F1 Pole Position 64 (Nintendo 64)

CNET editors' rating: 2.0 stars Mediocre
Detailed editors' rating
Overall score: 4.2 (2.0 stars)
• Average user rating:
  Write your own review

Product summary

Gamespot editors' review

• Reviewed by: Glenn Rubenstein
• Reviewed on: 11/14/1997
• Updated on: 04/28/2000
• Released on: 09/30/1997

Not only is F1 Pole Position a poor N64 title in most respects, but playing it will put the hurt on you, thanks to frustrating play control, shrill sound effects, and nausea-inducing graphics. While it may not be a fatal experience, it's guaranteed to be a bruiser.

The first Formula One racer for the N64, F1PP64 lets you race a variety of F1 cars up and down the circuit. The game boasts 22 cars and 16 tracks, but it should make no claim about variety. That is to say, each car handles in the relatively same poor fashion, and each course features roughly the same number of straightaways and tight turns (only the backgrounds vary). To be fair, Pole Position offers three racing modes (single course, time challenge, and season mode), and you can alter the "realism" of the game, including the amount of damage your car takes. You can also name your driver, racing team, and engine. This latter feature scores high on the novelty scale, and it got me to play the game, despite my frustration (if for no other reason than because I could be The Man racing on The Bomb racing team with a Bad Ass engine).

F1 Pole Position 64's graphics are easily its high point, but even they aren't that great. The game looks like an N64 game should (the cars are well rendered, and the backgrounds are detailed), but once the gameplay starts, you're faced with a severe amount of pop-up and occasionally jerky movement. I suspect this pop-up is responsible for the motion sickness I endured while playing (and I have a pretty strong stomach). The game also uses the standard N64 fog and lighting effects, which contribute positively to the presentation. Even so, the only detail that distinguishes this game from the pack is the sparking that occurs when you incorrectly shift gears. And the sound? It can be summed up in one incomplete sentence: generic title music, high-pitched engine sounds, and a muffled coach who mumbles helpful phrases like: "He's behind you."

See more CNET content tagged:

car,

turn,

UbiSoft Entertainment

User reviews

Write your own review Be the first one to review F1 Pole Position 64 (Nintendo 64) and share your experience with the CNET community!

Where to buy F1 Pole Position 64 (Nintendo 64)

This product is currently not in stock at any of our online merchants.

Find from our auction partner, eBay

Email me when this product is available