"Perfection doesn't yet exist in this world...Proof: Monaco Grand Prix Racing Simulation 2 does even better than its predecessors"

This review is written by someone who has a strong dislike for F1 games. Err, no !! I made a mistake. I should instead say : this review is written by someone who didn't like F1 games before playing this kick-ass title because Monaco Grand Prix has done the unbelievable. I guess there's nothing to add since the review is complete with these few words but since CJ doesn't accept 50word-long reviews let's get on with it. But let me tell you once more that you should already have made your mind upon reading these few words.

A few years back, Ubi Soft launched a title, F1 Racing, which was considered as the best simulation available. Since then, despite the number of clones which saw the light of day, none managed to be better, and let alone be half as good. Finally, they decided to make a sequel. But the main question remains : should this be considered a sequel ? My friend, who lent me the game, actually said that it wasn't really a sequel but just an upgrade to F1 Racing. I have played both too but however, I did find Monaco worth the bucks although the bucks belonged to my friends in both cases which means that I don't care.

Actually, Monaco still provides a giant leap over F1. I particularly like the Retro mode which, like the name implies, makes you go a few years back. Ever wanted to control those brakeless death-engines from the 50's !? If that's the case, then no doubt about it ; Monaco Grand Prix is the game you should get as soon as possible. I should probably warn you that the game is very tough though and that you'll need some time to become familiar with this mode and all its breathtaking features. Besides, don't forget that the cars didn't have brakes at that time…

The other modes have been looked into and the previous mistakes have all disappeared. More importantly, the difficulty level has been brought down and the control is now much easier to grasp. And I'm not talking about the Easy level yet which will set you thinking that the other cars are controlled by psycho penguins. And no, I am not making fun of anybody, OK ? Please believe me…

Of course, the true changes lie in the graphics where the cars now look much better and I can't even find words to describe the backgrounds. You just have got to see those since it's gonna be one hell of a task to describe these to you. The cars themselves are very realistic (much better than in F1 anyway) and the details are now more noticeable.

There is also a Career Mode for those who like these little adventures which no rewards. Actually, it's quite fun too but it doesn't have too much replay value and you'll only be tempted to play it at most twice. In this mode, you're a newbie and your objective is to get to the top and be alongside those legends whom you have been admiring for so long. There are some cool challenges like in the mythic Gran Turismo and by the way, the replays in Monaco are as good as in GT. I never would have thought this possible but hey, I had to change my mind after playing Monaco. The loading times between the menus have also been reduced so as not to frustrate you.

But the real challenge lies in the multiplayer mode ! Now, did I really have to tell you that !? Even in multiplayer, the animation remains smooth at all time and the fact of playing with a split screen for 2 players isn't so tedious anymore. And the game is worth all your time just for your multiplayer mode. Actually, I only played the other modes just after getting the game but I didn't play them again after that and my main interest lies in this awesome multiplayer mode. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that this game has the best multiplayer mode a racing sim has ever offered.

Monaco Grand Prix comes just in time to prove that Ubi Soft is still the best developer when it comes to F1. OK, maybe the game ressembles to F1 Racing too much but it is fun and you won't ever get tired with it. A must-buy, whether you like the genre or not !!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/12/01, Updated 11/09/02