Movies

Perfectly recreated FI cars gliding around perfect recreations of F1 tracks…AND Brad Pitt? Now that’s what I call a formula for success!

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F1 25 (PlayStation, Xbox, PC, £69.99)

Verdict: Still in pole position

Instead of referring to it as Electronic Arts Football Club (EA FC), FIFA, the NBA series, or Rocket League, let me clarify that we’re talking about a different game altogether.

For quite a while, it’s been widely agreed that Codemasters’ most recent Formula One game consistently ranks as the top choice in sports simulation games.

What’s the reason behind this? It appears that the focus is primarily on simulated environments. Here, we find precise replicas of Formula 1 vehicles navigating along accurate replicas of Formula 1 racing circuits.

As someone who may struggle a bit behind the wheel, I completely understand the need for a more accommodating ride. Fortunately, there’s a way to tailor your driving experience to suit your needs: You can customize every aspect of your vehicle’s handling and performance to be as forgiving as possible.

If you’re more skilled, you could gradually increase the challenge to make it feel like a genuine experience.

Real-life Formula 1 drivers like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen choose to play racing games during their free time for a specific reason. Now, they – along with us – have another game to enjoy: F1 25. This version is an upgrade from F1 24, which automatically makes it an excellent choice.

Not only do you get to portray Brad Pitt‘s character, but there’s also a fun and engaging experience designed around the forthcoming Formula 1 film. Additional content will be available post-release of the movie as well.

Indeed, after a break of a whole year, it’s delightful to see the comeback of Braking Point, the storytelling style that weaves a soap opera around racing. The ongoing saga of Aidan Jackson, Callie Mayer, and other beloved fictional racers continues to tug at our heartstrings in an unexpected way.

One potential rephrasing could be: “The main letdown? As is often the case with yearly updates, it may seem more about refining what’s already been done than introducing groundbreaking changes. It doesn’t make things easier that a significant portion of this year’s enhancements are subtle tweaks to vehicle dynamics and track layouts, which might only be appreciated by experienced racers.

Regardless, continuing to refine what’s already the top sports-simulation game available won’t change the fact that it remains the best sports-simulation game out there.

Add in Brad Pitt too, and F1 25 takes the checkered flag.

The Siege And The Sandfox (PC, £11.99)

Verdict: Shines brightly, then goes out

First, gather some common items that we’re accustomed to finding in our kitchens as our starting point. We will incorporate elements from popular series like Castlevania and Prince of Persia for their explorative, springy platforming aspects. Next, let’s include the sneaky gameplay mechanics found in games such as Thief and Commandos. Lastly, season it with some old-school pixelated graphics to create a nostalgic feel. Combine everything, and voilà! We have a unique gaming experience that blends various genres and aesthetics, similar to magic.

The outcome isn’t completely unprecedented, yet it offers a unique twist and boasts a delightful flavor to it. It goes by the name of “The Siege And The Sandfox,” a platformer that challenges you to move stealthily in the darkness and evade any enemies encountered along the way.

Indeed, and I am not another, but rather, the enigmatic Sandfox – a cloaked slayer falsely accused of slaying my royal patron, the king, within a mystical Arabian Nights-inspired world. Now, I find myself shackled in the darkest pits of its capital city.

Who are the villains? They are the relentless city guards and the corrupt representatives of a foreign occupying force, many of whom you must avoid as you make your way back underground, with your intention being to mete out justice once you reach the surface.

Among the numerous aspects that make “The Siege And The Sandfox” remarkable, its intricate setup and evocative backdrop are certainly worth noting.

The graphics are beautifully simple yet striking, a fantastic blend of bright and dim areas. Moreover, as you explore, feel free to turn off any lights found along the way, making it harder for potential captors to spot the Sandfox, even though they may still hear his footsteps if you’re not cautious.

Unfortunately, the game showcases nearly all its features, including intricate mechanics and charming quests, during the initial few hours. Consequently, the subsequent six hours seem rather devoid of content.

In fact, it’s much like its protagonist in that regard: now you see it… now you don’t.

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2025-05-30 03:05

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