DESCRIPTION

F1 2002 races onto GameCube as the first game on the system to incorporate the 2002 Formula One World Championship. Changes from the PlayStation 2 version include a few different play modes, the removal of EA SPORTS Cards, and alternate music tracks. Modes of play include Quick Race, Single Player, and Multiplayer. The atmosphere is brought to life with 22-person pit crews, real-time weather effects, grid girls, radio, and, of course, the roar of the crowd. While the action primarily takes place from a perspective behind the F1 car, multiple camera angles show off key moments during the race, from devastating crashes to photo finishes at the checkered flag.

Quick Race offers players a default four-lap race on one of three tracks at Silverstone, Hockenheim, and Monza. More tracks can be earned by completing challenges in Single Player, which consists of a Challenge Mode and a Grand Prix Mode. The former features five challenges in the following categories: The Basics, Weather, Pit Stops, Race Craft, and Track Experience. The latter features a choice of a full season spanning 17 circuits, a single Grand Prix weekend, and a custom championship, including practice sessions, qualifying races, and warm-ups before taking on a full grid of 20 vehicles. Other options include the Teammate Challenge, where players attempt to beat a series of drivers, and Domination, which involves winning every race in the Formula One season.

Multiplayer mode also offers different options. Players can compete against up to three friends in the Split Screen mode, while up to 22 can alternate turns in the Time Challenge, where the goal is to establish record-setting lap times on one of the available courses. Tag Team involves two teams competing against each other, with each player on the team alternating laps until the race is finished. Up to four players can participate in Tag Team. GameCube owners can also participate in Advantage and Last Man Standing modes. Advantage involves winning as many laps from an opponent as possible, while Last Man Standing is a test to see who can outlast the competition until only one car remains.

Before each circuit, players can tweak their car's setup in the areas of tires, aerodynamics, suspension, brakes, and gearbox. Multiple tire types can be selected for different track conditions, tire pressures can be set, and individual adjustments to downforce, grip, and both brake bias and strength are available. Options to toggle on or off include damage, interactive pit stops, fuel use, weather, tire wear, random mechanical failures, slipstream, and official FIA rules. Players are also free to set the race length and opponent difficulty level, and choose from a variety of displays while navigating the courses. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide