Review by Mark Arnott

Game:         Formula One Grand Prix 2
Publisher:    Microprose
Format:       CD-ROM
Available:    Now

Requires:

O/S:          Dos 5.0+
Processor:    486/DX2-66+
RAM:          8Mb+  (16 MB for Win' 95)
Graphics:     VGA + SVGA
CD-Rom:       X2
Soundcard:    All major cards supported

Tested on:

O/S:          DOS 6.22
Processor:    Pentium 100MHz
RAM:          24Mb
Graphics:     SVGA 1Mb
CD-ROM:       Quad speed
Soundcard:    Soundblaster 16
Controls:     Keyboard  and  joystick

F1GP2

This has to be the most eagerly awaited game of the year. After so many set-backs and so much hype, it was going to have to be ground breaking stuff as far as driving Sims go. Geoff and his team have certainly been busy, there is 540MB crammed onto the CD, which is a lot more than most CD games. A full install requires 58MB of HDD space (3 mins with a quad speed), and the CD is accessed during play. This is a processor hungry Sim, if running on less than a Pentium the SVGA option would be a no-no due to jerkovision. Though in VGA it is still just as playable. If ever there was a program to make you upgrade - this is it. (The bloke next door to me did).

A 150 page manual and a 30 page technical supplement come with the package and are written to a high standard. The manual has some nice gloss photo's of cars and stuff.

The Main Menu that presents itself on start-up gives 6 options, Drive menu, Load game, Choose driver, Control method, and Options. The user is able to alter just about every single aspect of the game, ranging from 5 sound effect volume levels, to 10 graphics feature switches. It is when in the graphics detail menu that the speed of the game is determined, I found that by turning the sky texture off I could keep everything else on. There is a handy device that shows what sort of frame rate you can expect from the game when driving with your chosen settings.

The sound effects are excellent. When looking at the menus there is racy music and atmospheric pit garage noises, but when in the driving seat the engine sound is very realistic. I really liked the low level drone of an engine when in the pits, and when driving over curbing the rumble strips can be heard.

When it comes to car set-up the manual needs to be at hand, as it describes what effect any changes will have on the handling. You are given the ability to alter every aspect of the car as you would have in real life, from standard wing settings to dampers and packers. The cars have wear planks underneath and if you set the ride height too low they do wear down. This wear can be examined along with the tyres when in car set-up in between driving around the circuit.

The drivers from the 1994 F1 season occupy the cars that you race against. Driver proficiency can be set to 1994 levels, random, or all the same. If set to 1994 you will really be chasing Schumacher round the track most of the time (if you're lucky). This game demands a higher degree of driving skill than was required in the fore-runner to this game, my first two days were spent at Silverstone in free practice just trying tounderstand the best way to set the car up. The behaviour of computer controlled cars (A.I.) is not quite sporting, they do tend to lock wheels with you now and again, and there is no more of this getting in the tow and overtaking with very little effort as was possible before.

There is a Data Logger that operates when the car is driving around the track, this data can be viewed on a graph and analysed to see exactly what is happening to the car. It can show info on many things, such as suspension travel (each wheel), wheel spin, speed etc. It is a handy feature, as it enables you to see why one lap is seconds better than another.

The in-race graphics are of stunning quality providing that your system can handle it. If you lock-up the wheels and go into a sand trap, smoke from the tyres and little stones flying about can be seen. If following another car, when approaching a corner the tongues of flame can be seen as the driver changes down gears. When viewing from the spectator camera the only thing missing is Murray Walker saying "And he's off !!....". All the car mounted camera views are possible but best not used when driving (a tad tricky!).

Leading up to each race is the Friday and Saturday free practice and qualifying sessions. These qualifying sessions are by no means easy. If you want pole position you are going to have to earn it. There are only three sets of tyres available for both sessions, and much adjustment of fuel load and car set-up is required. As in F1GP the driving aids still consist of auto gears, brakes, no damage etc., but driving with all turned off is a handful. There is a new traction control aid that will let the car bite you if turned off, powering out of corners needs careful throttle control or a spin will ensue.

Pedals and steering wheel are supported, as is Serial and Modem link-up but remember that a CD will be required for both machines.

This Driving Sim should be able to remain on the podium for some time, but there are some promising projects in the pipeline from other software houses so we'll have to wait and see. Due to the ability to alter the skill level needed to get a car round the track, this game should appeal to a wide range of would-be Damon Hill's (or Schumacher's).

May your nut's be tight!

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Rating: 8/10 (Recommended!)
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