Developer(s) Bizarre Creations Platform(s) PlayStation, PC | Publisher(s) Psygnosis Genre(s) Racing | |
Distributor(s) Sony Interactive Entertainment Release 1 September 1996
PlayStation
PAL: 1 September 1996
NA: 30 August 1996
JP: 13 November 1996
PC
PAL: 1996
NA: 30 July 1997 | ||
Formula 1 is the first racing game in Sony's Formula One series. Unlike later games in the series, this game's cover has no specific driver on it (except for the North American version which features an image of Michael Schumacher driving for the Benetton team during the latter portion of the 1991 Formula One season).
Contents
Published by Psygnosis, Formula 1 is based on the 1995 Formula One season, although it was released in 1996. It is distinct from its sequels because it was made after the end of the season, meaning that it features driver substitutes. The game also allows two-players to compete against each other either head-to-head or with other computer cars via the 'Link-Cable'. Both players may then compete over a 17-race Championship season, or in a single race of the players choice.
Development
The track models in Formula 1 were modelled from surveyors' track data. The designers started with wire-frame models of the track data, then exported these from their Silicon Graphics workstations to a custom Windows 95 track editor. The track editor was used to reformat the tracks so that they could be used in-game, before exporting them back to the SGI workstations where scenery and other details were added in. To create the in-car sound, a Digital Audio Tape was strapped to a driver. To reduce demand on the PlayStation's processor without significantly reducing the game's visuals, the developers programmed the game so that when a car reaches a certain distance away, it switches from its normal high detail model (composed of 440 to 450 polygons, depending on the car) to a low detail model composed of only 90 to 100 polygons.
Reception
The game was a best-seller in the UK. The game was reasonably well received, with the PlayStation version earning a 7.6 on GameSpot while the PC version received a 6.0. IGN gave the PlayStation version an 8.0. PSM gave the game 9/10, praising the AI, before concluding "Psygnosis' finest game to date, it relegates every other racing game to the back of the grid. This is the game that will sell the PlayStation to Grand Prix fans and unconverted gamers alike. An envelope-pushing killer-application. F1 is one of the essential purchases of 1996".
Review aggregation website GameRankings provides an average rating for the PlayStation version of 87.75% based on 4 reviews. While the PC version receives an average rating of 56.40% based on 10 reviews.