Formula 1 97
Formula 1 97 | |
---|---|
multiplayer |
Formula 1 97 (known as Formula 1 Championship Edition in North America) is a
Features and gameplay
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (June 2018) |
Formula 1 97 includes all the tracks from the
The game includes a Grand Prix mode, which was designed to be technical and realistic, and an arcade mode, which was aimed towards a broader audience.[3]
Formula 1 97 supports two-player racing through a
Development
Formula 1 97 was developed by Bizarre Creations and published by Psygnosis. It uses the same game engine as the original Formula 1.[4] Psygnosis contacted ITV commentator Murray Walker and arranged a meeting with Bizarre Creations employees. Walker became impressed with development and signed an exclusive agreement with Psygnosis to record English-language commentary for a further two years.[5]
Shortly after the initial release, Psygnosis announced that due to a licensing disagreement with the
Reception
Publication | Score |
---|---|
Electronic Gaming Monthly | 8.25/10 (PS1)[7] |
GameSpot | 7.9/10 (PS1)[8] |
IGN | 9/10 (PS1)[9] |
PlayStation Official Magazine – UK | 9/10[5] |
PC PowerPlay | 77% (PC)[10] |
Formula 1 97 was a best-seller in the UK.[11] In August 1998, the game's PlayStation version received a "Platinum" sales award from the Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland (VUD),[12] indicating sales of at least 200,000 units across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.[13]
Reviews for Formula 1 97 were overwhelmingly positive. IGN stated the game is a "significant jump" from Formula 1.[9] GameSpot said "Formula 1 CE is so much more than a racing game. It is a world-class simulation that offers such depth of gameplay, you'll think most other racing games are just Pole Position with a better graphics engine."[8] Critics widely applauded the comprehensive Formula 1 licensing,[7][9][14] numerous car setup options,[7][8][9][14] realistic sound effects,[7][8][14] and overall authentic Formula 1 feel.[7][8][9][14] At the same time, the majority were enthusiastic about the arcade mode, saying it both opens the game up to players other than simulation fanatics and offers simulation fanatics a more relaxed way of enjoying the game.[7][8][9] GamePro dissented on this point, contending that the arcade mode's "power-slide-heavy style feels almost silly and lacks the oomph to attract arcade gamers."[14]
Critics laid the most praise on the controls in the Grand Prix mode, commenting that they are maximally accurate, realistic, and challenging yet fair and rewarding.[7][8][9][14] GamePro summed up, "If you have the skills, they come shining through, but rookies will have a tough time staying on the track."[14] Most critics were also highly satisfied with the varied A.I. displayed by different drivers, saying it makes racing unpredictable and forces the player to pay close attention and continuously adjust their strategy rather than relying on a single method of overcoming opponents.[8][9][14]
Most critics also praised the detailed graphics.
Legal issues
The game was hit by legal wranglings with the
All alcohol and tobacco sponsors are censored, for example trackside adverts saying Faster instead of Fosters, since such advertisements were illegal in some countries.
References
- ^ "Formula '1 97". The Daily Telegraph. 20 September 1997. p. 7. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
Out Next Friday!
- ^ Gentry, Perry (15 June 1998). "What's in Stores This Week". CNET Gamecenter. Archived from the original on 17 August 2000. Retrieved 6 December 2019.
- ^ Air Hendrix (October 1997). "Formula 1 Championship Edition". GamePro. No. 109. IDG. p. 164.
- ^ a b "Formula 1: Championship Edition: With a Fresh Set of Options and Features, Psygnosis Prepares to Launch a 900 HP Formula 1 Rocket". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 98. Ziff Davis. September 1997. p. 125.
- ^ Future Publishing: 54–57. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
- ^ "F1 CE's License Revoked". GamePro. No. 112. IDG. January 1998. p. 32.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Review Crew: Formula One C.E.". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 102. Ziff Davis. January 1998. p. 159.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Smith, Josh (29 October 1997). "Formula 1 Championship Edition Review". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 17 December 2011. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Formula 1: Championship Edition". IGN. 2 October 1997. Archived from the original on 3 January 2012. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
- ^ Soropos, George (May 1997). "Formula 1". PC PowerPlay (12): 52–53.
- Official UK PlayStation Magazineissue 26
- ^ "Uhr TCM Hannover – ein glänzender Event auf der CebitHome" (Press release) (in German). Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland. 26 August 1998. Archived from the original on 13 July 2000. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
- ^ "VUD Sales Awards: November 2002" (Press release) (in German). Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland. Archived from the original on 10 January 2003. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Air Hendrix (December 1997). "For Sim Purists Only". GamePro. No. 111. IDG. p. 196.
- ^ F1 '97 review, Official UK PlayStation Magazine, Future Publishing, October 1997, issue 24, page 101
- F1 Racingmagazine, December 1997 issue, page 20, British edition as imported to America