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The best Formula 1 Game Available... Anywhere! |  Arend D. Hart from Michigan says (12/Feb/2002): | Formula One, F1, Formula 1 - however you prefer to call it - is one of the most under-appreciated forms of automobile racing in the US, second only to the sheer fortitude of the WRC Rally series.
It seems as though rest of the world is crazy about Formula 1 and WRC Rally, while we in the USA are stuck with a bunch of self-proclaimed rednecks who are happy to drive in circles.
For quite some time, EA has been trying desperately to outseat Pygnosis' incredible Formula One '99 for the PSone. F1 2000 and F1 2000 Championship Season (PSone) both came close, but framerate issues hindered an otherwise well-developed game. Even the PS2 iterations didn't measure up to the detail in Pygnosis' masterpiece. All of that has changed now. With EA's recent release of F1 2001, I'm happy to say that they have finally stolen the top seat for console Formula 1 racing.
Even if you disregard the amazing graphics, which include real-time reflections a'la Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec, and ignore the incredible sound quality, which is truly enveloping on even the most average stereo television, you still have an extremely deep and well-produced racer with the nuts-and-bolts to stand up to any of the competition. Finally, the PS2 has a game that accurately depicts the exciting world of Formula 1 with the perfectly player-adjustable mix of simulation and arcade.
I could go on all day about F1 2001. I could tell you about the nail-biting challenge mode, akin to GT’s licensing. Or, maybe I could fill you in on the real-time damage effects, and the devastating results when you don’t watch what you are doing. I could enlighten you on F1 2001’s make-or-break interactive pitstops, the first in the business to make you feel like you are actually performing a necessary task. I could expound on the incredible weather effects, or the great above-the-driver view that conveys an almost nauseating sense of speed. I could, but I'd rather let you try it and decide for yourself. Personally, I enjoy every aspect of this game. But, like a great Bloody-Mary – Formula 1 is an acquired taste that is definitely not going to appeal to the average NASCAR fan.
In all reality, the only downside to this game is that it's extremely difficult to actually complete a race with the damage turned on. One bump and you're done. But, that's reality. It's what makes Formula 1 so real, so precise. Stick your average Joe in a flimsy Formula 1 cart and drop him in the middle of a pack of twenty-one of the best drivers in the world, all approaching the Monte Carlo hairpin at 100MPH, and there's bound to be some serious wreckage.
I rented F1 2001 online from RedOctane, and had it sent to my door.
Arend D. Hart
Reviews Editor
ConsoleMonkey and StationPlay
www.ConsoleMonkey.com
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| Great | | the brain from pink street says (18/Dec/2001): | F1 2001 is awesome because all of the updated F1 cars there are over 50 of them plus high speed contact mixed in with a great season even if you already got nascar 2001 you should still get this.
| Incredible F1 Game | | Darth Adios from Iisalmi Finland says (19/Dec/2001): | This is best Formula 1 game what I ever play ! Graphics are fantastic (you don´t belive if not see) of course game includes season 2001 teams, drivers and cars !!! every car has own shape ! (Ferrari and Minardi not look same) and Villeneuve is in game, not John "Donald Duck" Newhouse !! control is great and realistic and driving tests have challenge everyone ! Computer drives good AI is smart !!!
| A good effort | | Richard from UK says (3/Jan/2002): | the graphics in this game are Astonishingly realistic, its clear to see that the developers have really worked hard on tiny details suchs as the way the tire smoke revolves arround the wheel as it spins, and the incredable reflections from montoya's chrome helmet. however there are some basic flaws. in the replays sometimes it displays yr tires as wets when your are really on slicks. all of the pit crew in on the grid look like james allen!. i love racing games but im not able to get into f12001 fully to enjoy it because i find the gamplay to be inconsistent and ethier too easy or too hard. but dont let that put u off, it is a good game overall.
| Awesome F1 Excperience | | Max from Ottawa Ontatio says (21/Feb/2004): | This game is a fast hearted game for racers like me. If you want to win win win...this is the game. Graphics are great. The grid girs a hott. Choose any racers like Montoya,Shumacher, and canada's own Villneve. The greatest game is this one. Fantastic job EA SPORTS! Racing gamers will love this. I DO!!
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