We have struggled to get along, Formula 1 and me.
F1 2010
For: PlayStation 3
From: Codemasters
Others appreciate your history and excitement and drama; all I can see is sponsors, obscene budgets and Bernie Ecclestone.
But I try hard.
I take note of which drivers and constructors are doing well, I watch some highlights, and I try to avoid asking stupid questions like "What exactly is a chicane?" and "This Vettel kid, is he better than Schumacher?"
Unfortunately, when it comes to Formula 1 as represented on a gaming console, I tend to admit sound and swift defeat.
The handful of F1 games I have played have been memorable generally for only how badly I have played them.
First, the good news about F1 2010, another big step for Codemasters as it attempts to breathe life back into a series that was floundering.
All 12 teams and 24 drivers that started this season are represented in some detail, and all 19 circuits are faithfully reproduced.
Huge work has been put into weather simulation - recognising the effect rain, in particular, has on elite open-wheel racing - and in recreating the feel of the garage and pit lane and race weekend.
Finally, an accessible career mode, similar to what Codemasters did with its very good V8 Supercar series, eases you into the demands of the F1 lifestyle.
Getting started is easy enough; it's the actual driving, that's the problem.
I found it hard, really hard, even on the easiest difficult settings.
There is an intimidating difficulty curve to staying on the track, let alone being competitive in races.
I can see newcomers being put off straight away.
It's a good-looking game but I can't see there being much appeal outside the hardcore petrol-heads.
