I think I must have been about 5 or 6 years old when F1 Grand Prix first came out. Said as it is, I still have the occasional urge to throw down the xbox controller to do a race or 2 on a timeless classic. The gameplay, for it's time, is quite fantastic. Likewise, the graphics are a respectable effort, compared to those of other games of the time, such as fifa international soccer or prince of persia 2.
With 8 tracks to race on, the game leaves a lot to the imagination, with little or no detail paid to the crowd.
The only thing to keep you going on this game is either a) a substantial quantity of beer and spirits, b) that you have way to much time on your hands, or c) that you have a desire to master a true classic of the automotive gaming industry.
It may have very simple control features, and a handling system that can be compared to that of a tracker loaded with nos traveling down a country lane in the dark, but all the same it's quite fun. I guess, that game wise, you could compare its realism to that of either toca one or toca two, or maybe even sega gt.
If it's a driving game you are after, then you must have this in your
collection purely on the basis of supporting a gaming great. Also try any of the games from the toca touring car range. They're made by codemasters, so the graphics are a bit brian lara, it has to be said, but all the same, a fantastic range of games. Also try sega gt, a simple yet endlessly amusing driving experience for those who like to keep it simple, but have the high speed thrills.
As far as this game compares to today's racing games, such as need for speed underground two or the modern formula one racing games (which include a million and one options that you'll never want to use, and never will utilize to their fullest extent) it is a simplistic classic. No unnecessary rubbishy menus, control options, mechanics and aero dynamics menus, just simple, high octane racing from the second greatest sport on the planet... (I'm from Manchesterin the UK, what you reckon my favourite sport is).
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed reading my article / comparison list style review. I'm off to play on Ultimate Soccer Manager 98-99, another true great!!!
