'F1 04' may have more substance than previous titles, along with the messed up driving physics that ruin the experience.
Previous incarnations seemed to be nothing more than seasonal updates. However this time, the situation was different. How? With the new 'Career Mode', where you'd create your own driver and play through five full seasons.
The 'Career Mode', begins with the player selecting their drivers apperance and what helmet design they will use. Unfortunately, you can only choose from options that are already there. Designing them yourself if out of the question.
However, this is a small price to pay; as the 'Career Mode' is very well structured. You start your career with two test sessions, where Minardi, Jordan and Toyota are there to witness.
Depending on how well you perform, you receive contract offers possibly from all three teams. Minardi and Jordan offer a race driver contract if you perform well enough, however Toyota only offers a test driver contract first. It is then up to you to impress them enough during the test sessions to be promoted to a race seat.
Do not think however that you will be out there winning races straight away. Although it is possible, it is easier with a midfield team. Once you are promoted to a midfield team and start running close to the front often enough, Williams, McLaren or even the all conquering Ferrari squad; may give you the call.
Moving around teams realistically isn't the only thing to shout about in 'Career Mode'. As you win races, you're able to view your acheivements via the news section; with the photo and following headline updated after every race. And isn't it just great to see yourself roadhouse kicking Schumachers arse? xD
Not only that, you can also view your career stats and seasons results. Not to mention the Championship table. In short, there is plenty to career mode to the point where it virtually eradicates the rest of the game.
Anyhow, I think we've talked about the 'Career Mode' long enough. There are other modes such as 'Championship'. Where you select a driver and team, before playing through the whole 2004 season with them in a bid for glory.
'Single Race' mode is essentially the same, except your only playing through one race weekend and not an entire season.
In both these modes the player is able to take part in the Practice, Qualifying and Warm-up sessions including the race. As in previous titles, the player is also able to setup their car to suit the track layout and their drivng style.
Despite this, the average player is hardly going to appreciate this. While it adds realism, most people will not have a bloody clue about what 'gear ratios' and 'camber' is. There should be more detailed explanations to make setup less confusing.
In 'Quick Race Mode' you get dropped straight into the race. This skips all Practice, Qualifying and Warm-up sessions. Not to mention avoiding the tedious and mind boggling process of setup. No Qualifying means you get to choose your grid slot...pole position obviously. ;-)
The final two modes, 'Time Attack' and 'Test Drive' are very similar. In 'Time Attack', you have one lap to set a time in the car of your choice. You can chose from classic F1 cars you have unlocked here. In 'Test Drive' though, you can only select from the 2004 F1 cars. You do however, get more laps.
With the bulk of the game out of the way, lets talk about the graphics. Although they are basically the same as the 2003 F1 game, they have been touched up a little. Lighting effects have been made more faithful to real life, and passing scenery now reflects to an extent of the body work of the car. Its a welcome improvement.
Meanwhile, the sounds are still too generic. They have hardly improved and still sound little like a real F1 car. However, this is a tiny fault that does nothing to ruin the experience. Unlike the...
...Driving physics. F1 04 has to have the most messed up driving physics I have come across on the Playstation2. I'm supposed to be playing an Formula One racing game, yet it feels more like motorised ice hockey. Yes, real F1 cars slide. But not like they do in F1 04. It is unrealistic, and makes the game unplayable. Especially when your on a tight, twisty and enclosed circuit like Monaco and Canada. You just end up running into barriers constantly.
Therefore I conclude, that F1 04 is a pleasent edition to the F1 series...right up to the point you actually start to race. Sure, the driving physics are the only let down here. But in a racing game, what else is there other than driving? Nothing. And when the physics are terrible and unplayable, what is the point? Because of this one flaw, F1 04 is a waste of time.