It is said that in order to get behind the wheel of a professional F1 car drivers must have a size 28 waist and maintain a certain weight. In reality not all of us would be able to adhere to these requirements. Thankfully for those of us who fall short of this there is F1 2009 for the Wii but will this title manage to snatch pole position for racing games on the Wii?
Just by looking at the title, you’re instantly informed that this is no ordinary racing game. F1 2009 is a fully licensed title so one can expect to see all their favourite F1 drivers as well as the drivers that they loath. You will also have the pleasure of racing globally as you jump from each F1 track location to the next; something of a dream come true for that little kid inside you that wanted to be an F1 driver.
When it comes to game modes and to the track, F1 2009 means some serious business. There are a variety of game modes which range from time trials, practice laps, quick race, Grand Prix weekend and the Formula 1 Championship. In the Championship, players must choose a driver and set out to become number one as they participate in every race in the F1. This game mode carries much depth as you can go through all the motions of these events. This includes; Saturday practice and all three qualifying sessions which lead up to the big race. F1 2009 is no half-hearted racing game.
Once you’ve picked your driver and a race mode, you’ll be ready to experience the depth that is found within the gameplay. F1 2009 boasts a number of different racing settings which cater for the noobiest of noobs and the most hardcore veterans. F1 2009 offers a great experience with its racing sim characteristic which gives you the true feeling of driving an F1 car. To add to the fun, the gameplay gives off the feeling of high speed so trust us, going down the straight at 280km/h with a sharp right coming up will bring loads of excitement. The racing is very solid and rewarding. To add to the realism, drivers can also opt for dynamic weather conditions, part malfunction, tire wear and fuel depletion all in the spirit of true Formula 1.
Graphically, F1 2009 may well be one the better looking Wii titles and while it may not look ‘amazing’ to the little graphic snob inside of you, it is still a very solid looking title. Yes there are a few textures that may seem lacking but overall it does not detract from the greater experience.
With a number of different control schemes to choose from, players are sure to find one which they’re comfortable with. F1 2009 supports the nunchuk , classic controller and the Wii mote for motion control. The steering wheel peripheral that comes in box is a nice touch as well.
When the chips are down and there is nothing but you and the track, F1 2009 is a great racing title for the Wii. It has a vast number of game modes, stellar gameplay and it supports split screen. This is important in racing titles today as nothing is better than beating a mate. It offers the player a great and fun-filled experience.
