INTERACTIVE:

August 10, 1999
Web posted at: 3:28 p.m. EDT (1928 GMT)

By John Robinson
CNN Interactive Senior Associate Editor

(CNN) -- The Monaco Grand Prix circuit has a certain mystique because it is the only remaining street course on the Formula One schedule. It is a risky experience racing 900-horsepower cars through the streets of Monaco with little room for error. For those who love Formula One but can't afford to spend tens of millions of dollars to race, Ubi Soft offers another option with Monaco Grand Prix Racing Simulation for the PlayStation game console.

In addition to the Monaco course, Monaco Grand Prix offers 15 other Formula One tracks to race on as well as 11 teams and 22 cars. The tracks are the real deal, modeled exactly after their real-life counterparts. The drivers and cars, on the other hand, are fictional. So you're not going to get to drive the Ferrari F399 as Eddie Irvine or the McLaren Mercedes as Mika Hakkinen.

Monaco Grand Prix offers the usual Arcade, Championship and Time Trial modes to choose from, though the Championship mode is the only way to go for the racing enthusiast. In Championship mode, the cars handle more realistically and require a bit of practice before you can turn a good lap. If you are having trouble mastering your car, it is possible to change just about every setting from the gearbox to the wings. Arcade mode, on the other hand, is a lot more forgiving if even a little too easy. It's still a good way for younger or inexperienced drivers to get started.

The bulk of the game is centered on the Championship season and all it takes to get started is choosing a team and a driver. The cars feature a well-designed four-point suspension system. If your front tires get off the track, you will plow; if your rear tires get off the track, you'll spin. Collisions with other cars can send you flying and if you have the game set for realistic damage, it can also end your race.

The realistic handling of the cars is a double-edged sword because it can be a bit frustrating at first when you spin out on practically every lap. The payoff is sweet though if you are willing to put in the time to learn how to handle the cars. It is a very special moment first time you get the pole position or reach the podium in a hard fought race.

Visually, Monaco Grand Prix gets the job done but is nothing special. The game runs extremely smooth, even when there are a lot of other cars on the track. A two-player mode and a four-player mode are available and run very well with little or no slowdown. The four player mode requires two PlayStation consoles, two televisions and a link cable. There are 8 different views to choose from while driving and it has to be said that Monaco Grand Prix offers the nicest and easiest to play in-car view to date.

Sounds are what you would expect from a Formula One game -- roaring engines and screeching tires. Occasionally, your crew chief will give you a bit of information over the radio but that's about it. It might have been nice to have a TV style commentary in the Championship mode.

Overall, Monaco Grand Prix is a no-frills approach to the sport of Formula One racing that focuses on realistic driving and does it well. If you are a big fan of the sport, it can be a bit disappointing that there aren't any real cars or drivers in this game. Despite its few minor shortcomings, Monaco Grand Prix does offer a fine racing simulation that can stand shoulder to shoulder with any other Formula One game available for the PlayStation.

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