Formula One 2002 - PS2

Generally speaking, there are two schools of driving games. Firstly, you have your arcade racer - easy to pick up, fast and furious gameplay, simple controls, and all in all, a good bit of fun. Then there's your simulation - realistic physics, accurately modelled vehicles, authentic real-world tracks - the serious gamer's game. Wouldn't it be great if one game combined both styles, leaving you free to choose between the two, depending on what kind of mood you were in? Hang on a minute, doesn't Formula One 2002 from Sony offer this fantastic option? Erm, yes it does.

Select Arcade mode if you fancy a quick blast at tearing round the tight curves of the Monaco GP circuit or, alternatively, go for the Simulation mode if you've a bit more time to spare and want to test your skills, reflexes and racing knowledge to the limit.

The official license with the game means that every team, driver line-up, car design and performance detail is spot on. You'll also find that all the new track alterations from the 2002 season have been made, including the completely revamped and shortened Hockenheim circuit.

F1 nuts will be pleased to learn that all kinds of tweaks and adjustments can be made to the car in order to squeeze the maximum performance out of it and each weekend championship offers the full experience, with testing, practice and qualifying runs preceding each race. Also, the game's AI has been significantly ramped up, meaning not only that opponents will vie for pole position more ruthlessly than ever, but also that your pit crew and technical team is 'intelligent', making decisions according to circumstances on the track, based on parameters compiled by the FIA.

An in-depth, authentic Formula One simulation and also a simple, accessible arcade game, Formula One 2002 should appeal to everyone. more