Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Formula One delivers a straightforward yet captivating racing experience by offering two distinct modes: Arcade and Grand Prix. In Arcade mode, racers enjoy full freedom to pick any of the eight official circuits—ranging from the tight turns of San Marino to the high-speed straights of Italy—without worrying about season structure. You can choose between 4, 8, or 12 laps for each race, letting you tailor race length to your available playtime or desired challenge.

Grand Prix mode adds a layer of strategic preparation, as you fine-tune your car’s setup before each event. Whether you adjust tire grip, suspension stiffness, or gear ratios, these tweaks can make or break your performance when pushing through a demanding circuit like Germany’s Hockenheimring. The requirement to race tracks in a predetermined order injects a sense of progression, while the ability to skip a circuit keeps the mode from feeling restrictive if you’re struggling on a particular track.

A key highlight of the gameplay is the two-player split-screen option. Bringing a friend into the cockpit turns each lap into a nail-biting battle for position. The AI drivers in single-player mode also deliver a respectable challenge, especially on the more technical courses. Overall, the controls are responsive, the difficulty curve is well balanced, and the ability to customize lap counts across all modes ensures that both newcomers and seasoned racers will find a fitting level of excitement.

Graphics

When it comes to visuals, Formula One captures the essence of early ’90s racing titles with its crisp sprite work and well-defined track layouts. Each circuit features distinctive landmarks—such as the Suzuka “figure-eight” overpass in Japan or the coastal backdrop of Australia’s Adelaide street track—helping you quickly recognize where you are on the calendar. Though the hardware limits polygon counts, the game uses a clever balance of roadside objects and color palettes to convey speed and immersion.

Car models are instantly identifiable, from McLaren’s glossy white chassis to Ferrari’s iconic red. Subtle details like tire smoke in hairpin turns and skid marks on the asphalt add an extra layer of authenticity. The pseudo-3D perspective shifts dynamically as you accelerate down straights or dive into corners, maintaining a strong sense of velocity despite the era’s graphical restrictions.

Lighting and weather effects are minimal, but the game compensates with tight track boundaries and responsive road surfaces. You can feel the difference between hugging the kerb at Britain’s Silverstone and navigating the off-camber corners of Portugal’s Estoril circuit. Overall, the graphics may not rival modern simulators, but they remain polished and effective in immersing players in the world of Formula One.

Story

Formula One forgoes a traditional narrative in favor of pure racing action—there’s no career mode storyline or fictional rivalries. Instead, the “story” unfolds through your personal journey across the season. Starting in San Marino and moving through France, Britain, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Japan, and Australia, each circuit offers its own unique challenge, creating an implicit progression that feels rewarding as you strive for consistency at every stop.

Although there’s no cutscene drama or voice-acted exchanges, the game’s structure encourages you to build your own tale of triumphs and near-misses. Skipping a track in Grand Prix mode might feel like opting out of a chapter, while mastering a tricky layout—like Hockenheim’s fast chicanes—becomes a personal victory. For many players, the narrative emerges through the lap times you shave off and the head-to-head battles you win against friends or AI opponents.

Multiplayer rivalries can spark memorable moments that feel more compelling than any scripted plot. Whether you’re battling shoulder-to-shoulder in split-screen or chasing down the leader’s slipstream, the drama is entirely player-driven. In this sense, the “story” of Formula One is as much about your reactions and strategies as it is about what unfolds on-screen.

Overall Experience

Formula One succeeds as an accessible yet deep racing title that honors the sport’s core principles. The dual-mode approach caters to both casual players looking for quick arcade thrills and dedicated fans eager to perfect their set-up for a full Grand Prix campaign. Adjustable lap counts across all modes let you jump in for a brief race or commit to a longer endurance test, making it easy to fit into any gaming session.

The mix of eight real-world circuits offers a balanced variety of speed, technicality, and visual flair. While modern racers feature sprawling grids and advanced physics, this game’s tight design and responsive handling ensure that every turn matters. The inclusion of split-screen multiplayer elevates replay value, turning solo practice into face-to-face competition with friends.

Ultimately, Formula One delivers a focused and reliable package for anyone who craves the thrill of open-wheeled racing. Its simplicity is its strength: no convoluted menus, no endless tutorials—just you, your car, and the pursuit of the perfect lap. Whether you’re a longtime F1 enthusiast or a newcomer eager to take the checkered flag, this game provides enough depth and excitement to keep you coming back for more.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10