FORMULA 1
CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION (PSX)
Type: Racing
Developer: Bizarre Creations
Publisher: Psygnosis  
Number of players: 1 or 2 players via a split screen
Rating: K-A

Formula 1 Championship Edition (F1CE) is the sequel to Psygnosis' popular
Formula 1 racer.  If you're a real-world Formula 1 racing fan get ready to do
some serious drooling. This new release includes all the latest updates on
Formula 1 drivers, cars, and tracks.  F1CE is definitely a collectable for
those who love this sport.  Unfortunately, this racer does have one flat
tire.

F1CE has 2 racing modes: Arcade and Grand Prix.  The Arcade mode is a fast
and easy way to get behind the wheel for some high speed mayhem.  There are a
limited number of options available prior to selecting either Time Attack or
Race.  There are 3 difficulty settings in the Arcade mode (Easy, Medium,
Hard).

The Grand Prix mode, on the other hand, is a dabblers delight.  You can spend
hours in the set up screen configuring your car and driver before you enter a
race.  Success or winning is totally dependent on your pre-race selections.
 The number of options and configurations for cars, drivers, and tracks is
mind-boggling and impressive.

There are 17 authentically reproduced circuits, 13 teams, and the full
spectrum of Formula 1 cars.  Racing selections include: Training, Single
Race, or a full 18 race Championship season.  The skill level can be set at
Novice or all the way up to Expert.  If you select "Expert", additional
options become available and the races are guaranteed to provide an extreme
challenge.

The Race Length is adjustable and can be set as low 3 laps or up to a full 70
lap race.  Other settings that can be turned "On" or "Off" include: Steering
Assist, Braking Assist, Damage, Failures, Flags, Tire Wear, Fuel Depletion
and Tear Offs.

The "Tear Offs" option is pretty neat.  In the real-world of Formula 1
racing, dirt, debris and insects hit the helmet visor and obstruct the
drivers view.  Therefore, the drivers have several layers of a clear material
on their visor they can tear off to remove the obstructions.  This is
realistically simulated in the game by a button press on the controller.

Other options include: Weather (Sunny, Rainy, Variable or Random),
Transmission (Automatic or Manual), Tires (Slicks, Wets, Monsoon), Compound
(Soft to Hard), Suspension (Soft to Stiff), Brake Disc (24mm to 30mm), Brake
Bias (front and rear adjustable), Front and Rear Downforce (wing adjustment),
and Fuel Load (amount of fuel in tank).

As you can see from the above, there are an unlimited number of
possibilities.  Also, the drivers and cars each have their own unique style
and traits.  After you put the whole package together, any mistakes on your
part will result in poor performance and a finish in the back of the pack.

When you're finally satisfied with your car and driver setup you can proceed
to Practice (a good idea), and/or Qualify and then Race.

The races are extremely challenging and usually very long.  Sometimes the
Frustration Level gets pretty high.

The High Resolution 3-D Graphics are well done but you've probably seen
better in a few other racing games.  There are occasional trees popping up in
the middle of the track and random transparencies (parts of your car showing
through solid objects).

The racing view can be zoomed from an exterior behind the car camera angle to
a behind the wheel without a dash view.  

The sound effects such as engine sounds, voices of well-known commentators
and the pit crew on the radio, etc., get a high rating.  There's a CD player
where you can select some above average rocking music tracks.

Negatives:  F1CE has the potential of being an outstanding racer except for
the steering control which is its one flat tire.  The steering is not precise
and seems unrealistic.  It's like the steering you'd encounter if you were
running and pushing a wheelbarrow around a course.  Driving these outstanding
racing machines is a real chore regardless of whether you're using a digital
or analog steering controller.  Control in a racing sim is paramount to
creating the illusion that you're actually behind the wheel.  In this aspect
F1CE falls short of the mark.  

The Bottom Line:  F1CE is not for the fainthearted racing sim player.  It is
a realistic presentation of all the sights, sounds and excitement found in
Formula 1 racing.  If Formula 1 racing is your life, then you might want to
add this one to your memorabilia collection of the sport.  Either way, it is
highly recommended you rent this one before buying, so you can decide for
yourself whether it's a keeper or not.

Street Price:  $44.99

Password:  No

Memory Card:  2 Block

Supports:  Analog steering controllers

Graphics:  80

Sound:  85

Soundtrack:  75

Learning Curve:  Moderate

Difficulty:  Arcade is Easy
               Grand Prix is Hard

Controller Options:  None

Manual:  Good

Replay Value:  Great.

FINAL SCORE:  80

=*=A Voltranic Syndicated Review=*=

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