Official Formula 1 Racing

Reviews / previews

Review: Official Formula 1 Racing

Eidos has filled the gap between them with Official Formula 1 Racing, which blends realism and accessibility to deliver solid gameplay for a wide range of skill levels. Though serious racing fans may balk at the game's simplicity, more casual PC racers should find a lot to like.

The most notable feature is the title and licensing deal behind it. The game is endorsed by Formula 1 and includes all 22 drivers and 16 tracks from the 1998 World Championship racing season. The major racing teams are represented as well, so you'll see familiar names like Ferrari, McLaren-Mercedes and Benetton-Playlife.

The game revolves around a full season, 16-track championship, though you can also play a quick race (which skips the practice and qualifying rounds) or a single race. For each option, you can customize the game's realism and difficulty settings--including simulation or arcade mode, your skill level and that of the AI drivers.

To cap things off, you can invoke "driver aid" options that make the game more forgiving for novice players, including assisted steering, assisted braking, and automatic repositioning after spinouts (a terrible option, as it often takes too long to be of any use).

In general, the game's physics are relaxed so that the cars are forgiving of all but the most ill-conceived moves. This is sure to displease sim devotees, but racing novices will welcome the game's approachability.

And just because Official Formula 1 Racing isn't as realistic or challenging as Grand Prix Legends doesn't mean it's easy. Even with many of the difficulty options dialed down, you may be hard-pressed to hold the track at high speeds. It's easy to spinout on most circuits, and such a mistake often spells disaster since it is difficult to catch an AI driver once he passes you.

Graphically, Official Formula 1 Racing is good, but not great. While it doesn't pack the visual punch of a Monaco Grand Prix 2, the game's 3D engine is respectable and, most importantly, zooms along at a great clip on a high-end system. (The software rendering option was surprisingly good, with crisp visuals and a very good frame rate.)

The sound effects are fantastic, including wind noises, tire squealing, and engine popping that help to create a lifelike racing experience. And the game's multiplayer component is solid, with support for up to eight players over IPX, native TCP/IP, and Mplayer, and provision for modem and serial play.

In all, a fun game that should appeal to racing fans who find Grand Prix Legends and Monaco Grand Prix 2 too difficult or frustrating.-- Mike Ryan / GamePro