue: once players transition to Formula 1, the narrative elements fade significantly. GameSpot and Trusted Reviews note that the story becomes minimal, replaced by less engaging mechanics like email transcripts, while New Game Network criticizes the "B-movie level" writing and voice acting. PlayStation Country and SomosXbox describe the F2 characters as forced or inauthentic, with melodrama that feels contrived. Even positive aspects, such as Gamer.nl’s mention of "superficial" but nostalgic storytelling, are tempered by the consensus that the narrative lacks depth and fails to evolve beyond its initial stages. Overall, critics present a mixed but largely critical view of the Story of F1 2019’s narrative. While the F2 mode is praised for its ambition and incremental improvements—3DJuegos and Vandal highlight its potential—the lack of sustained storytelling in Formula 1 undermines the experience. The game’s attempt to blend simulation with character-driven elements is seen as a step forward, but many agree it falls short of delivering a cohesive or impactful narrative. IGN Spain and PC Gamer note that the story feels rushed, while DualShockers and JeuxActu emphasize missed opportunities for deeper engagement. Despite some praise for its immersive aspects, the consensus is that the narrative is inconsistent, with the F2 section’s charm failing to translate into a lasting experience in the main game. The result is a polarizing but ultimately underwhelming attempt at storytelling in a racing simulation.

The gameplay of F1 2019 is widely praised for its realism, depth, and variety, with many critics highlighting its refined mechanics and engaging modes. Reviewers like BaziCenter and GameSpot laud the game’s realistic physics, adjustable difficulty settings, and improved AI behavior, which balance aggression with authenticity. The inclusion of the Formula 2 mode is a standout feature, celebrated for adding fresh challenges and progression paths, as noted by COGconnected, IGN Spain, and PlayStation LifeStyle. Multiplayer features such as leagues, weekly events, and customizable online options are also highlighted as significant improvements, with Game Revolution and DualShockers emphasizing their accessibility and competitive depth. Additionally, the career mode’s evolution—featuring dynamic driver swaps, team interactions, and variable objectives—is praised for its complexity and immersion, as noted by GameSpot and Gamer.nl. Despite these strengths, several critics point to notable flaws that detract from the experience. PlayStation LifeStyle and Multiplayer.it criticize the Formula 2 integration in career mode as “bungled” or “half-baked,” undermining its potential. Others, like DualShockers and New Game Network, argue that the game lacks uniqueness, with repetitive mechanics such as practice sessions and a steep learning curve that alienates newcomers. The absence of comprehensive tutorials for complex systems—mentioned by BaziCenter and Gamer.nl—and issues with AI balance (e.g., overly strict penalties for track limits, per God is a Geek) further complicate the experience. Additionally, some reviewers, including PlayStation Universe and Digital Chumps, note that upgrades and customization options feel underdeveloped, while others, like Trusted Reviews, suggest the game’s demanding nature may not appeal to casual players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that F1 2019 delivers a compelling blend of simulation depth and accessibility. While some critiques about polish and complexity exist, the majority view it as a strong entry in the series. Gameblog.fr and Gaming Age emphasize its challenging yet rewarding nature, while PC Gamer and Cultured Vultures highlight its balance between realism and playability across platforms. Despite minor flaws, the game’s refined physics, diverse modes, and iterative improvements—such as those in AI behavior and multiplayer features—solidify its reputation as a standout racing title. As 3DJuegos and Vandal note, it successfully caters to both hardcore fans and newcomers, even if some aspects require adjustment for optimal enjoyment.

The graphics and visual design of F1 2019 received widespread praise for their realism, attention to detail, and immersive environments. Critics like COGconnected called it a "graphical masterpiece," highlighting crisp visuals, detailed lighting, and weather effects that enhance immersion. Gameblog.fr and Game Revolution lauded the improved lighting, tire wear, dust effects, and environmental textures, with the latter noting it as "the best-looking driving game on the market." Guardian and Vandal emphasized the accurate night race atmospheres, dynamic weather conditions, and meticulous car modeling, while PlayStation LifeStyle praised the unique environments like Bahrain’s desert haze. The EGO Engine’s lighting improvements, particularly in night races, were a standout feature, as noted by Multiplayer.it, and SomosXbox highlighted the revamped menu system and photo mode as visual highlights. However, several critics pointed to notable shortcomings. 3DJuegos and PlayStation LifeStyle criticized underdeveloped character models and staff, calling them "soulless" or "out of place," while BaziCenter and New Game Network noted the graphics felt "decent but not groundbreaking" compared to rivals like Forza or Gran Turismo. Technical issues such as anti-aliasing problems, jagged edges, and missing animations were mentioned by BaziCenter and JeuxActu, with GameSpot pointing out inaccuracies in track designs. InsideGamer.nl and New Game Network argued the visuals felt "outdated" or "stagnant," lacking significant graphical innovation, while Gaming Nexus described the upgrades as "modest." TheSixthAxis also highlighted inconsistencies, with some tracks suffering from frame rate dips and inaccurate layouts. Overall, critics agreed that F1 2019 represents a solid visual upgrade over previous entries, balancing realism with immersive racing environments. While many praised its attention to detail—such as Vandal’s emphasis on accurate car models and Gameblog.fr’s focus on tire wear—others felt it fell short of being a "generational leap," as noted by God is a Geek. The consensus leaned toward admiration for the game’s technical achievements, particularly in lighting and weather effects, but with a shared acknowledgment that character models, polish, and competitive benchmarks remained areas for improvement. Despite mixed reactions on innovation, the majority viewed F1 2019 as one of the most visually compelling racing games of its time, even if it didn’t fully meet all expectations.

The sound design of F1 2019 received widespread acclaim for its realism and immersive qualities, with multiple critics highlighting its attention to detail. BaziCenter praised the "excellent car sounds, commentator voices, and immersive audio effects," while COGconnected emphasized the "realism" of engine noises, rain effects, and crowd reactions. Multiplayer.it described the audio experience as a "symphony worth hearing," particularly commending the distinct engine sounds and commentary by Carlo Vanzini and Luca Filippi. TheSixthAxis noted enhanced detail in engine tones, such as the Ferrari’s "gurgling on downshifts," and IGN Spain called the sound design "solid." These reviews collectively underscore the game’s success in creating an authentic auditory environment that mirrors the intensity of Formula 1 racing. However, several critics pointed out limitations, particularly regarding musical elements. BaziCenter noted the absence of a "distinct musical score," with the focus remaining on realistic audio cues rather than thematic compositions. New Game Network criticized the commentary as "generic, repetitive, and lacking variety," while GameOver.gr lamented the "absence of live race broadcasts" as a missed opportunity. IGN Spain’s brief mention of "solid" sound design implied a lack of standout musical innovation, and Vandal acknowledged only that the soundtrack was "complementary" without elaborating on its originality. These critiques suggest that while the game excels in realism, it falls short in delivering a memorable or emotionally resonant musical identity. Overall, the consensus among critics is that F1 2019 prioritizes authenticity and immersion through its sound design, with most acknowledging its strengths in car audio, commentary, and environmental effects. However, there is a shared recognition that the lack of a cohesive musical score or unique sonic identity limits its ability to elevate the experience beyond realism. BaziCenter’s emphasis on "immersive audio effects" contrasts with New Game Network’s frustration over repetitive commentary, reflecting a nuanced view where technical excellence coexists with creative shortcomings. While the game’s auditory elements are undeniably effective for fans seeking authenticity, they may leave others craving more artistic or musical depth.

The voice acting in F1 2019 received mixed but generally neutral feedback from reviewers, with some positive notes on localization and specific features. IGN Spain highlighted that the game is "fully dubbed and translated," emphasizing accessibility for non-English speakers, while 3DJuegos noted improved text and dialogue integration, particularly in Spanish. Vandal acknowledged the inclusion of new dialogue for commentators and Career mode interactions, suggesting efforts to enhance immersion. Additionally, PlayStation Universe observed that voice interactions in Formula 2 scenarios added a "human element," though this was not deeply elaborated. These points indicate that while some critics appreciated the effort to localize content and expand dialogue options, they did not universally praise the quality of performances. However, several reviewers criticized the voice acting as underwhelming or repetitive. New Game Network was particularly harsh, describing cutscene dialogue as "B-movie-level" with "subpar and unimpressive" performances, a sentiment echoed by PlayStation Country, which noted "repetitive race introductions" and "stale, unengaging" commentary. Multiplayer.it also pointed out that while character interviews were mentioned, there was no detailed discussion of voice acting quality beyond commentators' roles. TheXboxHub’s truncated review hinted at similar issues, focusing on the commentary team without elaborating on depth or variety. These critiques suggest that many found the voice work lacking in emotional nuance, originality, or technical polish, particularly in key narrative moments. Overall, the consensus among critics was cautiously neutral, with praise for localization efforts and minor improvements but significant dissatisfaction with the overall quality of performances. While some reviewers acknowledged the presence of new dialogue and better integration (e.g., Vandal, IGN Spain), others emphasized that the voice acting failed to elevate the experience, with New Game Network and PlayStation Country being particularly critical. The lack of depth in character interactions and repetitive commentary highlighted a disconnect between the game’s ambitions and execution. Despite these shortcomings, the voice work was not outright dismissed as poor, but rather seen as a missed opportunity to enhance immersion or storytelling.

The technical performance of F1 2019 across platforms received generally positive feedback, with notable strengths in stability, optimization, and consistency. On PS4, critics like Gameblog.fr praised the game’s "technically polished" nature, citing optimized load times, an efficient engine, and stable performance. IGN Spain highlighted consistent 60fps and smooth multiplayer, while Vandal emphasized technical stability as a strong aspect. For Xbox One, Cultured Vultures noted "stable technical performance with minor flaws," and God is a Geek acknowledged mostly smooth online play despite harsh penalties. On PC, though incomplete reviews exist, JeuxActu mentioned initial crashes during F2 segments but noted fixes in updates. Overall, the game’s core mechanics and frame rates were consistently praised across platforms, reflecting strong technical foundations. However, platform-specific issues and minor flaws tempered the enthusiasm. On PS4, BaziCenter pointed to online instability at launch and graphical glitches like anti-aliasing problems, while InsideGamer.nl criticized the engine as "needing an update" and highlighted AI behavior quirks. TheSixthAxis noted frame rate drops on certain tracks, and PlayStation LifeStyle cited long load times on PS4 Pro. For Xbox One, Digital Chumps mentioned limited wheel support and handling inconsistencies, while God is a Geek critiqued online penalties for track deviations. On PC, JeuxActu’s mention of crashes and microphone issues underscored early technical hiccups. These negatives, though varied, collectively pointed to areas where the game required post-launch patches or adjustments. The overall consensus among critics was that F1 2019 delivered a technically solid experience, with most platforms benefiting from smooth performance and minimal major bugs. While PS4 and Xbox One reviewers acknowledged minor issues like AI quirks or graphical flaws, they often framed these as manageable or resolved in updates. PC users faced more significant early challenges but saw improvements over time. Critics like IGN Spain and Vandal emphasized the game’s stability, while others, such as InsideGamer.nl and TheXboxHub, highlighted persistent but non-critical issues. Despite platform-specific variations, the technical performance of F1 2019 was broadly viewed as a strong achievement, with only minor flaws detracting from its polished presentation.

The majority of reviewers highlight strong replay value for F1 2019 due to its diverse gameplay options and long-term engagement features. Critics like Gameblog.fr and GameSpot emphasize the game’s extensive multiplayer modes, custom leagues, and dynamic career progression, which encourage repeated playthroughs. The inclusion of Formula 2 content, weekly events, and varied challenges—such as those noted by IGN Spain and TheSixthAxis—adds depth, while features like the Career Mode’s evolving roster and difficulty options (mentioned by Screen Rant) cater to both casual and dedicated players. Additionally, PC Gamer and Cultured Vultures praise multiplayer customization and Theatre mode as enhancements that sustain interest over time, with Game Revolution noting the game’s enduring appeal through post-launch updates and competitive online features. However, several critics point out limitations in replayability due to repetitive mechanics and underdeveloped systems. New Game Network and PlaySense criticize the upgrade system and Formula 2 career mode as either repetitive or insufficiently fleshed out, while PlayStation Country notes that multiplayer and Time Attack modes feel uninnovative. Multiplayer.it and JeuxActu mention that while the game offers substantial content, it lacks groundbreaking features compared to other sports titles, and Vandal highlights that some modes, like Formula 2, are seen as optional rather than essential. Additionally, Gaming Nexus and Gamer.nl note that the learning curve and realism may deter casual players, and GameOver.gr acknowledges that the career mode’s narrative falls short of expectations despite its variety. Overall, the consensus among critics is that F1 2019 delivers solid replay value through its breadth of modes, competitive online features, and long-term progression systems. While some reviewers, like 3DJuegos and DualShockers, acknowledge repetitive elements, the majority agree that the game’s depth—such as the Career Mode’s strategic layers (Gaming Age) and the inclusion of dynamic challenges (TheXboxHub)—makes it a compelling experience for fans of racing simulations. However, the game’s replayability is often seen as strong but not exceptional, with critics like Multiplayer.it and New Game Network noting that its innovations fall short of setting new benchmarks in the genre. Despite these critiques, the combination of varied content and online engagement ensures sustained playtime for most players.