Fourth Time Around Still Not Right
Newcastle Herald
Monday December 28, 1998
Title: Formula 1 '98
Format: PlayStation
Players: 1 to 2
Developers: Psygnosis
Price: $89.95
Rating: 85%
JUST in time for the holidays, Psygnosis has rolled out the fourth title in its Formula 1 series.
Formula 1 '98 has some new features and refined graphics but blows it on a few minor details.
Visually this is a much better game to look at.
Cars look far more realistic, lens flares and weather conditions give F1 '98 the edge over competitors graphically.
This game handles better than last year's model but cars still understeer tremendously, which makes it hard not to slide in and out of corners.
The main differences lie in the cars' recovery.
It is almost impossible to regain control of your car once your lose it.
And don't ask about what it's like when you have the damage option on.
I was hard-pushed to make a lap and that was when I was starting off the back of the grid with all the other vehicles in front of me.
It is the most realistic damage option yet. Tyres, wings and engines go flying during any and all contact with other cars, walls and pit lanes.
Psygnosis has created another fine racing sim. You just have to wonder how after four tries they still haven't got it perfect.
But they don't, not quite yet. Maybe next year. ? Grant Sproule
© 1998 Newcastle Herald