The Good
=======
On my PIII 533 with GeForce it ran smooth as silk with ALL detail turned on
and 22 cars in 800x600.
The physics are improved since SCGT, and damage is correctly modelled.
With all help options turned off, it is VERY difficult. Donuts on the
starting grid etc. =)
Pit-crew speech is superb...
e.g. "Frenzen has spun at turn 1 be careful"
"Button has come out of the pits, looks like he's on a three stop strategy"
When you accelerate and brake hard, the***pit perspective changes slightly
to give the illusion of movement. VERY, VERY COOL.
The game is based on the current F1 season. with all the correct drivers and
tracks.
The controller screen gives you a multitude of options. You can kill the
deadzone, play with the sensitivity etc,
There are many help options, brake, throttle, overstear control, automatic
spin help etc.
Brake bias can be altered while driving.
The level of detail can be changed on the fly, trees off/on, buildings
off/on etc.
It seems as though engine damage is correctly modelled. I popped it into a
low gear at high speed and from then on the engine sounded VERY rough and
would not accelerate properly. Just like in GPL.
The AI seems to be pretty good. I've seen aggressive manouevers from the
AI, plus PLENTY of spins =)
Gravel traps work as they should. Come to a stop and you're in BIG trouble.
However, if you have enough momentum you drive right through them. When you
come out, car slides all over the place. Very nice.
The only track I raced on was Silverstone. It appeared to be nicely
reproduced. Looking forward to trying Indy tonight =)
There are no hands on the steering wheel (which moves) but you can turn the
wheel off. I actually like having the wheel there.
Oh and NO BIG HEADS!!!
The Bad
======
In 1024x768 with 22 cars and all the detail turned on I had a little
slowdown.
I could not change the***pit view during the game. I could change it on
the options screen though.
The two cars I raced with (Jaguar, Ferrari) both had 7 speed gearboxes.
Only the Ferrari should.
The engine sounds are not the best. All cars sound pretty much the same.
The A3D support is excellent though. =)
The physics model is closer to SCGT than GPL.
Overall
=====
In all respects it blows away the competition. I see myself playing this
one A LOT.
F1RS, Monaco, GP2 do not even get a look in any more. This game is hands
down better than all of them.
I've already got my pre-order in . I suggest you all do the same =)
Cheers,
...Colin