Formula 1 racing games for the computer have been around for so long, the genre is like a well-oiled, finely tuned machine with little room left for improvements. F1 Challenge ’99-’02 makes an attempt to raise the bar higher by providing four complete seasons to include 14 different teams, 34 drivers, and 17 of the most famous circuits configured as they were for each season in 1999 to 2002. The graphics, A.I., and physics model have all been tweaked to a point unrivaled by those of any prior Formula 1 game.
Graphically, this game is an improvement upon F1 2002, EA Sports’ previous title. Tracks and cars are more detailed than ever before. The racing environments are also richer, with helicopters flying the skies around the tracks and jets from nearby airports taking off. The physics model has been improved so much that if you damage your car even slightly, it will drastically affect its handling characteristics. Lose a tail fin and your car will spin out as soon as you lightly tap the brakes or try to enter a turn. The computer-controlled cars are the best yet, racing you closely and aggressively while taking pains not to ram you, as well as being smart enough to try to avoid you if you lose control of your car. Game sound has been improved by the inclusion of actual recordings from real Formula 1 races. Engines sound so realistic that they fuel the urge to crank up your speakers and put the pedal to the metal. The garage area is flexible enough, so you don’t need an engineering degree to set up your car. Basic and Advanced setup screens allow everything from simple changes to more hardcore manipulation, right down to a telemetry data screen to assist you in analyzing your laps and allowing for more accurate adjustments on the car.
Up to this point, this game sounds perfect, and it nearly is—the only minor problem is an occasional glitch in the graphics of various horizons at each track. Overall, this game has so much more detail, realism, and flexibility than its predecessors that it effectively laps the F1 racing field.
PUBLISHER: ELECTRONIC ARTS
DEVELOPER: ELECTRONIC ARTS UK GENRE: RACING
ESRB RATING: EVERYONE
PRICE: $37.99
REQUIREMENTS: PENTIUM II 450, 128MB RAM, 1GB HARD DRIVE SPACE
RECOMMENDED REQUIREMENTS: PENTIUM III 1GHZ, 256MB RAM, 1GB HARD DRIVE SPACE, 128MB 3D CARD
MULTIPLAYER SUPPORT: LAN, INTERNET (2-8 PLAYERS)
Copyright © 2003 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in Computer Gaming World.
