whats the best F1 game on PS2?

My favorite was Formula 1 by Psygnosis for the PS1, a real classic if you can find a copy (1996). They were later bought out by Sony. I really haven't bought any updated versions for my PS2, the only one I know of are EA's since they have the FIA F1 license. So far there has never been one I liked, hopefully this will change soon.

 

F1 Career Challenge is quite good. I have tried it on my younger brothers PS2, and it's amazing. Very realistic driving and handling, but the adjustments you can make to the car are pretty limited. I'm not into video games much, but this game made me get a PS2.

 

The latest one because of the racetracks included. I think that is 2005 by now, 2004 for sure.

 

What's the title? I've been looking for a recent PS2 F1 game.....


Greg

 

You're telling me...

I've heard of mods that can make a USA PS2 play Euro games...

Google search may yield clues.....

Greg

 

Unfortunately all the F1 games on PS2 have arcade physics.

The best F1 games on PC are GP4 and F1 Challenge '99 -'02, and even those don't come close to reaching their full potential without mods (season and physics updates, etc).

I'd have to go with GP4 because it has the most accurate tracks of any F1 game (GPS modelled), and the cars handle more realistically, especially when it comes to wet weather driving.

Unfortunately because Sony have monopolised the F1 license, we won't have any new F1 games on PC until 2008, just the arcade nonsense on PS2 (and presumably PS3 when it comes out).

The most realistic racing games bar none are FIA GT Racing, and Live For Speed.

 

Yes, Euro version with PAL only. I bought it via ebay since I have a PAL to NTSC converter, but the silly PS2 recognizes it as a foreign CD and doesn't play it. There are two ways around it:

- You can find chips to mod your PS2, but they are somewhat painful to install as you need 17 connections soldered on to the PS2 mother board (google "Excalibur" as one of the chipsets).

- Alternatively you could buy a PS2 in Europe. That's precisely what I'll do next month on my trip to Europe. I'll get a slim line PS2 and combine it with my PAL to NTSC converter and my 110 to 220V transformer.

A lot of effort, but the only way to get all the new tracks in a decent format

GP3/GP4:
I'm done with GP3 and add-on tracks, the stuff just looks too dorkey and the physics in the add-on races just suck. The problem is, that key parameters used by GP3's physics modelling are buried in the "magic file" that comes with the track (things like bump table, tire use, fuel consumption). There is too much wiggle room to make a win meaningless.

 

Just wait for the PS3. They will have an F1 game for that as soon as the PS3 comes out. I think units start arriving Jan 06 or maybe sooner.

 

The best F1 came for PS2 out right now is called "GRAND PRIX CHALLENGE" by ATARI. It is Formula 1 licensed. It came out around 2002 or 2003. And let me tell you guys, this game is 10 times better than that crappy F1 Career Challenge. The sound of the engines in 1st and 2nd person views is just totally amazing. Im sure Formula 1 2005 is much better than Grand Prix Challenge. But GPC is such a good game.

 

does the game allow the force feedback wheel to be used? i've treid several driving games that would not let you use the steering wheel

 

Assuming you have a PC then get hold of a copy of EA's F1 Challenge 99-02 then search the net for RH2005 (mod to update everything to 2004 cars and season). While you are at search and download the 360 Challenge mod, DTM mod, PCC mod, McF1s GTR mod, MCO mod, ETCC mod, Mini mod then get practising and start racing online at www.f1rst3.com then say goodbye to your spare time...nothing like GT3's round the Nordschleife

For something different search on rFactor in Google - thats the next driving sim messiah.

Always assuming you want great physics and FULL setup control (low & high speed damping rates etc etc)

Then there is always GTR (www.simbin.com) but F1RST is the best for online racing.

Best wheel and pedals on high street is Logitech Driving Force Pro for PS2 which works on a PC.

 

rFactor will have cars that are 'very similar' to F1 cars. They have something like 800-850hp, 4-groove racing tires and look extremely similar to F1 cars. They also look like a lot of fun! rFactor will be out in October for PC.

 

Hmm, interesting. Including force feedback?

That's kinda my dilemma: I have a racing sim complete with seat, wheel, pedals, sound system and projection screen. However the steering wheel is obviously made for one kind of system. Currently IMHO PS2 has the best F1 sim and GT4 rocks as well. However the PC offers GTR and the best P4 sim there is. But going back and forth with installing steering wheel and pedals is too much of a pain.

 

I bought this game at Fry's for $19.95 recently, and it is fun! Steering wheel works fine. Haven't made it to the expert handling level that has manual shifting, but have my hands full on beginner with an automatic right now. Like running the Indy and Monaco circuits the best. Tunnel is fun and sounds good. Not as overall good as a GT4 but well worth the money.

 

Yes, works fully including Force Feedback and 900 degree mode with games that are written "properly". But to be honest with F1C, better to use it with about 320 deg lock to lock and stick steering ratio at maximum in game setup.

DFP will work with a PC out of the box but for best resolution and full feature support use the latest Logitech Wingman drivers which support wheel on PC (version 4.6 or higher, I have the link somewhere if you need it).

Honestly, once you start "driving" things like Porsche Carrera Cup online at the Nordschliefe the Playstation becomes insignificant...

rFactor will soon have a free to download upto date F1 sim mod available for it once released. rFactor is really just a cool driving simulator - any car / formula can be modelled and will be, 430 Challenge anyone?

 

Yeap. Thats were I bought it aswell. Game is very good. As far as GT4, no comparison. I heard that the maker of GT4 and Polyphony will be making a Formula 1 game in the near future. If this happens, its game over for all those Formula 1 games.

 

PS3 F1 game already in development

http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/driving/f1/screens.html?page=2

 

1st pic shows all the teams on Bridgestones. The Renault has a Michelin decal on the front nose while on Bridgestone??

 

You're absolutely right!

Thanks man! I have wanted this for such a long time and finally it works: PS2 and PC can share the same wheel/pedals and force feedback is maintained. Whoa! I won't have to give up either platform. Terrific!

Just tested my PS2 Logitech wheel and pedals on the PC and it is supported in all games. All I need to get now is a USB switch box. Awesome!

 

For the latest driver (which supports DFP fully, including much higher resolution / accuracy) click below:

http://www.wingmanteam.com/latest_software/latest_soft_xp.htm

In driving games calibrate the wheel keeping your hands on the spokes at "quarter to 3" and turn as far as you can in both directions without moving hands. Thats enough lock for PC racing sims (F1C in particular).

Ricardo