F1 2001 for XBox Reviewed at SGN

By: Nick Steinhauer

January 21, 2002 12:20 PM

Electronic Arts creates a masterpiece with a few slight flaws. In terms of what makes a good developer one must look at what their track record has been. Electronic Arts has been blasting the console racers with classic after classic ever since the inception of the first couple of systems like the Playstation. Now with new next-generation consoles hitting the market, EA has broadened their horizon and have begun to continue to impress racing gamers. On the XBox, EA first released NASCAR Thunder 2002 which has been raking up fantastic reviews. Now, with their release of F1 2001, EA is getting the same reception. James Smith, of the Sports Gaming Network, took their latest title for a spin and returns with a garbage bag of good news and a Handi-sack of complaints. In the end, F1 2001 received an 89/100.

"Another big area of improvement for the console versions of F1 2001 over F1 2000 is the driving model. F1 2000 was plagued with unbelievable mechanical and aerodynamic grip that resulted in blisteringly fast lap times. In the normal mode of racing in F1 2001 you can still peel off quick lap times, but not to the degree of previous versions. But the highlight of the game is the addition of a more realistic simulation mode of driving. This mode still isn't where I'd like to see it (give me an F1 game with attention to physics like F355), but it plays well. The simulation model can best be described as forgiving while keeping you on your toes. You won't lose control on fresh tires in dry conditions by taking a turn too quick. There's plenty of understeer in the car. But if you get on the power too early off a tight turn you can certainly lose the back end. Also, if you get a few wheels in the grass or dirt with the others on the track, you can swap ends. As I was blazing through Variante Ascari at Monza my left side wheels got off. The car suddenly did four quick revolutions. The ferocity of the spin was incredible and accurate. In the wet, the game is slightly less forgiving, though I found I could pull off unrealistically quick lap times for rain conditions."