After the playing the surprisingly solid Formula One 2009 on the PSP, I was interested in trying out the Wii version of the game. I figured combining a solid racer with the Wii Racing Wheel would be a blast. Boy was I disappointed.

The game offers the same modes as the PSP version in single player, including Grand Prix Weekend and Career. Just about what you’d expect, though one would think the career mode would be longer than three years.

The problem is the actual gameplay. Once you get on the track, the controls are problematic and very frustrating. You’ll find that sometimes turning the wheel does nothing at all. Or sometimes you’ll start to turn, but not enough, and further turns of the wheel seem like they are straightening you out.

Visually the game is a bit of a let down. I was expecing a little bit more, but I felt like I was playing a Gamecube game. There were some nice sky and sun effects but that’s about it. After over three years, one would expect better of developers of Wii games.

Another strike against Formula One is the lack of online multiplayer. While the game does offer split-screen co-op and head-to-head, there is no way to play online. I know the Wii isn’t popular for online gaming, but sports games, racing in particular, need online, even if it is just a simple one and done mode.

Overall, I found Formula One 2009 a letdown. The Wii is a bit lacking in the racing genre, and this was a chance to step in and offer Wii gamers an exciting experience. Hopefully Codemasters can learn from this experience and improve on their game.

Formula One 2009 for the Wii is rated E for Everyone and was published by Codemasters. A review copy was provided to GamerPops.

Related posts:

1. F1 2009 Review
2. Review: F1 2009
3. F1 Multiplayer on the Wii
4. EA & Hasbro have your games
5. Roundtable 1: August 2009