F1 2002 (Xbox) > Reviews (3)

As a kid I loved playing F1 on my Playstation - it was a game that would have me sitting up into the wee small hours - had great graphics and gameplay that outstripped anything I had ever played before and when I stumbled across F1 2002 on Ebay for £12.99 I immediately decided to bring back those happy memories and I wasn't disappointed in the slightest by my purchase - it may be old - but this game has a timeless quality thanks to the graphics - sound effects and ultimately gameplay.

There are several game modes as you would expect from an officially endorsed game of this nature - quick race - single player - grand prix mode - custom championship - team mate challenge - full championship - time challenge.

The quick race mode is pretty boring in all honesty as there are only 3 tracks available to race on but it is good for beginners to test out their skills and identify weaknesses before heading into the grand prix or championship modes. Normally I only play the full championship and thankfully as it is an endorsed product all of the 2002 season drivers are available to choose from. The full championship allows you to take control of a full season over 17 races that take on average 2 hours each to complete once practice and qualifying are completed.

The controls are really easy to pick up when you play with an automatic gearbox - over time I have been able to use a manual gearbox but this requires an extreme amount of concentration throughout the race or you will blow the engine up which results in a spectacular plume of smoke from the back of the car but inevitably will see you sit out the race from the pit lane.

The graphics are incredibly realistic and all of the tracks and cars are 100% accurate - the rain when it falls is mesmerising and hitting a gravel track with see spray - damage to the car and tyres and a spin around the grass with result in grass stains on the tyre tread leading to loss of grip. The graphics can't be faulted as the car movements are smooth and everything is really detailed to perfection.

As I've said - I now play with a manual gearbox and the realistic sound effects of the engine means that rather than looking at the rev counter I can listen for when to change gear - apart from this the sound is limited although you will hear the crowd cheering for a millisecond as you blast past as a stupid speed down the home straight.

Just writing this review makes me smile - I enjoy playing this game so much - buy F1 2002 if you can get hold of a copy and you too with find that you lose days of your life flying around the tracks of Monza, Monaco and San Marino with a grin from ear to ear. It isn't the same as sitting in an F1 car as it goes through its paces - it's the next best thing though!