The graphics are stunning, and the free and smooth flowing race action is compelling.

Geoff Crammond’s Grand Prix 4, a PC release from MicroProse, Simergy and Infogrames, has a few stability problems, but once you get past those, the game itself presents solid Formula One racing dynamics and an array of tracks and drivers guaranteed to have racing fans putting the peddle to the metal.

The game features five game modes, from tutorial and arcade to the complete championship. There are 22 F1 drivers to choose from, and each comes with a picture and biography for those who care about such. The game also features 17 world tracks. In short, the game presents all the drivers, pit crews and tracks from the 2001 FIA season.

The game also sports a new graphics engine that renders some amazing effects, from weather induced reflections, to heat pouring off the engine or dust kicked up as an F1 machine cuts through a corner and actually ends up scuffing the infield.

The racing graphics are photo-realistic. From the action of the rear view mirrors to the detailing on the cars, this game is wonderful to look at. If possible, the photo-realism is a bit too crisp.

When it comes to the sound elements of the game, the whine of those powerful engines, the tapering of RPMs as you decelerate for corners, are all extremely well done. There is even the roar of the crowd as you pass grandstands, but with the action on the course as intense as it is, it seems that is one sound that may not be actually heard by the drivers.

Because the game features several difficulty levels, you can get away with things at the rookie level that you won’t in the advanced challenges. A touch to an opposing drivers car won’t cause nearly the calamity that it will later as you advance.

The game reviewed came without a manual, and as such, working through the various menu options, as well as setting up the controller (this game will allow for keyboard, joystick, gamepad or wheel) was all intuitive. Not a problem though, because the game interface is set out in a manner that is relatively player friendly.

It actually took three times to launch the game following the initial install. The main problems occurred after the initial cutscene, and prior to the actual racing. The game crashed prior to the main menu appearing. Finally a re-install/repair operation corrected the launch problems, and from that point the game ran well.

Controls on the game itself are fairly straightforward. You calibrate your controller, and once you get the green light, you hit the throttle and negotiate the courses. Each course presents its own challenges and this game’s attention to detail is remarkable.

Camera angles allow you to see the race from a host of different perspectives, and you can even hop aboard another driver’s vehicle – though that is only a good idea if you are a spectator, not a racer.

Graphically the game is awesome. It does have a few minor problems, but the racing dynamics, the sound and look of this game make it worth the effort.

The game is rated for Everyone.

Gameplay: 8.3
The tracks are wonderful, and once you get the green light, this is a game that is flawless from starting line through the finish.

Graphics: 9.2
The photo-realism is magnificent. This is a spectacular-looking game. The effects are extremely well done. The only aspects that give this away as a video game would be the lack of hands on the steering wheel.

Sound: 7.8
The sound is a nice adjunct to the graphics, and is what one would expect.

Difficulty: Medium
You can choose your difficulty level, and the racing action takes its cue from that. Rookies will find the game a little easier than what is presented to the experienced drivers.

Concept: 8
The improved graphics engine is very nice, and the player interface is user-friendly.

Multiplayer: N/A
The game will allow for up to 8 players to compete through a LAN line.

Overall: 8.5
The stability problems encountered diminish what is, otherwise, an enjoyable experience in a game that is amazing to look at. This game is so rich with eye candy, you’ll be running to your optometrist complaining of a cavity, or something along those lines. The racing action is smooth and flawless. This game is definitely a wonderful racing experience.