F1 Race Stars

Pros

• Fun F1 racing experience without the complexity of simulators.
• Features fun depictions of real drivers and F1 teams.
• Fun to play and always packed with action.
• Split-screen multiplayer option available.

Cons

• Free and trial versions only include one track.
• No drifting or cornering tricks like in kart games.

F1 Race Stars is a racing game that combines Formula 1 racing with karting, giving players a highly unique and entertaining experience that would be hard to see in any other game. The game features real Formula 1 teams and drivers, but delivers them in a fun "cartoonish" style that is likely to make you chuckle along the way.

Obviously, it's far from the realism and accuracy that actual race car simulators strive for, as there's many elements in the game that don't exist in real life, such as cars getting power-ups by driving through the right elements on the track. Those who want to race F1 cars on their PC and to have fun doing so, without having to learn complicated controls or practice dozens of laps before finally being able to take curves without ending up in a wall are sure to find F1 Race Stars interesting.

The cars featured in the game are quite nimble and respond accurately to player inputs. Each race is fast-paced and will keep you at the edge of your seat while you're driving. Each track has elements that can help you get ahead of your opponents if you take advantage of them, like loops, shortcuts and jumps. Some are obvious, while others are hidden and take a bit of practice to find on the track and drive through without losing control. While F1 Race Stars wasn't designed with accuracy as the number one priority, it still has some more realistic elements.

When it comes to taking corners, you will need to brake if necessary to reduce your speed and steer carefully. F1 Race Stars doesn't allow drifting or other tricks like cars becoming airborne during cornering, which are common features in karting games. There's a couple other elements of realism awaiting you as you play the game, but just like the rest of F1 Race Stars, there isn't anything too serious or complex to ruin the fun.

Codemasters, the developers of the game, have created tracks from all over the world, which allow you to see the amazing scenery unique to each nation. However, the free edition of the game only comes with one track location: Germany. On the other hand those who purchased the full version of the game will be happy to hear that the development team has recently released several more tracks as add-ons. These new tracks are located in India, China, Canada and Europe. Pit stops and changing weather are featured in the game too. Finally, for those who love to race with friends, a classic split-screen multiplayer mode is available.

Pros

• Fun F1 racing experience without the complexity of simulators.
• Features fun depictions of real drivers and F1 teams.
• Fun to play and always packed with action.
• Split-screen multiplayer option available.

Cons

• Free and trial versions only include one track.
• No drifting or cornering tricks like in kart games.