Preview: Formula One Championship Edition (PS3)

Since Sony snapped up the exclusive license for the Formula One Championship, it's fair to say it hasn't been missed by the majority of gamers. Enthusiastic reproductions have only entertained those able to sit through a live race without channel hopping, or just losing interest. Since the fantastic PSone version, the rest of us have moved onto Burnout, Need For Speed, Project Gotham and a host of other racing offerings without looking back.

The videogame suffers from a similar problem to that of its real life counterpart; where is all the fun? If you're wanting quick arcade thrills, customisation or carnage, then Formula One World Championship won't be loading on your PlayStation 3 come launch day. What this edition provides is the 2006 season, with all the teams and drivers on the starting grid just in time before the 2007 season kicks off. It is disappointing that this game couldn't be tied in with the forthcoming season to really simulate the real thing. Given how many changes actually occur in the off season (new teams, drivers moving on, rule amendments and so on) devotees of the sport will be disappointed to be lagging behind at the back of the pack.

Europe is really the home of the Formula One series, so it is only fair that the region should receive the definitive version of this release. The Japanese version shipped without online options while here you can jump online to race against others and judge your progress through leaderboards and statistics. You can race against a full field of 22 competitors (11 maximum being human) and try to reach pole position without being barged off the track. Those unable to go online will have to make do with a rudimentary two player split screen option.

The balance between simulation and game is one that is extremely difficult to pull off and Liverpool Studio have included several driving aids that can be turned off, depending on how confident you are. Then the more experienced can actually tinker with their car set up to obtain the best possible advantage during races and qualifying sessions. Just how deep you want to get is entirely up to you.

The Career Mode does what it says and you have to earn the right to get onto a team before your F1 career can commence. Those without such lofty ambitions can just play through a season in the World Championship mode, before jumping into the main event. Achievements are rewarded through historic F1 cars that can be only used in the Time Trial mode.

The SIXAXIS controller has been integrated into one of the various control options (the game also features support for Logitech steering wheels) and through practice is it possible to steer your vehicle by using the motion sensors. It is also possible to connect your PSP to obtain another viewpoint whilst driving.

Visually this is one of the strongest PS3 titles to date with almost photo-realistic qualities. Tracks and cars are beautifully recreated and the variable weather is some of the best Gamestyle has seen so far. Whether this is enough to get back on the podium of racing titles remains to be seen, but the competition is extremely fierce.

Words by Jason Julier