Formula 1 97
Release Date: September 26, 1997
Racing, Formula 1, cars, splitscreen, simulation elements, multiplayer, singleplayer
Continuation of a warmly received racing game under Formula 1 licence, which was released in 1996. The production brings a number of novelties, trying to reproduce even better the struggles on the tracks around the world behind the wheel of super-fast cars.
Prepared by Bizarre Creations, excellent racing game specialists, who developed, among others, the Project Gotham Racing series, the second edition of the series under Formula 1 license. The authors eliminated many bugs in the sequel, which troubled the predecessor, improved the graphic design and refined the mechanics to make it even better reflect the struggles on the track.
Mechanics
Formula 1 97 is a three-dimensional racing game that lets you face some of the world's best drivers at home in a 17 different grand prix. The title uses the Formula 1 license and puts at the disposal of players and teams that competed for points in 1997. The player can play Michael Schumacher from Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, Mika Hakkinen from West McLaren Mercedes, Heinz-Harald Frentzen from Rothmans Williams Renault, Jean Alessi from Mild Seven Benetton Renault or Giancarlo Fisichella from Benson & Hedges Jordan Peugeot. The game designers took care to reproduce as faithfully as possible the individual cars, as well as all the seventeen tracks on which the real struggles took place. F1 fans can look forward to such famous venues as Silverstone in the UK, Albert Park Circuit in Australia or the city track in Monaco.
Formula 1 97 tries to simulate the behaviour of the cars as closely as possible - careful handling of the gas and brake is essential, as is taking into account weather conditions or possible vehicle damage. One of the unique features of Bizarre Creations is the camera from the driver's eye, which tries to present reality as it really is seen by the competitors. Even details such as temporary dirt on the helmet visor or drops of rain when struggling in worse conditions are presented.
Game modes
The basic fun module is a season in which players can become a driver of a selected team and join the fight for the championship of drivers and constructors. The competition is real, so each race is preceded by a competition for a starting position in the qualifying and points are awarded to the first six drivers who cross the finish line. The authors have also prepared an option for those who prefer a more arcade character of the game. Especially for them, a mode has been created in which the cars forgive many more errors and are resistant to damage, and the competition itself runs with the exclusion of many typical Formula 1 rules.
Technical aspects
Formula 1 97 is a three-dimensional racing game in which the authors have made extensive use of the motorsport license to create the right atmosphere. The title is distinguished by precisely reproduced, for the time being, cars and tracks. A comment from experts who discuss events in the paddock and on the tour - Murray Walker and Martin Brundle - is also an asset.
Formula 1 97 Summary
Platforms:
PlayStation 1
Developer: Bizarre Creations
Publisher: Psygnosis
Age restrictions: none
