The jump to high definition is for the racing genre is made dramatic with Formula One, which supports resolutions up to 720p. Detail in the vehicle models is to be expected, but the level of destructibility is simply impressive. Colliding with another vehicle or scraping a wall yields location-specific damage to your vehicle that is visually and physically calculated. Knock a tire off or bust up your engine and your visibly broken machine will be retired from the race. You’ll want to stay in the mix of things not just because it’ll better your chances of success, but also to take in the beautifully crafted venues. Each of the 18 circuits of the 2006 season has been digitally recreated with pleasing results. Perhaps the nicest thing about the presentation is how smoothly the whole thing runs. Consistency in the framerate and no noticeable graphical glitches make viewing Formula One effortless. Among its impressive real-time collision damage, spectacularly detailed vehicles and venues, and impeccable technical performance, Formula One shows exactly what PlayStation 3 can handle.

Even if you’re not entirely versed in the sport, Formula One: Championship Edition recreates it in such a way that makes it enjoyable. Rich visuals and loads of gameplay options ensure your experience will be a positive one, packed with simulated Formula One racing that is surprisingly accessible. Motion-controlled steering highlights a lengthy list of features that raise Formula One: Championship Edition up as one of the best in the series. While more multiplayer options would have been nice, there’s so much good stuff here that you’ll hardly notice. Finish up that nutella sandwich and pick up your Sixaxis—Formula One: Championship Edition is revved up and ready to go.