schumitifoso's Full Review: F1 2001 for PlayStation 2
BACKGROUND
EA certainly had their work cut out for them after last year’s F1 Championship Season 2001, which was stunning visually, but lacking in quality of game play. When learning of the release of F1 2001 from EA, I hoped that with the new game they would improve the graphics a little, and the game play a lot.
My main concern however was whether or not there would be a 2-Player full championship mode, complete with qualifying. With F1 2001 and 989’s Formula One 2001 being released on the same day, I was torn between the two. I opted to put a deposit on the EA game, with the option of returning it if I learned that the 989 title had a two-player championship. So the big day came, a day that will be etched in my memory forever. 10-3-2001. This was the day that the reason that I had wanted a PS2 became a bit more clear, I wanted the ultimate F1 Gaming Experience. Yet the question remained, which title would provide the thrills I was so desperately seeking? Well the day came and I dashed to my local game retailer and the following conversation followed:
“Yes, I reserved the EA F1 game that is coming out today.” (Grinning ear-to-ear, nearly overcome with emotion).
“I’m sorry sir, it was SUPPOSED to come out today but didn’t come in with our shipment.” The retailer replied.
“Oh Noooooo!” (Fighting back tears.) “I guess I’ll just have to get the 989 game to tide me over”
Within a half an hour of playing the 989 game, the $64,000 question was half answered, I may not have known which game would provide thrills, and I just knew it wouldn’t be the 989 game. As far as PS2 racing titles are concerned, 989’s Formula One 2001 is challenged only by “CART Fury” for the title of worst racing simulator yet. True story, after owning the 989 title for about 35 minutes, I returned it to Babbages, and embarked on a roller coaster ride searching all over my hometown for F1 2001. I finally scored after three false alarms; at long last I was on my way home.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
My first impressions of the game were that they had indeed improved it graphically, and yes, it did have more game play options. During my first few laps I noticed that the over-the-driver in-cockpit view was far superior to last year’s similar view. The wheels aren’t quite as wide, giving the gamer a better perspective. I also couldn’t help but notice the improved detail of the driver’s helmets, and the driver’s fingers actually changing the gears, also new. Another obvious enhancement was the pit-to-car commentary, which EA thoughtlessly omitted from last years PS2 game, thought the PS1 version had plenty of it. As with any new F-1 game the circuit to most clearly notice the visual improvements is unquestionably Monaco. To say the least I wasn’t disappointed. The sunlight that sneaks into the famous tunnel now flashes off the cars as they dash down to the Nouvelle Chicane. All in all, my first impressions were positive, but as any experienced F1 gamer can tell you, you can’t always judge a book by its cover.
GAME MODES
On last year’s offering, the only game modes were time trial, two-player race (just the two of you!), full season, custom season, quick race, and single grand prix. This year’s game has all of these (two player race now has all 22 cars), and has added teammate challenge, domination, tag team advantage, last man standing, and challenge mode (similar to Gran Turismo license tests). To be honest, I wish they had dropped all of the new game modes (with the exception of the enhanced two player), in favor of a training mode similar to the one on F1 CS 2000 on the PS1. The important thing is that they did try, and I can’t fault EA for that, I just wish somebody would recognize the appeal of a two-player championship mode. Those of you who have had the opportunity to play a two-player season on EA’s NASCAR series, know just how intense and enjoyable it can be.
NOTABLE ENHANCEMENTS
The most significant upgrades involve the actual racing; so at least EA put most of their energy in the right direction. When starting a race you are given the option of Normal or Simulation. As the names suggest Normal is a simpler, arcade-like experience, and Simulation is more realistic. On Normal the assist options are Speed Assists and corner indicators, while on normal they are Corner Indicator, Traction Control, and ABS. I personally never play the game on normal, because it just lacks realism, hardly any wheel-spin and seriously stripped down set-up options. In normal mode you can only change your tire compound, but in Simulation you can change your wing angles, front and rear suspension settings (including anti-roll bar, ride height, bump stops, and spring rate), brake strength and bias, and custom gear ratios. I like the fact that the settings are enhanced; though with it comes the inevitable frustration of fine-tuning the car. The only thing I am comfortable changing right now is my down-force settings, and only slightly.
One more very significant upgrade is the inclusion of interactive pit stops, a feature that I personally haven’t enjoyed since “Days of Thunder” on NES, not counting having to hold L1 for fuel on NASCAR 2001. In F1 2001, you are responsible for braking down to the pit lane limit of 50, then down to 12 to enter your pit stall, turning into your stall, gearing up when your car is almost fueled, and exiting on your own. If you fail to break down to the limit, your crew will have a problem with a wheel, or the fuel hose will get stuck, costing you valuable seconds.
I almost forgot, probably THE most notable enhancement is the inclusion of Grid Girls before the race. Watching these virtual Ladies bounce around in their skimpy outfits only serves to remind me why I hardly watch NASCAR anymore. This attention to detail also extends to the new presence of mechanics around your car, the only problem with this being that every mechanic for every team looks the same.
GAMEPLAY
The handling of the car on normal is very similar to F1 CS 2000, but on simulation it is a significant upgrade. The car can spin at any time, and traction control definitely doesn’t mean you can’t spin out, just as ABS doesn’t mean you can’t lock up the rears. The computer AI is also improved, though I didn’t have many complaints about it last year. On medium and hard the computer is very much on the fastest pace I can maintain during the race, though not always in Qualifying. My biggest enemy during the race is the circuit, racing with damage on, of course. I’m still working on my first season, and I must say it is very competitive. I also like how EA paid more attention to fuel strategy, I normally do half races, and if you choose a two-stop strategy, the difference in the weight and the effect it subsequently has on the handling and quickness of the car is quite evident.
COMPLAINTS
My complaints are very few in number, but I consider them quite serious. My biggest problem with the game is how it enforces the rules when you have FIA rules turned on. For those of you unfamiliar with the rules they are:
1. No passing under yellow flags.
2. Slow to 130 mph under yellow.
3. Don’t straight-line a chicane to hold or gain an advantage.
Don’t get me wrong, the inclusion on these rules was a fantastic idea, but the enforcement is moronic to the extent that I had to turn them off to make the game MORE REALISTIC! An example, someone hits someone in front of you, you dart to avoid him, and while he is in the act of spinning off the track, you overtake him. “You’ve been penalized for overtaking under yellows,” your team manager tells you. Or, anytime you put one wheel off the track, a yellow comes out, so if you are in a section of the track that is very quick, you are constantly slowing having to slow down 40-50 mph, or face a stop- go penalty. It gets better, if you have already been given a stop-go penalty, you can drive as fast as you want under yellows without being black-flagged. As you probably have already predicted, my main source of frustration is the lack of a two-player season, but Oh well, I think I’ve already touched on that.
SUMMARY
If this game had a two player season and featured David Coulthard’s girlfriend in the McLaren garage, I would have written an opinion telling you why F1 2001 from EA is the perfect racing game ever. Unfortunately, there is no two-player season and the sexy Simona is nowhere to be found. From a more realistic perspective, however, EA improved the game as much can be expected in a year’s time and it is without a doubt the best F-1 Simulator I have ever played.
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