Formula One Review
System: Playstation
Publisher: Psygnosis/SCEA
Developer: Bizzare Creations

	Before I begin this review, let me say that I am one of the biggest
Formula One fans in existance and attend the Montreal Grand Prix every
year.  Needless to say, I have been looking forward to this game, so
much so that I expected that I might be disappointed.  This is NOT the
case.  Psygnosis and Bizzare Creations have produced one of the best
racing experiences ever.

Sound/Music/Commentary:

	This game is a delight to the eardrum.  For anyone who has ever
attended a Formula One race in person, the thunderous noise of 26 cars
on the starting grid revving their engines to peak power and then taking
off when the lights go out will be truly amazed at how realistic this
game sounds at the beginning of a race.  Crank up the Dolby Surround and
you'll the entire neighborhood looking for Michael Schumacher and Damon
Hill outside their windows!  In car engine noise is also very accurate
and downshifting is clearly evident when it occurs.  (In addition to
Dolby Surround support, Q-Sound and standard stereo modes are also
available.)
	
	The music is also very much in keeping with the FIA theme, featuring
rock guitarists Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.  Playing the CD in your car
can induce speeding tickets so do be careful!  The commentary by Murray
Walker is great to listen to at first, but does begin to get monotonous
after awhile due to the fact that he says the same things many times
during the course of a race.    Fortunately, the commentary can be
turned down or completely off if preferred.

                                                                           
                                  Sound Score: 10

Graphics:

	The most stunning feature of the graphics in Formula One is the
attention to detail.  I am throughly astonished at how amazingly
accurate the game represents every detail of every single Formula One
track on the schedule.  Even the location of the big television screens
at the stands in Montreal is accurate!  The store fronts of the race in
Monaco, the bland monotony of the Hungaroring, and the massive crowds at
Silverstone.  In addition, all the cars are painted as they were for the
'95 season, as well as each driver's helmet matching that of his real
life counterpart (Hill's Yacht Club markings, Irvine's red & green,
etc).

	Also, some ingenious new graphics modes are available, including a
smaller, but high resolution image, and a widescreen image as well.  In
grand prix modes, even the official Tag Heuer timing is maintained!  If
it's in the game...it's in the game (oops, sorry EA!).  One final note: 
The rooster tails that you get while racing in the wet are truly
gorgeous, and it gives you a real feel for how great a driver Schuey was
earlier this year when he won in Spain during a total downpour.

                                                                                                                  
Graphics: 9.5

Gameplay:

	A great aural experience and superb graphics are nice, but every gamer
knows that no game is worth being anything more than a coaster unless
the gameplay is there to match.  No need to worry here either, as
Psygnosis has done this right too.  Arcade style racing is available to
those who prefer worry-free racing, as is a simulation mode for die-hard
F1 fans who relish fuel and pit strategy.  For those just starting out,
a preferred racing line which will garner the fastest lap times is
displayed, but can be turned off as your experience level grows.  The
game is also link cable compatible which makes for truly spectacular
two-player action!

	Also included is a great replay option, which will replay the entire
race from start to finish (whether the race is just 3 laps or 60+)  and
besides the usual varying camera angles, it also allows to watch any of
the cars on the grid (you can see the slower Tyrell and Minardi cars
battle for the lower spots and see some really great passes).

                                                                                                                   
Gameplay: 9

Overall recommendation:  Buy this game if you enjoy racing games!  And
while you're at it, buy WipEout XL as well while you are at the store
(look for a review shortly).  
                             Final Score: 9.2/10 (Must Buy)

-John Yeman