Earlier this year I reviewed F1 2012 from Codemaster’s, it was one of the most hardcore racing simulations around and if you didn’t drive the way you were meant too, then you wouldn’t win. Now Codemaster’s is doing the exact opposite with F1 Race Stars, in a similar vein to karting games of yonder year (or of this year in the form of LittleBigPlanet Karting) F1 drivers and vehicles are being turned into the popular genre. Prepare for over the top racing, as your favourite F1 racing star.

This debut gameplay trailer shows off the fast paced arcade-style karting game from the Formula One sport, featuring the teams and tracks like you ever never seen them before. The game is set to release in Australia this November 15. The game will feature your standard weapon upgrades system, but the unique array of abilities is what interests me the most. There are various fantasy style power-ups, but then there are more realistic ones, like calling in Wet Weather to slow down the pack, using DRS to speed past your opponents and if you car gets overly damaged, take a drive through the pits to repair it.

There will be an extensive career mode with 3 separate tiers of difficulty featuring both traditional F1 circuits and fantastical circuits such as castles and forests. The game will feature 4 player split-screen action, which will please many karting enthusiasts. You will also be able to race in modes similar to Time Attack when you race against the clock, or even online. Online wise the game will feature RaceNet a system built around collecting your rival data, track your race history and join in regular F1 Race Stars community events.

The game will release on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC and is fully license by the Formula One World Championship. The game produces a very unique take on the sport and could provide players with some excellent karting fun, let’s wait and see how this one turns out. But I am intrigued to see Codemaster’s finished product.

Jamie Briggs loves a good karting game and F1 Race Stars, actually looks very fun. He also runs Analog Addiction where you can find all his latest reviews, interviews and features and also like them on Facebook. Also follow his daily life on Twitter @AnalogAddiction and his videos on YouTube.