Pole position

F1 Racing
PS2

- Squadron Leader Nick Hogan

The game: A straight-up Formula One motorsports simulation. This game goes further than any other PS2 title towards accurate F1 racing – just strap in and plant the foot, there’s no lessons.

The play: This game is a F1 fanatic’s delight, but a casual observer’s nightmare.

In its purest form, with no computer assistance, the complexities of this game are a task that’s likely beyond just about anybody who doesn’t breathe the sport instead of air. That being said, if all you want to do is drive, then with the computer aiding everything from braking and traction control to gear shifting and spin recovery, then even those that appear in the World’s Worst Drivers are a good shot at a podium place.

There are countless race options, timed test sessions and career modes that reward with medals, trophies, helmets and of course classic cars with classic races so you can unlock historic cars and new bonus tracks.

The terrain: Pre-race grid line-up set against a backdrop of mechanics, grid girls, journalists, cameramen and special events all add up to an attention to detail that is admirable.

The in-game display is functional and the new ten-player online option is a whole lot of fun. The tracks are as you would expect these days – computer perfect.

The experience: On the track the controls are punchy, the spectacle convincing enough and the simulation is good but unless you spend literally hours trying to wean yourself off the assists one by one, which is the idea, then it’s quite difficult to make the most of it.

F1 2005 expects that the written Learning & Tips section will give you all you need to succeed in a short amount of time – it does not – maybe F1 2006 will develop an in-game learning function.

Overall, if you’re an F1 fanatic, then go for it, if not then stick with GT4.

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