F1 2001

Traditionally, Formula One games have targeted the serious followers of F1 racing, as they're usually too difficult or involved for the average gamer.  With the release of their first Formula One game for the PS2 console, "F1 2001," EA Sports has targeted a more broad racing interest among gamers, and it shows.  While the hardcore F1 fans (who are typically found outside of the U.S.) may be disappointed with this decision, a larger majority will appreciate this game for what it is - a solid racing game that offers an enjoyable high-speed experience.

F1 2001 is definitely not a pure simulation game as other F1 games are (or at least attempt to be).  Instead, this release offers a mix of arcade fun and simulation realism.  These characteristics can also be controlled further by choosing either normal (which is an arcade type mode) or simulation for the handling type before each race/challenge.  The latter proves to be more physically accurate, since the cars can more easily go out of control as a result of poor driving tactics, just like they really would.  When you're piloting an 800 HP machine weighing only 1400 lbs, a very small mistake can result as a huge problem - these cars aren't meant to go off-road!

If simulation mode is chosen, drivers have the ability to change various settings on the car.  Tires, downforce, suspension, brakes, and the gearbox characteristics can all be set to optimal values before races begin.  On the other hand if normal mode is chosen, only the tire type can be changed.  This again is evidence of EA Sports targeting less racing inclined gamers, who could care less about such settings.  Luckily, choosing simulation mode will allow the veterans to feel at home, since they have the ability to tweak many aspects of the cars.

To further help the racing newcomer, EA Sports has incorporated a challenge game mode.  The various challenges are similar to license tests found in Gran Turismo series, but they aren't nearly as difficult.  These challenges present just about all aspects of the game separate from one another to help racers get a feel for the game.  Some examples are: piloting a series of turns with worn tires, taking a chicane turn when the track is covered in rain, and performing the pit sequence as fast as possible.  Even though the veteran racers will probably be able to complete these challenges fairly quickly, this doesn't make them useless.  They add another aspect to the game and allow the various features of the game to be realized and appreciated.  Additionally, novice drivers can choose to use the included driving assist features: traction control, ABS, speed assists and corner indicators, which are helpful and very easy to follow.

Besides the challenge mode, gamers can also take part in quick races, single grand prix races, or multiple race championships.  There are also various options that are opened up as you progress through the game, such as domination mode, where the goal is to get first place in every race of the season.  Multiplayer mode allows up to four gamers (when using a multi-tap) to compete with each other in various types of races.  The great thing is that it's possible to go head-to-head with no other cars on the track and it is also possible to have a full grid if desired.

F1 2001 presents gamers with very detailed game play in many respects.  Driving off of the course will result in debris covered tires that make the car harder to handle.  The weather changes are very realistic in both how the sky, track, & rain look and also in how the car handles.  If there is a weather change during a long race gamers have the ability, through a pit stop, to equip their car with wet/rain tires.  The pit stops feature full crews and are interactive in the sense that braking, turning in, putting the car into gear, and accelerating (all at the right time) will cause you to lose fewer seconds in the process.  The AI drivers don't seem to be as aggressive as they should be, but they race to win.

Whether using the digital pad, the analog sticks or the Logitech GT Force wheel, F1 2001 can be controlled beautifully.  The sensitivity of the steering is perfect, allowing the F1 cars to be driven with precision.  As with most other racing games, I'd recommend picking up the GT Force wheel for this one.  Naturally, it adds to the racing experience significantly.

Overall the graphics are quite stunning.  All colors are very vibrant and most of the textures are extremely detailed.  While the frame rate isn't of blistering speed, the game is still very smooth and there is no evidence of lag, even when many of the cars are on screen at once and split-screen it being utilized.  The shadows and reflections throughout the game, along with the other environmental effects, are very impressive.  There are four distinct camera views to choose from: front bumper, driver's seat, TV pod, and behind the car.  The TV pod view definitely allows for the best view of the track.  The driver's seat view is very cool, since the cockpit is so detailed as it even shows the driver's fingers moving when pressing the paddle shifter, but it doesn't prove to be very functional in terms are drivability.  The replays are of TV-like quality, offering various camera views to highlight the fast action.

While racing, the pit chief can be heard over the radio.  He provides information about the other drivers' statuses and also warns you if a weather change is going to happen.  Additionally the announcer provides information about each tracks' history and the drivers before each race.  The music is of decent quality, but it is not available during the races.  The cars' engine sounds are all identical, but they sound extremely realistic.  Instead of being just a high pitch whine, they have more character to them, as F1 engines naturally do.

The physics of the game aren't comparable to those found in the more simulation focused F1 games.  Instead, the cars more easily bounce off of each other similar to bumper cars.  While hitting another car can easily cause a spin to occur, the collisions just don't feel solid enough.   When it comes down to how the cars handle around corners and under heavy braking, this aspect of F1 2001 isn't quite so unrealistic. If the simulation handling mode is chosen, a fairly realistic racing experience can be had, but it still doesn't live up to the standards of a true simulation game.  Personally though, I think this is in a way a great thing and I hope that it will get more people interested in Formula One racing.

F1 2001 includes all the drivers, tracks, and teams from the 2001 Formula One World Championship.  It proves to be the best overall F1 game currently available for the PS2.  Although some aspects of the game may disappoint some racers who have a lot of experience with past F1 games, it allows for a nice balance between arcade and simulation game play.  This is a balance that most people looking to satisfy their need for speed will enjoy.

This game is rated "E" for everyone and it takes up 256KB on your PS2 memory card.
 

Gameplay: 9
F1 2001 offers both arcade style game play and a decent simulation mode, which allow just about anyone to enjoy it. 

Graphics: 8
While the frame rate isn't as impressive as many other recent PS2 releases, the texture quality and overall attention to detail is superb.

Sound: 8
The cars' engine sounds are very accurate, as are the other miscellaneous sound effects found in the game.  The pit radio is very realistic and can be helpful to the driver during a race.

Difficulty: 7.5
F1 2001 will challenge just about anyone at the hardest level, but it's still more forgiving than other F1 games.

Concept: 8
The challenge mode is a great idea and it allows the game to be more interesting than most.

Multiplayer: 8.5
Allows for up to four players (plus AI drivers) to compete in split-screen showdown.

Overall: 8.2