One of the biggest additions to Formula One 2004 this year is the inclusion of network support. Gamers can go online and take each others times on through the internet. This would be one of the biggest additions to the Formula One franchise for a while. The online play is a little lackluster but allows support for players to set the fastest time in a time trial and race against ghost cars to improve their time. 16 player career length championships would have been better but the support is better than nothing and makes way for a more expansive online option next year.
Formula One 2004 also has the advantage that it is the only official title of the FIA Formula One World Championship. Like its predecessors Formula One 2004 features the entire FIA Formula One World Championship fixture and all the teams, drivers and tracks, this helps to create a strong sense of authenticity.
Formula One 2004 also features a collection of historic vehicles which are unlockable including the Jordan 191 and the Lotus 72E. Formula One 2004 Allows players to take part in 18 races across four continents and sixteen countries. There is a total of 10 official teams and 20 drivers.
Obviously aware that the Formula One series hasn’t evolved much in previous incarnations Studio Liverpool has gone back to the drawing board and have reworked the main mode of the game; the career mode. The career mode is in-depth and allows players the ability to customize their car. Players aren’t automatically put on a team, nor do they get the ability to choose a team, they must take part in test’s and receive offers from the lower teams. As they improve they will work their way up to the pinnacle of Formula One racing. This isn’t anything revolutionary but is an appreciated change from always being able to choose the top cars and teams immediately.
Career mode is managed through a main menu which contains the option to read e-mails or receive faxes, the career mode is five years long and really extensive. The difficulty level for career mode is high, Formula One 2004 is a really challenging game and sometimes even fulfilling test times can be a challenge. For those of you who just want a quick game it is best to stick to Arcade mode as career mode requires a lot of dedication and frustration, but is a brilliant challenge.
Other modes in the game includes a simulation mode (which is nearly the same as career mode but without the extensive options) an arcade mode and a time trial option. Formula One 2004 has enough options to keep the gamer entertained.
Playing through the different modes that the game has unlocks bonuses, these range from unlockable classic cars such as the aforementioned vehicles and an alternative introduction sequence. There could have been more extra features though which would have extended the game play and lifespan significantly.
The handling and overall game play in Formula One 2004 is different than usual. The handling has been tweaked and takes a bit of getting used too. No longer can gamers take a corner at high speed and expect to get away with it. This can be done in arcade mode which is a more forgiving mode.
The damage model in Formula One 2004 is also a little lackluster. In arcade mode their is only a damage meter which slowly depletes and when it gets too low the race is over. In the Career mode the damage is barely noticable.
Since Grand Prix Challenge was released in February last year the Formula One series has been playing catch up with the visuals and unfortunately after this incarnation they still will be. Formula One 2004 still looks great but isn’t as good looking as Grand Prix Challenge. The frame-rate is good but not near the 60 FPS that Grand Prix Challenge delivered. The cars are detailed and the tracks are vast. It is the best looking game of the Formula One franchise yet, but still doesn’t look as good as Grand Prix Challenge.
The worst aspect of Formula One 2004 is the commentary. It is just dreadful, comments are very generic and the commentator’s lack enthusiasm. Some of the comments will make you cringe and wonder why they even bothered. This is an aspect of the game which will need to be improved for the next incarnation. It takes away from the overall realism that the title is trying to achieve.
Formula One 2004 isn’t a bad game, however, it also isn’t a brilliant game. It lacks innovation, as much as Studio Liverpool may have tried to add something to the title with the career mode and the online compatibility they just haven’t included enough. We suggest a complete overhaul for Formula One 2005 with more options, more modes (such as a challenge mode) and better commentary.
As it stands, a lot of the time we were playing Formula One 2004 and couldn't help but commenting on how it could be improved. Formula One 2004 is a traditional, non-risky update which is very reminiscent of how EA go about their titles every year. There isn't too much to seperate Formula One 2004 from Formula One 2003 and this is a shame.
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