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Formula #1 Simulator |
Copyright/Publisher: Mastertronic, Release Year: 1986,
Music By: Rob Hubbard
Genre: Formula One, Number Of Players: 1
Once more the screeching of cars and the smell of burning rubber bursts forth on the 64, this time courtesy of
Mastertronic's Formula One Simulator.
There is a choice of eight different tracks: Zandvoort, Zalder, Manyza, Hockenheim, Paul Richard, Ostereichring,
Silverstone, and Kyalami. You can also partake in a grand slam of all eight tracks. Each track has its own record
lap time, initially standing at 60 seconds. After choosing a track the scene switches to a show 3D 'first person view'
of the chosen race track, complete with snow capped mountains in the background.
The screen is split between the actual race circuit and the control panel. This consists of a steering wheel
which rotates according to your joystick movements, and an indication of your time, laps completed, and gear position.
You start each race with a certain amount of time, and are awarded more time on completing a lap. If the clock runs down before
you complete a lap then your game is terminated. Crashing isn't a problem, since no matter how many times you destroy
you car it is always replaced, although this does cost time.
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Julian Rignall |
This is an ancient race game, but having said that it was quite fun for a couple of goes. The trouble is that
it's terribly easy to finish the courses and get massive scores - after you've done that it gets a bit dull. The
graphics are really poor with no animation on the cars and there are glitches all over the screen. The sound is
about the best thing with a nice Hubbard ditty, the sound effects are poor though. If you're after a race game then
nuy Speed King, it's much better and costs the same.
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Gary Penn |
Why Mastertronic have bothered to release this mediocre race game when you can buy Digital Integration's
excellent Speed King for the same price, I don't know. The only good thing about Formula One Simulator is
Rob Hubbard's version of Hard Times on the title screen. The graphics are simple and ineffective, and the
game itself is tiresome and undermanding.
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R.E. |
I must admit to not being a fan of racing games, although I have occasionally been known to indulge inPitstop II.
Unfortunelately, Formula One is a somewhat old and tired game, the tracks bear little resemblance to those on which
they are based, and the cars look like mutated spaceships. Although the game doesn't stand up to much, it's not that
bad. Its saving grace is the excellent sound track. If you've never played a racing game and want to
experiment, then Formula One may prove an interesting challenge.
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