Formula 1 06

"In the words of the legendary Murray Walker - “It’s just getting better, and better, and better!!!”"

Formula One 2005 was a great F1 game, but it had a couple of problems which stopped it from being jaw-droppingly good. First of all, the AI was too easy for most F1 game fans, even on the hardest mode. And secondly, the damage model was terrible, you could hit a concrete wall at 200mph several times and your car wouldn't have so much as a scratch. Both of these problems stained what was a very good game. But, in F1 06, it is as if they have listened to our prayers. Both of these problems have been resolved, and there are many other improvements which make F1 06 a fantastic experience for F1 fans.

Graphics – 6/10

Could have been a lot better. Although the graphics are good enough, there are plenty of things to moan about. As there are two more cars on the grid from last year, the graphics had to be adjusted, as the PS2 was already on the limit with the 20 cars. The car models are decent, but you can see that thy have been down-graded slightly from last years game. The tracks are still good, with nothing to complain about. The lighting effects are there, but they are not used very well. For example, some cars look very good indeed with the lighting effects, such as the Williams, but some are so bland and have hardly any lighting effects, that they look like early-PS2 era cars. The opponent's helmets are very, very dark, yet your helmet looks just the right light. This is a very weird graphics problem that I haven't been able to find an answer as to why it is there. And, the ever-annoying glitch that helmets sometimes disappear is still there! The graphics score 6 out of 10.

Sound – 6/10

They do the job, but they aren't exactly awe-inspiring. As the engines for the 2006 season have been changed to V8 from V10, the engines sound lower-pitched, and this has been changed in the game. The engines sound a little too low, though, and a little artificial. The commentary has been much improved from last year, as has the team radio. They give you advice during the race, which is always helpful. The crash sounds sound even more sickening, and you can almost feel the car crumple and break apart during a major crash! Apart from this, there aren't many sounds in F1 06. You've got the menu music, which is okay, but that's probably it. Sound scores 6.

Gameplay – 9/10

Even better than last year. So why is the score the same as what I gave F1 05, I hear you cry? Well, even though it's better, it's still not perfect, and both games have the same buzz that makes you enjoy the game.

The first difference you'll notice is that the physics and handling of the cars has completely changed, all for the better. Rather than being able to throw the car around corners, braking and thrashing the wheel at the same time, you have to be much more careful with your car. You are almost forced to drive how real F1 drivers do. You cannot turn and brake at the same time anymore, otherwise you'll spin. It is harder to turn the wheel, so you are forced to use the racing line. You can see how realistic it looks when you watch the replays from the TVC cameras. And, the kerbs (or rumble strips) have now been given a bit of treatment – some are now raised, so you cannot launch the car over them, otherwise you'll lose control. You have to learn which kerbs you can use and which you can't. Car changes also make a much more noticeable difference. If you change the car setup, you'll be amazed at the difference it makes. And, fuel loads slow your car down a lot more and worn tyres make your car have much less grip.

The cars are now a lot more venerable, with damage being heightened. You can now lose wheels, noses, front and rear wings a lot easier than in the last game. You cannot barge past cars anymore, because of the risk of terminally damaging your car.

The other main difference is the inclusion of the formation lap. This is the lap that the drivers do before the race start to warm up their tyres, to get the best possible start. Although this is a great new feature, it has not been implemented as well as it could have been. You cannot be overtaken, otherwise the formation lap is abandoned. You cannot stray off of the racing line, and, you cannot go where you want to half of the time! Apart from this, it is very good. You must spin the rear tyres by turning off traction control to warm up the rear tyres (e.g. do burnouts), and the must put the brake bias towards the front tyres and zig-xag on the track to warm up the front tyres. But, you must be wary, as the tyres cool down as you wait on the grid for the lights. And, if you warm them up too much, you will damage your tyres, which means that you will have less grip later in your first stint, until you pit for new tyres. The wait on the grid for the other cars to finish their formation lap and the lights to start is incredibly tense, adding to the excitement.

Overall, the gameplay earns a 9.

Difficulty – 9/10

The AI has had it's difficulty cranked up. A LOT. No longer can you get the fastest lap by 2 seconds in hard mode. No longer can you overtake an opponent and expect them to not do anything about it. No, you'll have to put in a lot more effort in to get the same out. The AI's lap times have improved, making qualifying and the race a lot harder. Their intelligence has also got better, with them being a lot more aggressive. They now block you, dive down your inside, swerve, and are generally much better at racing. But do not fear – if you aren't up to the difficulty, then there are driving aids to help you. You can make your car stick to the road easier, give yourself visual aids to help you drive well, and make your car invulnerable, amongst other things.

A big improvement over last year, this is what many of the fans of F1 05 were waiting for. Difficulty scores 9.

Replay value – 9/10

The great thing about F1 games is that you can never finish them. You can come back to this as many times as you want, and still enjoy as much as ever. There are several minor additions that keep you coming back for more. The statistics page shows you all sorts of records of your time playing the game – including races, races completed, points scored, number of wins, and favourite driver, team and circuit. The time trials give you target times and medals based on your performance. There are unlockables to earn by achieving in game tasks. And, you can come back any day just to have a quick race, or start another career. Replay value scores 9.

Reminders:
Graphics – 6
Sound – 6
Gameplay – 9
Difficulty – 9
Replay value – 9

Positive points:
+ Much improved physics
+ AI gives you a great challenge
+ Finally, decent damage
+ Formation lap!
Negative points:
- Too hard for casual gamers
- Graphics and sound could have been better

In conclusion, this is a big improvement over F1 05. The better physics, AI, and damage are just what the game needed. This is a great purchase if you're an F1 fan, but be wary if you aren't exactly the next Schumacher – it could be too hard and too boring and repetitive if you aren't.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/31/06