The game claims to feature four main modes. The main mode is supposed to be the World Championship, but it is so flat and generic that you're likely to spend more time in scenario mode, which places you in a scenario race. Completing the scenario unlocks the next one. The World Championship mode does let you take your driver through the driver's championship, and through all the officially licensed events. Aside from these two modes the game also includes a "TV" option, which let's you watch a simulation race, and believe us; it is as exciting as it sounds (yes, that good!). As has become the norm for PSP titles, the game also includes wi-fi support, this is where the most enjoyment is likely to come from if you can find a friend who will admit they purchased the game as well.
Flying along there
Sony have tried to recreate a damage system and fails miserably. When cars collide the vehicles just bounce off each other, with no real conviction or feeling of impact. A message displays at the bottom of the screen indicating that "damage has occured", but it makes no difference, tyres don't fly off and it doesn't appear to do anything aside from slow your vehicle down temporarily.
The core gameplay has also undergone a radical change, and whilst Formula One 2005 felt more like a simulation game, F1 Grand Prix now feels very much like an arcade title. The handling takes a lot of getting used to and it is now possible to drive into a corner at near top speed, brake at the last moment and then exit the chicane without any troubles, which makes the game a little easy. Thankfully there are unlockable difficulty levels, but there is too much to go through to unlock these levels that a lot of people will just give up.
If for some reason you accidentally cut over a corner during a race, then the game will automatically slow your vehicle down as a punishment. This is damn right annoying when the reason you missed part of the track is due to the game itself.
The visuals are a highlight of the game, with fairly detailed vehicle and track models. The crowd isn't overly detailed though, and the lighting could be a little better, as it makes the tracks look a little dark at times. The tracks are fairly small, so Sony didn't have to put too much effort in to make this game look good, there are also no frame-rate issues at all throughout the game.
Bit hectic there!
Sony really haven't put too much effort into the soundtrack in the title either. There is a total of only six licensed songs in the game (so probably about eighteen minutes of audio) and none of them are overly exciting. The main menu music is tedious, and actually made us want to go into the TV mode, just to escape the horror. There is also no commentary, which is a disappointing omission.
The game isn't likely to last as long as you'd hope. If the World Championship mode was a little longer then the game could have lasted a lot longer. As it stands the scenario mode is the unlikely stand out, and is really the only mode you're likely to play. However, wi-fi support is included, so those who have two PSP's and two copies of the game will probably get more value. Thankfully the loading is fairly decent, with no more than ten seconds of waiting time in between races.
F1 Grand Prix is a real disappointment. There is a plethora of racing titles available for the PSP now, so a racing game really needs to offer something different to stand out. F1 Grand Prix puts the emphasis too much on arcade action now, and in the transition it still feels like it is stuck between wanting to be an arcade game and a simulation title at the same time.
TV Mode, how encapsulating
Sony have taken the safe route with the title, but made a few mistakes in the process. There aren't enough licensed tracks, so even though the six initial songs aren't too bad, they quickly become repetitive just because of a lack of variety. Unfortunately the same can be said for the rest of the game, a lack of decent modes means scenario becomes the only choice, and it isn't enough to hold the game up on it's own.
We thought that if any company would have mastered the art of handling with a vehicle on the PSP, it would be a game published by Sony. Even if you're a fan of the previous Formula One titles you may want to give this one a miss, there is just far better alternatives available for the PSP right now.
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