F1 2012 Patch - 24/10/12

Patch Notes:

• Made some improvements to the online game so car positions should be more accurate and less twitchy at high speeds.
• Made some PC Framerate improvements for those people who had an FPS drop after patches.
• Fixed the wheel weight property so that it will now work correctly
• Fixed the final results screen for the client in a Co-op session so they see their stats not the hosts.
• Fixed two infrequent crashes.

The fixes listed above and those specific to the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game are also being tested and verified on those platforms. As these versions require additional submission and authorisation from both Microsoft and Sony the release date for these will follow a little later than the PC version.

F1 2012 Patch - 3/10/12

This update addresses a number of issues, including:

• Understeer: Adjusted track information to provide a more uniform level of grip across the entire surface
• Fixed an issue where some users (especially those on laptops) were unable to change their resolution.
• Fixed a crash in Co-op when trying to resume a session at the start of a Qualifying session that neither player would take part in.
• Fixed issues with the weather system in Instant Replays / Race Replays which could instantly change the track wetness level.
• Removed engine damage from the list of damaged parts that can force a pit stop to take priority over a drive through penalty.
• Changed the Prime tyre compound to Hard for Suzuka to match the race this weekend. This change will not affect Time Attack which will continue to use the Medium compound tyre.
• Added a white cross to the DRS OSD to indicate to that it is unavailable because of a fault.
• Fixed a number of minor graphical issues.
• Fixed a couple of minor issues with timers not resetting correctly.

Other changes of note:

• Added a Skip Session option so players can leave any session without having to complete it.
• Tweaked force feedback for all devices.
• Improved the lighting on Singapore.

Known issue:

• Saves not synchronising with the Steam cloud. If you are experiencing issues with saves uploaded to Steam’s cloud, we recommend using saved games stored on your local drive/PC. 

F1 2012 Patch - 2/10/12

Patch Notes:

• Fixed issues with frame rates that was introduced in patch 2#
• Fixed issue where using a flashback could result in an engine blowout effect, this would result in the player doing an unnecessary pit stop if they had to do a drive through penalty.
• Fixed the achievement 'The Equipment May Be The Same' to unlock in the career as per the description.
• Reduced the amount of starting fuel at Austin as previously it was too high.
• Fixed some issues in Co-op Qualifying where only one user would progress to the next session.
• Fixed a number a camera and graphical issues.
• Fixed several issues where the incorrect number of players would be displayed in a lobby or race.

F1 2012 Patch - 26/09/12

Update Notes:

• Drivers should no longer have collisions with “invisible walls”.
• Fixed the desynchronised session of results which could occasionally lead to race result errors.
• Closed a small loophole which allowed erroneous times to posted to RaceNet.
• General RaceNet data upload stability improvements.

F1 2012 Review Scores

This week sees the release of F1 2012. Now in retail outlets around the world. The gaming media have released their impressions of the 3rd F1 title from codemasters. For full IGN review click here.

Review Scores:

Gamesradar – “Compulsively playable” 4.5/5

IGN – “A truly immersive experience... Codemasters’ finest Formula One outing” 9/10 

Xbox 360 Achievements - “The best Formula One game we've ever played bar none” 90/100

OXM – “A must-have for F1 fans and discriminating Xbox racers alike” 9/10

Machinima - "F1 2012 feels like it comes from a developer that truly gets the sport and has tried not just to simulate the handling of an F1 car, but capture an insider glimpse of what it’s like to have an F1 career. And it totally nails both.” 9/10

Pocket Lint - “The best F1 game we have ever played.” 4/5

CVG – “The racing itself is intelligent, breathless and dramatic” 8.1/10

Daily Mail – “Racing is brilliantly executed... F1 2012 is a game that appeals to new fans while staying true to what hardcore gamers know and love. It’s a fantastic package.” 4/5

Videogamer – “F1 2012 is an incredibly intelligent racing sim” 8/10

Game Informer – “F1 cars are a special breed, and Codemasters has done a great job conveying that.” 7.5/10

OnPause - “If you want to enjoy one of the most exciting racing experiences this year, you have to buy F1 2012.”

RaceDepartment - “The conclusion couldn’t be more simple: F1 2012 The Game is worth it’s money and definitely a massive improvement.”

F1 2012 Champions Mode - Lewis Hamilton Challenge (Xbox 360)

F1 2012 Release Date: 20th September 2012

This video shows the first look at the second part of the Champions mode in the game. This is when you will be up against Lewis Hamilton. You start on dry tyres on a track which is getting wetter and wetter, however Lewis has just stopped for new Intermediate tyres, even though you start ahead he will be faster on the much better tyres. Can you keep ahead of Lewis until the end of the race and win?

F1 2012 Demo Gameplay Tralier

This is the first gameplay of the F1 2012 demo seen, which shows onboard shots and a variety of different camera angles of most of the cars. New features can be seen including the improved wheel lock up effect. The video replays many different events that has happened in the real 2012 season of F1 including overtaking maneuvers, crashes and wheel lock ups. An example of this is when Maldonado lost control in the first race of the season, at Australia, whilst chasing Alonso. Another visual difference is the tyre wear can be seen alot clearer now incomparison to the previous two games.

F1 2012 Demo Announced

It was announced on the 7th of September that the demo of F1 2012 will be released on these dates:

• Xbox 360 - 10/09/12
• PC via Steam - 11/09/12
• PS3 (USA) - 11/09/12
• PS3 (EU) - 12/09/12
• PS3 (Japan) - 24/09/12

It was announced on the 16th of August that F1 2012 will have a demo out on Xbox Live, PSN, and Steam.
Release date will be around the 14th September!

This demo will feature:

• The first day of the Young Driver Test.
• The first race of the Season challenge, at Monza.

First Look - Hot Lap Feature

First insight into the new hot lap feature where Anthony Davidson commentates on how to race around each track perfectly. This is done by showing you what speed and gear you should be in for each corner. Also when to use KERS and DRS at key areas of each track. This can help new players learn the tracks and improve the lap times of the more experienced players.

First Look - RaceNet Intergration

This is the first in-game look of how RaceNet will be shown in F1 2012, how you can compare times with everyone and how you are ranked. This is from the 'Proving Grounds' section of the RaceNet which is where Time Trial times will be compared.

Dev Diary 3 - 'Improvements'

Paul Jeal and Steve Hood discuss all major improvements in F1 2012. This involves making the game feel more like real life. With improvements such as:

• A New weather system - It is now more unpredictable which makes the choice of tyre alot more challenging.
• Improved Physics model - Improved suspension and overall feel of the car.
• Audio - More realistic sounds, especially drive by noises.
• Menu Navigation - A whole new menu setup and menu navigation compared to F1 2010 and F1 2011. To make finding features easier and to add a more premium look.
• Replay Cameras - These have changed dramatically to seem more realistic and to show great overtakes and the build up to overtakes.

On Board Commentated (Steve Hood) Lap Of COTA

This lap is set using the final, pre-launch version of Codemasters F1 2012 game. Which is driven by Creative Director Steve Hood and presented by F1 commentator James Allen.
This track attempts to involve all the best bits from tracks such as Silverstone, Istanbul and Montreal. This is generally a quick, fast paced track. Even though some features are similar to others this new track will bring new concerns for the drivers such as whether to set the car up for high speed or not for qualifying or race, and also the large amount of potential wheel locking into the final few corners.

PS3 Gamescom Gameplay Footage (1080p)

This footage is from the Champions mode, Kimi Räikkönen challenge. This is the first stage in Champions mode. This PS3 game play importantly shows improved graphics, framerate and overall game performance. This is where the 2011 title was falling down as the PS3 ran F1 2011 the worst out of the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3, with random lowered frame rate and poor graphics, it is good to seen this important issue being addressed as PS3 users make up a large part of the audience.

Commentated Laps Feature - From Gamescon

Steve Hood (Creative Director) discusses the new track guides given by Anthony Davidson. These tell the players much information about how to drive on each track correctly and fast, this includes:

• When to brake and when to release the brake to get the most speed through the corners.
• How to attack each corner of the circuit correctly.

They have realized that people have their own favorite tracks, therefore this feature can enable you to be able to enjoy and be quick around each track.  

Champions Mode, Commentary (By Steve Hood) & Gameplay - From Gamescon

Steve Hood (Creative Director) takes part in Champions mode in a Lotus. Discussing new features including:

• Adjustable Brake Bias.
• AI improvements (e.g. They now make errors/mistakes).
• Improved pad controls.
• The ability to set the fuel amount before races.
• Localized weather.
• New illegal overtake system.
• New Rival symbol.
• New lapped cars system.
• and many more...

F1 2012 Champions Mode Gameplay - From Community Event

This F1 2012 video shows gameplay from the new feature, Champions mode. Champions mode gives you the ability to challenge one of the six world champions (e.g. Kimi Räikkönen). There are multiple difficulty settings shown. 

This is the first viewing of the new F1 2012 main game menu appearance and shows a new premium look.

The Game Jar Interview - From Gamescon

Paul Jeal (Game Director) discusses new features at Gamescon including:

• RaceNet integration in F1 2012, such as adding new time trial challenges and race events to correspond with when the actual Grand prix's are running in real life.
• Improved controls, more responsive when going through fast corners and lesser on slower speeds.
• Season Challenge, entire career mode in 10 races. Where you challenge a rival and more up to grid that way.
• Champions Mode, gives the ability to challenge one of the six World Champions on the grid and see if you can beat them in the same car.
• New Track, COTA will be added. This keeps with the new track for each new game so far.

Dev Diary 2 - Young Driver Test

This the Second Dev. diary states all the new biggest features in this game so far.

• First of all the Young Driver Test, in which you will get the chance to drive a Red Bull, Ferrari or McLaren.
• Secondly, new Hot Lap videos commentated by Anthony Davidson on how to correctly race around each track, where to brake and where to attack. This gives you the information you need to know the track and therefore enjoy racing it straight away.
• Improved Controls, especially for pad users. Improved controls at speed.
• Brake Bias adjustments, as well as on board fuel mixture changes. 

Dev Diary 1 - Young Driver Test

This promo video shows an introduction to the new beginning of the career mode, the young driver's test, which happens in real life to see if young drivers from lower formula has what it takes to be a formula 1 driver and to impress a team enough to drive for them.

Also containing many interviews with real life hopeful future formula 1 drivers and how some of them have actually used previous F1 games to practice on new tracks for real life races and tests.

Champions Mode Trailer

First video look at the new Champions mode. Which gives you the ability to race against all six World Champions on the grid (Micheal Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Kimi Raikkonen.)

The beginning shows the new way in which the cars will be displayed and shown off depending on which your driving. Also this video shows a variety of tracks in different weather conditions.

First F1 2012 Trailer - From E3 (HD)

• This is the first official F1 2012 Trailer which shows off the new lighting on a variety of cars whilst they races around the new COTA track. 
• New camera angles are shown off also to get the best view and atmosphere of being at the race track and being part of the team. 
• New tyre lock up effects are shown  with improve smoke.
• When driving offline the marbles now show up more in longer races especially and the dust effects are visibly improved.

Circuit of the Americas Replay Cameras/Gameplay

Being shown here is the new COTA track on time trial mode. The new more realistic replay cameras shots are shown as-well as in game footage at the bottom left. They have also improved the atmosphere of the tracks now by adding more spectators and fans and having them cheer you on through the race.

Game Trailers Interview - From E3.

Paul Jeal (Game Director) states that now they have a multi year contract to the F1 licence they can plan game features further ahead than before. New features such as localized weather, young driver test (for the less experienced player to get to grips with the controls of an F1 car and how things such as DRS, kers, adjustable fuel mixture and new adjustable brake bias.

Localized weather will really mix up the racing as in previous games there was pretty much always a perfect time to pit therefore everyone pit at the same time. That is not the case with this new weather system as it can only be raining on one part of the track, then the rain may change position, this game will be alot more down to strategy than the previous two games.

The AI is now improved and been made more intelligent. They now have the ability to change their fuel mix in races. Also on Legend difficulty the AI are harder than previous games especially into the first corner.

Gamespot Interview - From E3.

Steve Hood (Creative Director) discusses new features in F1 2012. This includes making the game inbetween Sim and Arcade racing. Therefore having elements of both. For the Sim side of the game there is the changing of brake bias (front, centre and rear) and changes of fuel mix (Rich, Standard and Lean) which are both done onboard. And for the arcade side they have made this game available for all skill levels and newcomers to Formula 1 also as getting into races in quicker you done not need a long amount of time to play this game in one session.

This video includes gameplay of the new COTA track on time trial mode in a McLaren, all driving views are shown and so is the use of adjustable brake bias and changes in fuel mix. The new camera angles are also shown during the replay mode.

Steve Hood states 'coming out in late September for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.'

Summary Interview and First Look from E3.

Steve Hood (Creative Director) and Paul Jeal (Game Director) discusses all new features and improves up to E3 and future plans of the F1 series. These include the small improves such as Monaco now has the bump down one of the back straights now. Paul Jeal explains how they go from CAD drawing of a new track (Korea 2010, India 2011 and COTA 2012) and then go on to adding the correct heights to the track then model the track in similar ways in which they did previous years as they got it accurate previously. Also RaceNet will be included in F1 2012 Steve Hood states there is a dedicated team working on RaceNet and involving that into the game by adding e.g. time trial competitions and special events. Separate cars features will be adding e.g. the Mercedes DRS system will be included, so if you drove for Mercedes you could get the DRS system open alot earlier than other teams. Tyres and suspension systems have both been improved by involving the best bits from F1 2010 and F1 2011. Other features include: 

• Adjustable brake bias,
• New localized weather so that it only rains on one sector of the track,
• New camera view of the TV pod,
• Brand new menu setup to make this year game feel new and different from previous versions.
• Improved car audio.
• and many more...

Machinima Interview - From E3.

Steve Hood (Creative Director) discusses F1 2012 at E3. Stating the it's only 70% completed at this time. The addition of the Austin Texas COTA (Curcuit of the America's) track brings F1 to the US. Therefore hopefully increasing sales for Codemasters.

There are now much improved controls for the gamepad, previous years games were focused on the handling for wheel users. F1 2012 is an Sim/arcade Steve Hood says it is inbetween the two as it shows realistic features like in real F1 however you can play for just a short amount of time if you wish if you have limited time, and you don't have to be a hardcore racer to be able to play it.

Ginx TV Interview - From E3.

Paul Jeal (Game Director) discusses how Codemasters have tried to get more people involved in F1 through new features in F1 2012. This includes through firstly a Young Driver's Test which is a real life test where young hopeful drivers from lower formulas try to show their skills for the first time in an F1 car. This can be a very important stage for a young race driver. Also there are Hot Lap training videos which ease the new players of F1 into how the car reacts and how to attack each track correctly to achieve the fastest time, through such things like using the correct gear for each corner.

This year in F1 2012 the cars are a lot similar than the previous year, also each car has their own specific stats, e.g. advantages and disadvantages.

Codemasters have worked with all the F1 teams and engineers to get the best experience for controlling the cars.

The new menu gives a 'more premium look' than last years game. Also importantly load times have been reduced. The tracks now also have more crowds and fans around them. There will be the new 2012 COTA track introduced to the game, this is now a new track every year since 2010.

A new lighting system will be introduced to improve the 'graphical fidelity year on year'.