On September 13th 1996 Psygnosis released Formula 1. Since then it has sold 1.7 million units worldwide and is one of the most popular PlayStation games ever. Now, a year later, Psygnosis have unleashed a new supercharged version of their bestseller.
In fact, this game is so up-todate that it includes race results from the current season! One of the best things about the original Formula 1 was its instant playability. But at the same time, the more serious motor sports enthusiasts were also catered for. This blend of gameplay was, no doubt, one of the main factors in its success.
Psygnosis, not sitting on its laurels, has enhanced the original game with countless new features but has not quite taken the technical leap to match Geoff Crammond's Grand Prix 2 for the PC.
You can, however, get into such detail as diagnosing the cars' telemetry, adjusting wing downforce and suspension settings etc. Weather can play havoc with Formula 1 cars and the dynamic weather effects (weather can change during races) add a true sense of realism to the gameplay. They have also teamed up Murray Walker with his ITV colleague Martin Brundle in the commentary box to increase this.
So accurate are the technical specifications of the game (Jordan Grand Prix played a major part in supplying essential data) that Grand Prix drivers have requested copies on which to practice and it is now routinely used by major European TV networks to enhance their Formula 1 coverage.
Indeed, Formula 1 '97 looks so real that a a visitor in the house (when you have the game cranked up) could easily be fooled into thinking that the race was coming live from Monte Carlo or wherever - it is really that good and an absolute must for PlayStation owners.
Graphics: 96%, Sound: 84%, Gameplay: 94%