Grand PrixChallenge PS2 Atari

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Formula One fans have found slim pickings over the years on the consoles. Thankfully Grand Prix Challenge from Atari on the PS2 isa good game.

This game may have been released in 2003, but it uses 2002 rules and stats. This means qualifying sessions with a dozen laps. Fuel loads, tires, and car settings usedin qualifing can be changed before the start of the race.

Anyone who remembers the 2002 season, knows that Ferrari and Michael dominated. That is basically the case here. You can win using a McLaren or Williams car, but if you want to make your life easy, grab the Ferrari and Michael.

Game controls are easy to figure out. The car adjustments are kept simple enough for newbies and complex enough to make most racers happy.

All the best teams and drivers are here. Every track from the 2002 season is there too.

Graphics are good for considering it is on the PS2. The lighting affects are good and there is some decent reflective surfaces. The frame rate is fine. This game like many others still does not capture that ultra high speed feel. Odds are graphics would look much better on the Xbox.

If you into arcade style racers, you will need to leave the game in easy mode. This game is more for simulation racing fans. I think I would have forced players to earn the right todrive the best cars like some other racers. Being able to take the best car from day one seems to easy. If you really want to get lots of time out of the game, don't use Ferrari, McLaren, or Williams cars. Try to win a championship in a Jordan and Jaguar.

EA has a new F1 game on the way, so if you are tight on cash you might want to wait to see which game is better. If you are a serious F1 fan, then this is a good buy.