F1 2018 first gameplay footage debuts, new features announced ahead of Monaco GP

F1 2018 was recently announced by Codemasters for PC and console launch in the summer, but until now no-one had any inkling what the game would actually be like.

Now, to coincide with the Monaco GP, Codemasters has released the first in-game footage, with Sauber driver Charles LeClerc taking us for a lap around the infamous circuit.

Codemasters has also detailed some new features for this years game, including upgraded visuals over last year's game.

With regards to the visuals unveiled today in the new Monaco footage, Stuart Campbell, the new Art Director on F1 2018 said, "One of the biggest visual uplifts for F1 2018 are our revised lighting, sky, clouds and atmospherics systems. These systems work hand-in-hand and affect all aspects of the game rendering, making it more believable than ever before. Our new cloud tech more accurately represents the real world with improved cloud formations and response to light through the various weather scenarios that are a huge part of F1. Even on a clear day, the sky looks interesting with high level cloud detail and jet trails, while the new atmospherics system gives a true sense of depth in the scene and connects the sky and terrain in a more cohesive manner, making for some stunning vistas."

Fans will also be pleased to hear that there's a player-managed Energy Recovery System (ERS) this year, adding another dose of realism to proceedings.

"The inclusion of a player-managed Energy Recovery System (ERS) has been added to vehicle physics for F1 2018 as we always strive to give as authentic a recreation of the sport as possible. Augmenting the powerful internal combustion engine, the player will have multiple deployment modes to choose from. The inclusion of the ERS will not only give the player an even more authentic Formula 1 experience, but will serve to create even more varied and exciting races"

Content wise, F1 2018 will expand the career mode even further as well as bringing in more classic cars to drive compared with F1 2017. And as you'd expect, the full 2018 circuit calendar is included, which includes the returning French and German Grand Prix at Circuit Paul Ricard and Hockenheimring respectively.

The next update will reveal the classic cars to be included, which Codemasters says have been selected from community feedback. F1 2018 is due to launch for PC, Xbox One and PS4 on August 24.

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Richard Devine is a Managing Editor at Windows Central with over a decade of experience. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently, you'll find him steering the site's coverage of all manner of PC hardware and reviews. Find him on Mastodon at mstdn.social/@richdevine