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JOHNNY HERBERT'S GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONSHIP
Developed by: Intense Games (1998)
Genre: Formula 1 Grand Prix racing sim
System Requirements: Windows 95, P166, 32 MB HDD Space, 16 MB RAM, CD ROM, Mouse (or other game controller), DirectX 5, 3D card (Direct 3D or 3Dfx compatible).

OVERVIEW: It must be Grand Prix Game Month! With the release of Grand Prix Legends and Johnny Herbert's Grand Prix I can't remember a month when TWO F1 games hit the shelves! As a big time F1 fan, I feel that the sport gets lost under NASCAR and INDY/CART- which is a shame because it's a heck of a lot more exciting to watch! No big ovals, continual left turns here: F1 is, as the subtitle of Johnny Herbert's states, "where NASCAR and Indy racer dream to compete". 2.5 BILLION fans can't be wrong. With Johnny Herbert's GP you'll find out why F1 is the most exciting motorsport on the planet.

Intense Games' F1 offering is overall a very good simulation of F1 racing. That realism you find in the game comes from the consultation of England's senior F1 driver, Johnny Herbert (he of Benetton, Sauber and now Stewart team fame). This is one of the best F1 games available which excellent gameplay and stunning 3D graphics- so far the best I've played. However, there are a few things which keep this excellent game from achieving "pole position" in the F1 sim circuit.

While graphically awesome and forgiving in gameplay, Johnny Herbert's GP lacks two critical elements: weather and FIA licensing. There are no weather effects- meaning no low visibility wet weather racing! The issue with FIA (the governing body of F1 racing) licensing means no actual racing teams or driver names. You have generic driver/car graphics that look somewhat similar- no personalized helmets, logos, etc. Those two points take something away from the game.

The tracks, cars and everything else is rendered beautifully. Johnny Herbert's may also be the best sounding F1 game- it actually sounds like you are at the race and in the car. Players have the typical racing options of a racing everything from a single race to an entire F1 season. LAN play is support- no Internet play here.

THE SCOUTING REPORT:

THE PROS:

• Graphics and sounds are very good. The car sounds are excellent!
  Easy to use interface and menus.
  Track renderings are excellent.
  

THE CONS:

• No FIA F1 licencing- so all of the teams, driver and car graphics are fictional.
  No weather effects.
  Documentation is pretty slim.
  

Review by Steve Ellis