F1 Manager 2024 Review: Buckle Up for a Bumpy Ride
With a host of improvements, F1 Manager 2024 takes the wheel, but technical hiccups still linger in the pit lane.
last updated Jul 29, 2024
While it shines in creativity and depth, F1 Manager 2024 struggles under the weight of bugs and performance issues.
Gameplay Mechanics – The Engine Roars… Sometimes
F1 Manager 2024 offers an engaging experience that brings the thrill of F1 management to life, but it does so with a few sputters along the way. The gameplay allows players to create their own teams, providing an intricate layer of investment rarely seen in the series before. The addition of a mentality system aims to enhance driver management, introducing an intriguing dynamic between team morale and performance. While many aspects of team management have been improved, such as race simulations and the overall pacing of in-race decisions, certain gameplay elements can feel janky or scripted. Unfortunately, a frustrating array of bugs, particularly concerning contract negotiations, can throw a wrench in even the best strategies, creating an unanticipated sense of dread and confusion for managers trying to get their ideal driver lineup sorted out.
Audio – The Soundtrack of Speed
In terms of audio, F1 Manager 2024 effectively captures the essence of the racing world with a pulse-pounding soundtrack and well-crafted sound effects that make you feel like you're right on the pit wall. The roar of the engines and the crackle of the team radios are immersive, adding a layer of authenticity to the experience. However, amidst all the high-octane sounds, there are instances where dialog and radio communications can feel a touch repetitive, somewhat impeding overall immersion. It's a solid effort that knows how to keep you in the zone while chasing victory, though a few more unique lines wouldn’t go amiss to bolster the excitement as races unfold.
Graphics – Eye Candy with a Dash of Glitches
F1 Manager 2024 boasts impressive graphics that elevate the overall presentation of the game, showcasing beautifully rendered cars and tracks that are sure to please F1 enthusiasts. However, despite the visual splendor, the game suffers from various performance issues that can pull players out of the race. Flickering textures and laggy menus impede the overall experience, especially during pivotal moments when attention is paramount. Many players have reported overheating issues while running the game, suggesting that optimization is currently on the back burner. The visually appealing graphics are somewhat overshadowed by these technical problems, leaving room for improvement in future updates.
Innovative Features – New Tools for the Trade
The introduction of the Create-a-Team mode serves as a game changer, allowing players to mold their own legacy within the F1 landscape. This feature provides a fresh avenue for creativity while retaining the core management elements that make this title engaging. Customization options are extensive, contributing to long-term replayability, whether you're going all-in with wacky paint jobs or strategizing the best driver lineup. Additionally, some minor quality-of-life improvements have been welcomed, enhancing the team management experience overall. However, it's difficult to ignore the cloud of bugs that occasionally derails the fun and undermines the otherwise rich feature set.
STEAM RATING
Developer & Publisher
Frontier Developments
Release Date
July 23, 2024
Verdict
While F1 Manager 2024 offers an exciting leap forward with its Create-a-Team feature and various gameplay enhancements, it struggles under the weight of bugs and performance issues. Players eager for a deeper management experience will find much to enjoy, yet the technical hurdles could dampen excitement for many. The game showcases potential for future patches to polish the rough edges, leaving fans hopeful for a smoother ride ahead.
